Trigger tension
How do I set the trigger tension on my thumb release? The tension on a trigger release should be set at the lightest setting that you can comfortably and safely wrap your thumb around it without the release going off, … Read More
Measuring performance
Some measures of performance Can we glean information about how we are performing from specific outcomes and trends in results? The short answer is, of course, yes, but interpreting results can require some lateral thinking and almost sooth sayer like … Read More
Evolution of an athlete
To quote that eighties teen hero Ferris Bueller: “life passes by so quick, if you dont take a second to look around you might miss it!” So it is with athletes,they can be so caught up in their present and … Read More
Is it me against the world?
What do I need to achieve? Is it me against the world? Jaded and undirected, a world class archer recently told me that they, “would rather go on holiday, using up their annual leave from work, rather than push to … Read More
Interview – Follow up to “Do we need more than we need?”
Claudine Jennings interviews Alistair following “Learning to concentrate on the important aspects of performance” article. C: So in your article talking about “do you need more than you need” you’re basically saying that all we’re trying to do is … Read More
Process Goals versus Outcome Goals
For many years process goals have been much preferred by psychologists and by some coaches, who see them as a better goal and a better measurable idea than outcome goals. A process goal could well be how one does something. … Read More
Control Freaks: A follow up to “Pumped up or Poker faced”
The greatest failing of any archer, be they club level or the best in the world, is their desire to control every aspect of what they do, this desire to control all aspects of the performance feeds upon the athletes … Read More
The good, the average and the ugly: Responsibility continued
To the outsider high end performance sport is a confusing pastime. An athlete spends hundreds, if not thousands, of hours a year practicing and training, they invest physically, financially and emotionally to the exclusion of other “normal” aspects of life … Read More
Take some responsibility
I was thinking about what to write this article on, what aspect of performance and psychology would most interest and excite? Perhaps mental toughness or relaxation techniques or imagery, however, I have decided to write on a much more important … Read More
Does it matter how I hold a release aid?
This is such an important question which is never really touched upon.. How you hold the release aid is going to affect how you anchor, i.e how your hand interacts with your jaw line. Also it is going to affect … Read More