Process not Score By Dave Leader

Published 5th February 2021

Setting an outcome goal more often than not for beginner and intermediate archers result in them looking at the score all the way through the round as they get close to the total they have set themselves, the tighten up and they miss out by a few points.

Why is this so common?? Well I feel it’s all down to the type of goal the athlete sets. Let’s flip it …. Why not try this the next few seasons. Think of the following ….

  • Focus on shooting one arrow at a time.
  • As an example, if you are shooting an indoor round let’s say a Portsmouth, try thinking of the round not of 1 competition of 60 arrows, think of it as 60 competitions of 1 arrow.
  • Concentrate on making each shot the same. Place fingers on the string the same way each time. Set the bow ready to shoot the same, and so on.
  • The shot needs to be flowing from start to end, like a stream to a river and the river to the sea.
  • Don’t add up your score.  Just note the arrow values and add the score up at the end of the round.
  • Do not rush your shot take your time.
  • Shoot in 3’s don’t volley large number of arrows down just to get a round in.
  • Give yourself time to complete the round in a reasonable time.

It will sound to some people “OMG that’s simple” and the simple answer is yes it is if you complete the same thing every time, consistently. If you work on the process of placing the arrow into the target the result (score) will take care of its self and improve. The more consistent you become the greater the score. I think of it as yin and yang, one (process) looks after the other (score).

I have found this invaluable in the coaching sessions I have run and also when shooting.

Hope you have found this useful and keep an eye open for other posts coming in the future.

Author Archives: Dave Leader

Dave has been in and out of the sport for the best part of 40 years. Shooting with his family from 8 years old, Dave has seen many changes to the sport throughout the years. Dave mainly shoots Recurve, but has a secret passion for Compound.

Now having owned Aim4sport since August 2012, Dave has worked through his coaching and coaching training levels and has been an AGB Senior Coach since 2018 and AGB Coach Developer since 2016.

Still enjoys the opportunity to shoot and still have aspirations, however, time is the main issue :p