Why athletes train less before a big event

Before a major race or match, many athletes deliberately reduce how much they train. It's called tapering.

Recovering from hard work

Heavy training builds fitness but also leaves fatigue. Easing off lets that fatigue fade while fitness remains.

Less, but still sharp

A taper usually cuts the total amount of training while keeping some short, intense sessions.

How long it lasts

Depending on the sport and athlete, tapers commonly run from several days to a few weeks.

Too much rest backfires

Stopping completely for too long can reduce fitness, so the balance matters.