Supercompensation Kinetics of Physical Qualities During a Taper in Team-Sport Athletes

Peaking for major competition is considered critical for maximizing team-sport performance. However, there is little scientific information available to guide coaches in prescribing efficient tapering strategies for team-sport players. Purpose: To monitor the changes in physical performance in elite team-sport players during a 3-wk taper after a preseason training camp. Methods: Ten male international rugby sevens players were tested before (Pre) and after (Post) a 4-wk preseason training camp focusing on high-intensity training and strength training with moderate loads and once each week during a subsequent 3-wk taper. During each testing session, midthigh-pull maximal strength, sprint-acceleration mechanical outputs, and performance, as well as repeated-sprint ability (RSA), were assessed. Results: At Post, no single peak performance was observed for maximal lower-limb force output and sprint performance, while RSA peaked for only 1 athlete. During the taper, 30-m-sprint time decreased almost certainly (-3.1% +/- 0.9%, large), while maximal lower-limb strength and RSA, respectively, improved very likely (+ 7.7% +/- 5.3%, small) and almost certainly (+ 9.0% +/- 2.6%, moderate). Of the peak performances, 70%, 80%, and 80% occurred within the first 2 wk of taper for RSA, maximal force output, and sprint performance, respectively. Conclusions: These results show the sensitivity of physical qualities to tapering in rugby sevens players and suggest that an similar to 1-to 2-wk tapering time frame appears optimal to maximize the overall physical-performance response.