How do archers deal with pauses between shots?
Six arrows are followed by a four-minute break before the next shots. Time can seem like an eternity, long enough to overthink, analyze excessively, or... color pictures? How do archers deal with pauses between shots?
Michelle Kroppen finished first on Tuesday at the second stop of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Lausanne. Her score of 675 points is the best personal performance in her career.
Attention
The German archer's behavior between sets drew attention as she sat in her team's tent, picked up her tablet, and sketched to calm her nerves before the decisive arrows.
"This is my first time doing this. Usually, I read a book, but it requires too much concentration to read and understand everything. I tried something new. In the morning, I downloaded an app and tried drawing to keep calm. I think it helps me a lot."
The 25-year-old benefits from retreating to her world, even if it's just for a moment. This is a tactic used by many archers, although the activity chosen may vary.
Staying in the same mindset, Aida Roman, for example, prefers not to switch to a completely different mode when she puts her bow down.
"I like to listen to music, but I prefer to focus on myself," says the London 2012 Olympic runner-up. "With music, I could become too focused and forget about things around me. I prefer to stay alert, watch the wind, and think about my feelings."
How do archers deal with pauses between shots?
The Mexican archer tries to maintain control of the situation. Archery remains the priority, even during breaks.
"Yes, exactly. I think about the grouping of my arrows, my shot, how I feel, or if I am training something specific," she said. "Every competition is different, and each one has its own goal. So, I wonder if I am close to achieving this goal and how I can do it. It's not about reading a book; it's more about my focus."
On the other hand, seasoned Swede Christine Bjerendal tries to forget about archery during the brief moments when she's not shooting.
"I try to think about everything except archery," she explains. "When I'm standing on the line, I focus on doing everything right. But when I leave the shooting range, I can be a bit like a child, playing, and then I get serious again."
Even engaging in small talk can reduce stress.
"I don't read; sometimes I listen to music. But I prefer to stay open, talk to people, and have fun with others," Bjerendal continued. "I feel like I isolate myself when I start listening to music or reading a book."
Dane archer Nanna Jakobsen also likes to clear her head.
"I try to relax and think about other things," the 21-year-old explains. "I don't focus too much on what's happening at the target or even on the shooting line, only focus on my shots while shooting, distract myself by talking to people around me."
"Sometimes, if I make a bad shot or a mistake, I need to vent a little, but then I move on. I actually use music a lot. So, when they play it between ends, I try to listen and put myself in a good mood. It helps a lot."
Put on headphones or read a book
Two-time World Cup winner Sjef Van Den Berg also likes to put on headphones or read a book, but only when the shooting is over. During the competition, he sits down and enjoys the moment.
"Between ends, I simply enjoy shooting," he said. "I can watch other people shoot because that's something I also enjoy doing. I find it enjoyable."
The Dutch archer, ranked number 7 in the world, has no problem thinking about things other than archery before his next matches.
"This isn't a problem. I don't feel so stressed before competitions anymore," he concludes. "I can easily switch from competition mode to reading mode.
Next read: https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/voice-of-the-athlete/voice-of-the-athlete-david-restrepo