A “Robust, repeatable, predictable,
performance”[5] effectively allows the archer to shoot every arrow perfectly,
every time and in any conditions.
How to get there is a massive question and
one which can be argued that there is no single answer.
People still look for a single answer and it
is incredible what lengths teams go to get an edge, legitimately or otherwise to
win.
The Ferrari Team on the 18/11/2012 took the
decision to tamper with their second driver’s car to take a penalty to enable
their lead driver to gain places on the grid, this was a legitimate move[2] and
was within the rules. Was it “fair” and
“sporting” possibly not, but that is not the aim of the game. The aim of game is to win (a mind set which I
will cover later on another post).
It was interesting that other major F1
teams understood Ferrari’s actions. Christian Holmer Redbull racing boss said "It's within the regulations; it's a tactical
move"[3]
Now bring this single answer strategy to a
sportsman’s performance issue and it seems everyone (including coaches) has a
viewpoint and verdict.
You hear it on national television from
sports pundits all the time. If often
goes like, sportsman/team “x” isn’t doing it right because they are not doing
it like “famous sportsman/team y”.
This is not a dig at sports pundits as that
is what they are employed to do. But is it
always the correct solution or the only answer to that sportsman/team’s
performance issue? I feel that is unlikely.
So if there is no single answer. What is
the answer? Is there an answer? Not sure.
Maybe the solution is unique to that
individual. We are all different in terms of physiology, body shape and
psychology. We know in our lives that we
all work differently. Some are “morning
people” others are night owls.
So if the solution varies for different
sportsmen then does the process to get there differ?
Yes it does but the overall aim is the same
for any sportsman in any sport. To be the best and to have a “robust, repeatable, predictable performance”
Where does this put me? I have my goals I know
a bit about what to do so I should just practice. Sound simple doesn’t it.
For some it is just that simple, and this
is the standard form of practicing for a lot of sports clubs including archery. Heniz Reinkemeier sums it up in “On The Training of (Rifle) Shooters”
“99% of participants know only one way of practising. Each training session the count out the appropriate number of cards, plus sighter, blast off the required number of shots for a maximum score” [4]
There are some archery clubs/organisations which
are exceptions to the above rule.
The concern for this style of practice is
that it can ingrain bad habits and doesn’t fully cover all aspects of shooting. Some of the aspects can be broadly put in the
following categories.
- Technique.
- Psychology.
- Fitness.
- Nutrition.
References
[1] http://www.formula1blog.com/2012/11/18/is-massa-gearbox-the-right-move/
[2] http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/ferrari-gearbox-trick-to-aid-alonso-was-legal-says-fia-8329609.html
[3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/20389331
[4] On The Training of Shooters Volume 1 ISBN 0 9521077 0 8 page 3
[5]http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/annabelvernon/2012/07/the_work_is_done_time_for_nerv.html
