What is good archery performance?
What constitutes good archery performance?
Sorting the information
The archer is constantly exposed to a substantial flow of information that needs to be sorted. Otherwise, they will become overwhelmed. At times, the athlete's sensitivity leads them to process information that obscures what is most important. Sorting involves focusing on what is considered essential for performance and making an effort to disregard what is not, particularly anything that could significantly alter the shooting protocol but doesn't warrant attention.
Refocusing on a simple skill
When the archer becomes overwhelmed with information regarding their shooting routine, external factors like the wind, keeping track of opposing points, or emerging elements such as suppressing certain tendencies—forcing or reducing preparation times—it can lead to the archer feeling "lost." They are no longer capable of making simple and effective decisions to confront the perceived complexity of the situation they find themselves in. Refocusing on a simple skill entails limiting oneself to operating in a functional, predetermined, and often automated manner to achieve simplicity and fluidity in shooting.
Aiming for your zone
This refers to a predetermined target area set by the archer. It involves establishing an impact zone as a functional reference point.
For instance, by setting the objective to an area of up to 8 (red on the target), the shooter does not concentrate on the 10. They maintain a smooth shooting routine because they know they can effortlessly reach their zone. Conversely, by focusing on the 10, the shooter expends excessive attentional energy by prolonging their preparation time, while also experiencing negative feedback whenever they miss the mark (ending up in the 9).
Leave the result aside
This recommendation is applicable when the athlete, while in action, becomes focused on the results (either their own or those of others, such as opponents or partners). By incorporating this type of information, they deviate from their routine, lose touch with the "here and now" by projecting themselves into the future, and, most importantly, distance themselves from the practical aspects inherent in carrying out the action. It's akin to a last-second free throw in basketball, the one that can completely overturn the outcome of the game. If the shooter can't detach themselves from the stakes, it disrupts their routine, affecting their movement execution and control patterns, and transforming a simple gesture into one of incredible complexity. Leaving the result aside entails asking the archer to stop worrying about the outcomes and instead focus on the actual technical methods of shooting.
Demobilization
Demobilization refers to a state of disengagement. The athlete is no longer sufficiently invested in their own action, and this is evident in their lack of conviction in their execution routines. Their presence becomes merely illusory—they may be physically present, but they are no longer fully engaged in the action because something has kept them away from it. This disengagement can be temporary, occurring within a specific timeframe, or it can be more profound, leading to resignation or even abandonment.
Shoot all your arrows
In the competition format, it is crucial to pay close attention to every arrow shot. And this becomes even more significant as one advance to the final stages, where the number of arrows decreases. The archer must not lose focus on any single arrow. And must ensure they remain present and attentive throughout the entire series. "Shoot all your arrows" signifies this demand for sustained attention over time, from the first arrow to the last.
Commit to the end
This means not letting go during the current series and maintaining a relevant level of focus until the final arrow. It also entails a more localized effort to not weaken during the last shots, which are often characterized by more pronounced, even cumulative fatigue, and a desire to finish quickly due to the belief that the results are already determined and the rankings secured. Striving to stay in the present moment is an endeavor to keep the archer in optimal condition for performing well.
What constitutes good archery performance?
Indeed, archery is a sport where we constantly strive for performance, which is measured by the accumulation of points based on the precision of the arrow impacts on the target. However, "shooting well" can have a broader meaning. It can encompass various aspects such as:
- Technical principles of shooting, including posture, dynamics, relaxation, fluidity, and continuity in movement.
To achieve a state of good performance, it appears necessary to remain present. And avoid falling into the traps of anticipation or feedback. Anticipation involves projecting oneself too far ahead in the firing sequences. Such as being overly eager to finish, aiming for a personal best, or fixating on the accumulation of points. It means projecting the effect of future performance to a later moment that is not the current instant in which the shooter should be fully present.
Certainly, such projection has its importance in the realm of motivation. However, during the actual action, it is essential for the archer to remain focused on the present moment. And the shooting of each individual arrow, one after the other. Similarly, dwelling on past events involves retro-projection. Where the archer mentally leaves the current time frame and returns to a specific state. Such as regretting a missed shot or feeling disappointed about being too tense during the third arrow. In such situations, the difficulty arises from the shooter's inability to stay fully engaged in the shooting process. Their mind wanders elsewhere, and the consequences are inevitable: performance is compromised due to a lack of concentration.
To learn more visit: www.maximumcomposure.com
Next read: https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/confidence/how-to-progress-quickly-in-your-sport