Shot Process Part 2
Author: Alec Potts Date Posted:18 July 2017
In my last blog post, I talked about the importance of shot process. The basis of this, being the ability to occupy the mind every 3 seconds. In the lead-up to the Olympics, I worked with many different trigger words and even tried replaying lyrics of music in my head, before I finally reached something that resonated with me.
When I shoot, I have a process that consists of 7 different steps at varying stages of my shot. These steps are set out in such a way, that enables me to associate them with specific actions/feelings, without focusing too heavily on technical aspects, as this can slow down the shot timing. It’s important to note that within these steps, the aiming stage only lasts a maximum of half a second and does not consciously carry on past that point.
Following these steps, allows me to internalize my focus and limit the influence that external stimuli, can have on my performance. Many archers (recurve especially) who struggle shooting when other archers are at full draw, for fear of flinching from the noise of another clicker or a bow being fired, do not follow a shot process. Since their mind is not focused internally, they allow their thoughts to be influenced by things that are not conducive to good performance.
I’d encourage you to speak to your coach, or another knowledgeable archer about the development of your shot process. And it is also worth looking at the Mental Management series of publications, in this Lanny Bassham talks about how 95% of all winning, is done by only 5% of the participants. He also provides you with strategies, to control your mental game and break into that 5%.
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