Developing a Shooting Plan Pt 1 & 2

Here are some thoughts from George Ryals 4th (Griv for short) on Developing A Shot Sequence. This is applicable to all styles of archery.

The purpose is a shot sequence is twofold; first, to help the archer analyze in a systematic manner what exactly they are doing when they are shooting their arrow. Secondly, it provides a "plan" that the archer can follow while they are shooting their arrow. In a training journal the archer should first write down what they think their shot sequence is, and then verify that they are in fact following the written shooting sequence. If the archer has a coach, the coach should be able to read the written shot sequence and be able to roughly see the archer hit all the points in their sequence. When in a training session the archer should be conscious to a point that that they are following their shot sequence, and that comes from spending time learning and verifying they are following the defined shot sequence.

The shot sequence shouldn't be set in stone; it should evolve as the archer learns tasks, progresses and recognizes problems. When an archer first starts archery the shot sequence should be quite short, as a person can only coordinate and concentrate on so many tasks when they are learning a new complicated task. As the archer progresses their shot sequence evolves, they can accommodate coordinating and concentrating on more aspects when performing complicated tasks. The archer can also incorporate recognized ongoing problems they need to pay attention to, into the shot sequence.

So as an example, a new archer may have a shot sequence like the following:

- Assume Stance
- Check to make sure feet are even
- nock arrow
- attach release
- extend bow arm
- put sight pin on center of target
- draw bow into target
- aim/put thumb on trigger
- trigger release
- follow-through with arm up
- end

It is simple, it explains sequentially what the archer is doing in a manner that makes sense to him/herself. It also keeps the archer thinking about the steps they should be accomplishing and thereby providing consistency in how tasks are executed.

PART 2

A more advanced archer will start customizing their shot sequence and adding important aspects s/he should be working on. Here is an example:

- Assume Stance
- Check to make sure feet are even
- nock arrow
- attach release
- extend bow arm
- make sure grip on release device is proper
- settle sight aperture on center of target, don't draw until settled
- inhale full breath of air
- draw bow into target smoothly, exhale half breath of air
- put thumb on trigger, make sure thumb is in the proper position on trigger barrel
- begin aiming
- increase trigger pressure through thumb and back (BT)
- ensure proper dynamic tension is maintained (no creep/collapse) (*identified issue)
- clean, surprise release
- follow-through maintaining bow arm up, let bow tip forward slightly, keep focus on target
- visually ensure release-hand/drawing-arm position after follow-through (*identified issue)
- drop arms
- eyes down
- end

Some of the points of the more advanced sequence may be in practice “fuzzy” for the archer. As their focus is on aiming, they may not be able to accommodate aspects of the complex task in their sphere of attention. They may not feel themselves creeping/collapsing, because their focus is on aiming; or after an explosive release they may forget to keep their arm up, as there are many simultaneous actions happening in a short time frame. Identified problems that are included in the shot sequence need to be addressing in training sessions, by focusing specifically on ensuring those sequence points are followed rather than just focusing on aiming. If the archer has a coach, the coach can go through the written shot sequence while the archer is shooting and draw attention to problems, or missed points within the actual shot sequence as they happen.

When the archer has come to the point of starting the aiming portion of the shooting sequence, they have most likely completed all the previous tasks in their sequence to that point, so this can be viewed as having set the foundation for the aiming/execution stage. In the aiming/execution stage the archer’s attention narrows and becomes more directed in that task. The archer should not be consciously focusing on various shot sequence steps at that point their attention should be on aiming/executing and any shot sequence steps should be relegated to more of a learned, background task. If the attention focus is still primarily on the shot sequence when aiming/executing occurs the archer needs to spend more time learning those tasks so they become more of a background task. It could also be that the archer has incorporated a number of complicated steps at the end of the shot sequence where it should be more limited to aiming/executing.

When the archer reaches a more advanced stage they can break down the shot sequence in a variety of different ways including a visual shot sequence, a breathing shot sequence, etc. They can also expand the shot sequence into a sequence that incorporates an entire end. This allows the archer to recognize and analyze all the movements and processes which are occurring over a longer time frame, look for potential problems and find efficiencies.

When it comes to a scoring session (or tournament) the defined and practised shot sequence should be followed. Do not modify the shot sequence at the tournament; consider it fixed for duration of the tournament. The archer can make notes as to possible issues, as well as the impressions they have regarding the tournament, and their performance. The only exception to this recommendation is where the archer has support staff such as a coach available at the tournament and they have verified a problem exists and should be addressed while at the event. It should be understood that it is not an either/or situation when it comes to shooting a scoring round and having a defined shooting sequence. The shooting sequence should be learned to the point so it is always followed and the archer is aware that they are following the defined sequence whether in practice or in a tournament situation.

A shot sequence is like any tool, understand its purpose and benefits; and learn how to use it. It is another tool for an archer to use in their overall training plan with training journals, score sheets, tuning notes, etc. Don't over complicate the shooting sequence unnecessarily; it should be customized for the individual archer catered to ability, defined problems, goals and specific shooting styles.