John Neal Archery Coaching

Observation and Analysis Skills

for Archery Coaches
A structured approach to the assessment and
improvement of performance

4/12/2009

Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

The Coaching Process

Information gathering
Direct observation - what you see and hear
Probe for additional relevant information
Record - for accuracy and comparison over time

Analysis
Assessment - against good practise and previous observations
Integrate information observations and aspirations

Facilitate improvement
Give feedback explore opportunities for improving performance
Plan and monitor progress against SMART goals
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Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Information gathering
Direct observation look

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from different directions / angles

for generality
at specific detail
at what the archers body does
at what the bow does
at when these things happen relative to each other
at body language
at equipment and bow setup

Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Information gathering
Direct observation how to observe (cont.)
Listen
to what you can hear rattles, clanks, thuds etc
to what the archer says spontaneously

Dont judge or analyse yet !!

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Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Information gathering
Direct observation what to observe
Stance, Posture and Balance
Relative to shoot line / relative to target
Anatomical appropriateness

DFL and anatomical line

do they coincide ?
in which planes ?

Referencing
where?
is it aided by kisser or platform?

Inappropriate movement
of what ?
in which directions and planes?

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Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Information gathering
Direct observation what to observe (cont.)
Preparation and maintenance of form through shot
Are all phases stance, preparation, draw, execution prepared and
maintained

50/50 shot execution

On the shot, does the bow move forward freely and is there adequate follow
through?
On the shot what planes does the bow move in?
In what planes / directions does the followthrough occur?

Archers attention to detail is there any?

Consistency - of anything !!

4/12/2009

Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Information gathering
Probe for additional information
Ask about Their shooting history, standard, aspirations and goals
Ask them what they perceive as their strengths and weaknesses
Any specific fitness regime

Ask non-judgemental questions

Avoid questions starting with Why?
Dont pass opinions yet

Ask open questions

Questions that encourage the archer to expand discussion
Questions that seek the archers opinions and preferences
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Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Information gathering
Record - your observations
Dont rely on memory
Record for future reference and comparison
Develop your own observation sheets
Simple format and layout
Dont give yourself too many choices
Use diagrams where appropriate / preferred
Use video if possible
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Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Analysis
Cause and Effect
Our observations represent and record effect
Avoid preconceived explanations for observed behaviour
Instead, we must look for and identify cause where we
observe behaviour of archer or equipment which is not
optimal
Always try to say that something we observe happens
because of something we see in equipment setup or
technique

4/12/2009

Copyright, John Neal Archery Coaching

Analysis
Assess appropriateness of
Posture, balance and stance
Shot preparation
Bow hand placement
String finger placement
Preparation of DFL

Shot execution
Power v Control
Maintenance of form through shot
Follow through & completion

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Analysis
Assess appropriateness of
Equipment choice
Is it right for the archer
Dont let purely personal preferences cloud your judgement

Equipment set up
Involve the archer in checking it this allows you to assess their knowledge and understanding

BUT dont comment to the archer on appropriateness at this

stage

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Analysis
Integrate what we have learnt from the archer
Take time to consider what has been learnt dont rush to change things
Identify areas where changes in technique may help
Identify equipment setup opportunities with the archer
ALWAYS factor in the current standard and aspirations of the archer

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Facilitate Improvement
Give feedback
Be constructive in summarising the archers performance and equipment
setup
Prioritise those things which will lead to the most significant improvement
Dont try and fix secondary problems - faults which are caused by other
faults
Dont change too much at a time
Carefully design goals, record them and set review dates

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Ensure they are SMART

Emphasise process oriented goals initially
Discourage outcome goals; avoid setting goals relative to other archers

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