Training – What is it? – Dieter Wilhelmi

Focus on NSW March-2002

Training – What is it?

Dieter Wilhelmi MSpSc., BSc.

Introduction

Well once again the Nationals are approaching fast. This is a time where many shooters are trying to shoot a personal best with some even hoping to shoot themselves into the record books. However, for many other competitors it can be a time for disappointment or missed opportunities. Over the next few issues of the Focus I will try and address some of the principles that will assist all shooters in raising their performance expectations. Perhaps not every shooter may be able to win a National Title however, almost every shooter has the ability to shoot a personal best at a major championship. That is, if they adhere to some well-defined training principles.

 

Setting the Scene

Lets’ start of with the basics. What is meant by training? Firstly, training is a far more complex process then what many shooters believe. It is generally led, planned and organised by a coach who’s role is to factor in the many physiological, psychological and sociological variables that make up for peak shooting performance. In fact, training is seen as a systematic athletic activity of long duration, which is progressively graded and tailored to an individual’s needs. If this sounds like your trainings program then stop here as you are well on your way! If this doesn’t sound like your trainings program then read on.

I have personally come across many shooters that have a great deal of technical knowledge about their sport They often start up with high expectations and find out over a period of time that reaching elite levels actually takes considerable time and dedication. Some commence elite training programs while others due to external circumstances decide to leave these aspirations behind and concentrate on the competitive camaraderie that is so prevalent in our sport. These articles will not focus on elite shooters as they already are under the supervision of qualified coaches. They will target on the club shooter who wants to improve his/her score and will concentrate on developing a training framework (methodology) or ‘the how’ of training (One should note that all these concepts are used at the elite level in shooting).

 

Step 1

The first step in any training program in any sport and at any level is to communicate goals and aspirations. You have to define what you are trying to achieve and what the purpose is in achieving these goals. Defining the purpose is important, as it will provide you with motivation when you are facing a difficult time in your trainings program. Once you have established your goals the next step is to analyse if the goals set are realistic and achievable in the timeframe that you have allocated. There are many methods of goal setting but from experience I would like to advise you to be conservative with your time frame expectations! It usually takes eighteen months to experience a permanent change in your sport performance irrespective of your commitment and training level.

 

This leads directly to the second aspect of Step 1 and that is you need to be consistent in your training modality and commitment. For most shooters this spells out how much time can you consistently put aside for your training. You will be far better off being initially very conservative in your time commitment estimates. In fact three times a week for 30 minutes would be a great start no matter how keen you are! Remember training is seen as a systematic athletic activity of long duration and you are in for the long haul (or at least eighteen months). You can always increase this after the first few months if you firmly believe that you can maintain an increased commitment.

Step 2

The second step is a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity and threats) analysis. The SWOT analysis should be undertaken from two perspectives. First undertake a SWOT analysis of your perceived strength, weaknesses, opportunity and threats. Examples may range from being persistent (strength) to work pressure and commitments (threats). The second SWOT analysis should be that of your sport. What are the sports strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as you perceive them? Examples may include a tool for self-development (strength) and or possible competition success (opportunities). The second stage of your SWOT analysis is to develop a SWOT Action plan. The SWOT Action plan is the critical component of a SWOT analysis.

 

The SWOT Action plan needs to consider the following points:

  1. a) How can I ‘build’ on the identified strengths?
  2. b) How can I ‘manage’ weaknesses?
  3. c) How can I ‘maximise’ opportunities?
  4. d) How can I ‘minimise’ threats?

 

Bye the time you have completed your SWOT Action plan you have already begun to develop the framework of a trainings plan.

 

Summary

  1. Every shooter has the ability to increase their scores and consequently increase the level of enjoyment they receive from shooting and every shooter has the ability to shoot a ‘good score’ or even a personal best at a major competition. It is a skill that can be developed!

 

  1. Training should be developed to suit the individual’s performance needs and should not be considered the domain of only the ‘serious’ shooter.

 

  1. The maintenance of any training program commenced is the most critical aspect in developing increased performance. Be realistic with your expectations in regards to trainings time and always err on the side of the conservative. Look for consistency in your trainings program.

 

  1. Start to develop a SWOT analysis and Action plan in regards to your personal situation and that as you perceive it of your sport.

 

Conclusion

Training should be considered fun and a tool for self-improvement. By applying correct training principles you will receive, develop and perhaps even revive an interest in your shooting career. The next articles will investigate the process of developing and structuring a trainings program.

 

I wish you well and good shooting.
Dieter Wilhelmi