“Robust, repeatable, predictable, performance”

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.

Photo Formula 1 blog._[1]

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.

These are broad categories and are not an absolute list as that is largely determined by the strength and weaknesses of the archer. Once that is defined a training plan could be used to improve the archer/coach in areas of weakness and finally achieve a "robust, predictable, performance that we have 101% confidence in"[5]. 


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