MENTAL IMAGERY
- Part 2
CONCENTRATION
PRACTICE
It is quite obvious that
to improve in archery we need to practice and improve our power
of concentration. But how can we do this?
One good method is to find
a comfy spot where you wont be disturbed. Breathe in deeply and
as you exhale feel yourself sinking into the chair. Let all the
tightness in your muscles flow out into the chair. Repeat for
a few breaths until you feel quite relaxed. Now return to normal
breathing and count 'one' as you breathe in, 'two' as you breathe
in on the next breath, 'three' on the next and so on. Just think
about the numbers, concentrating on the current number as strongly
as you can. Other thoughts will creep into your mind, you cannot
stop this, the trick is to let them flow out the other side.
Do not hang on to that thought or let it progress into other
thoughts, just let it flow out of your mind and concentrate on
the current number.
With practice this will
help you on the shooting line to stay with the shot and not be
distracted by someone talking or the wind ruffling your hair.
It will not stop you from hearing sounds or from other thoughts
creeping in, but it will help you to let these things pass by
you and not interfere with that wonderful shot you are building
and executing.
Good Shooting.
Jan Eley
Jan is one
of this country's top lady recurve archers who was a member of
the Club until moving house a while ago. This article is reprinted
from InSight, the Stortford Archery Club newsletter, Issue
8, Spring 1996. |
Stortford Archery Club