Archery free essay sample

Some biomechanics principles that are related to archery include balance, first class levers, newtons first law of motion and the projectile/height of the release of the arrow. Static balance refers to balance in the situation in which a set position must be maintained for a period of time, as in target sports like archery ad shooting; here the maintenance of a balanced and stable posture is essential for attaining accuracy. In archery, static balance has to be maintained while a force is applied (Hayri E. and Rafet I, 2006). For example, in archery there is a reaction force due to bow movement and the shooting of the arrow. High levels of balance in a sporting activity are dependent on the area of the base of support, the position of the center of gravity and the mass (body weight) of the performer. A wide, but comfortable, positioning of the feet aids the static balance in archery (David Lloyd, 2010). Thus, the area of the base of support is maximised within the ability of the performer to control his or her posture. In Archery there is a force of motion called inertia. According the Newton’s first law, an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force, and an object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force (Archery and Shooting Olympic Games, 2010). For example, the firing of the arrow is related to Newton’s first law, when pulling the string of the bow back and then letting it go. The inertia of the string carries the arrow outwards giving it speed and continues in the same motion and speed until it is stopped by the target that it hits. The position of the fulcrum, lead or effort used when firing the arrow, determines what class lever is used in archery. Because the effort is used in pulling the string back, the load is at the front where the nocking point is and the fulcrum is at the lower limb, this shows that the action of firing the arrow uses the first class lever (1996, Lever Action Archery Bow). Figure 1 Figure 2 Between the above two images, one of a professional shooting technique and the other being a photo of my personal shooting technique, there are few similarities and differences shown. Similarities include a similar size of base of support, as both the feet are in line with the shoulders. Another important similarity between me and the professional is that our left arms are straight, so when we fire the arrow, our aim is more stable. However there are differences that can be seen between these two images, such as my right arm being pulled too far back, unlike the professional, where his arm is only pulled back at his chin. Another difference is the direction of our aims. My arrow seems to be pointing more low than the professionals shot, causing my arrow to have a less accurate shot at the bullseye. The professional’s line of gravity is perfectly straight in the center of his body, though my line of gravity is on a slight angle, as my posture is not as straight when I fire. Lastly, my elbow is slightly pointing upwards when, like the professional, it should be facing straight in line with my arm. Thus, there are few similarities between the two images which shows that some of my technique is correct, however there are obvious differences which proves that there are few areas of improvement in my technique, for me to perform better. Two main areas of improvements that I should be working on, is my accuracy and my line of gravity. In order to improve my accuracy, my elbow must not be pointing upwards, so my aim and shot will be more accurate, thus I will perform better. When drawing the string, the elbow must come around enough to be as much in line as possible. When doing this, it will help in setting the rear scapula down, which will keep a low rear shoulder and fill the back muscles as much as possible. As soon as the drawing takes place, The Law of Acceleration will apply. Consequently drawing positively will improve your performance, instead of drawing slowly and cautiously. This will also obtain the drawing elbow into line early (KSL International Archery, 2008). To correct my line of gravity I must have a better posture before firing. Leaning back in archery is unhelpful as it leaves the body unbalanced, with the front shoulder rising out of the socket. The spine should remain vertical throughout the process of drawing the bow and shotting the arrow, as it will place the line of gravity in the enter, allowing you to perform better and be balanced (Imperial College Archery Club, 2000). Sport psychology is another technique that is positively effective in your performance, and it is said that 85% of the success in archery is due to mental and physiological factors (Alain Geiser, 2008-2009). Two specific psychology techniques that I use when performing archery are concentration and positive thinking, which I find very effective in my performance. Conce ntration is the action or power of focusing one’s attention or mental effort and positive thinking is the act of thinking good or affirmative thoughts. When I concentrate, it gives me self-control, which is essential. I concentrate specially on the target and my goal, avoiding everything around me. This will keep me from distractions and I can control the timing of when and where to shoot. The positive thinking encourages me to not give up and keep on trying, and is the answer to momentary difficulties. It also stops me from regretting the first bad arrow shots and to try to improve my next shot, which I find helpful. In conclusion analysing your performance helps you identify what specific techniques you need to improve on in the sport. When analysing my performance in Archery, relating to correct biomechanical principles, and identifying areas of improvement in my techniques, gives me a better understanding of proper skills I should use, that will lead to a successful performance. Also that sport psychology techniques are very effective in great performance. Reference: * Hayri E. And Rafet I. / ARCHERY BIOMECHANICS: A KINEMATICAL APPROACH/ 2006/ Retrieved 14/11/12 from http://www. asbweb. org/conferences/2010/abstracts/140. pdf KSL * InternationalArchery/ The KSL shot cycle/ 2008/ retrieved 14/11/12 from http://www. slinternationalarchery. com/Technique/KSLShotCycle/KSLShotCycle-USA. html * Coaches and Standards Committee. (2007). Shooting Techniques Biomechanics. Retrieved October 26, 2012, from http://www. pioneerarchers. com/Member%20Portal/Info/Biomechanics. pdf * Prashant, A. (2010). Archery and Shooting Olympic Games. Retrieved October 27, 2012, from http://lofi. forum. physorg. com/Archery-And-Shooting-Olymp ic-Games_30070. html * David Lloyd/ Balance and Agility/ 2010/ retrieved 14/11/2012 form