observation and analysis skills for archery coaches

Observation and Analysis Skills

for Archery Coaches

John Neal Archery Coaching

A structured approach to the assessment and

improvement of performance

Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching4/12/2009 1

The Coaching Process

Information gathering

Direct observation - what you see and hear

Probe for additional relevant information

Record - for accuracy and comparison over time

Analysis Analysis

Assessment - against good practise and previous observations

Integrate information observations and aspirations

Facilitate improvement

Give feedback explore opportunities for improving performance

Plan and monitor progress against SMART goals



Direct observation look -

from different directions / angles

for generality

at specific detail at specific detail

at what the archers body does

at what the bow does

at when these things happen relative to each other

at body language

at equipment and bow setup



Direct observation how to observe (cont.)

Listen

to what you can hear rattles, clanks, thuds etc

to what the archer says spontaneously to what the archer says spontaneously

Dont judge or analyse yet !!



Direct observation what to observe

Stance, Posture and Balance Relative to shoot line / relative to target

Anatomical appropriateness

DFL and anatomical line DFL and anatomical line do they coincide ?

in which planes ?

Referencing where?

is it aided by kisser or platform?

Inappropriate movement of what ?

in which directions and planes?



Direct observation what to observe (cont.)

Preparation and maintenance of form through shot

Are all phases stance, preparation, draw, execution prepared and

maintained

50/50 shot execution 50/50 shot execution

On the shot, does the bow move forward freely and is there adequate follow

through?

On the shot what planes does the bow move in?

In what planes / directions does the followthrough occur?

Archers attention to detail is there any?

Consistency - of anything !!



Probe for additional information

Ask about - Their shooting history, standard, aspirations and goals

Ask them what they perceive as their strengths and weaknesses

Any specific fitness regime Any specific fitness regime

Ask non-judgemental questions Avoid questions starting with Why?

Dont pass opinions yet

Ask open questions Questions that encourage the archer to expand discussion

Questions that seek the archers opinions and preferences



Record - your observations

Dont rely on memory

Record for future reference and comparison

Develop your own observation sheets

Simple format and layout

Dont give yourself too many choices

Use diagrams where appropriate / preferred

Use video if possible


Analysis

Cause and Effect

Our observations represent and record effect

Avoid preconceived explanations for observed behaviour

Instead, we must look for and identify cause where we Instead, we must look for and identify cause where we

observe behaviour of archer or equipment which is not

optimal

Always try to say that something we observe happens

because of something we see in equipment setup or

technique


Analysis

Assess appropriateness of

Posture, balance and stance

Shot preparation

Bow hand placement Bow hand placement

String finger placement

Preparation of DFL

Shot execution

Power v Control

Maintenance of form through shot

Follow through & completion


Analysis

Assess appropriateness of

Equipment choice Is it right for the archer

Dont let purely personal preferences cloud your judgement

Equipment set up Involve the archer in checking it this allows you to assess their knowledge and understanding

BUT dont comment to the archer on appropriateness at this

stage


Analysis

Integrate what we have learnt from the archer

Take time to consider what has been learnt dont rush to change things

Identify areas where changes in technique may help Identify areas where changes in technique may help

Identify equipment setup opportunities with the archer

ALWAYS factor in the current standard and aspirations of the archer


Facilitate Improvement

Give feedback

Be constructive in summarising the archers performance and equipment

setup

Prioritise those things which will lead to the most significant improvement Prioritise those things which will lead to the most significant improvement

Dont try and fix secondary problems - faults which are caused by other

faults

Dont change too much at a time

Carefully design goals, record them and set review dates Ensure they are SMART

Emphasise process oriented goals initially

Discourage outcome goals; avoid setting goals relative to other archers


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