Information regarding the time-course of improvements in neuromuscular function during the taper is lacking. Such information will yield insight into the plasticity of the neuromuscular system. This study determined, in male competitive collegiate swimmers (n = 24), the time course of changes in maximal neuromuscular power (Pmax), torque at power maximum (T), velocity at power maximum (V), and swim performance (m/sec) that occur during the taper. Using an arm ergometer with inertial loading, measurements were made during the week prior to the initiation of the taper (high-volume, HV), during the two to three week period of the taper (Ta-per), and during the week of peak competition (Peak). Subjects were divided into groups that tapered to peak for competition at either the conference (CONF, n = 13) or national (NAT, n = 11) championship competitions. CONF increased Pmax 10.2 % (P < 0.01) and swim performance 4.4% (P < 0.001). NAT increased Pmax 11.6% (P < 0.01), T by 7.4% (P < 0.02) and swim performance by 4.7% (P < 0.001). Pmax displayed a bipha-sic increase with approximately 50%, 10%, and 40% of the total increase occurring during the first, second, and third weeks of the taper, respectively. Performance was significantly correlated to both power and torque (P < 0.05). In summary, maximal arm power measured using inertial load ergometry increased largely during the first and third week after training volume was tapered for peak performance in elite collegiate swimmers.