Implementation of Compensation-Sensitive Shot-Style-Feedback of Aiming Point Training Data at the Swiss Shooting Federation

Abstract

Introduction The practical application of scientific knowledge is essential for improving performance in Olympic air rifle shooting. At the Swiss Shooting Federation, for example, we have implemented an innovative training concept based on our research into compensation-sensitive shot styles and the importance of individual movement phases (Tartaruga & Kredel, 2021, 2022, 2024).

Methods We have been collecting SCATT training sessions from athletes via email and utilizing a MATLAB script that waits for and automatically analyses incoming data. The analysis is performed according to the methods proposed in our study, including the use of a validated movement phase segmentation algorithm of aiming point trajectory data and the identification of compensation-sensitive shot styles based on this data. We consider athlete-specific preferences and compare current data with results from the last ten years to provide a social and normative reference orientation.

Results Through individualised analysis of shooting data, coaches can develop tailored training plans that address the specific needs of each athlete and receive immediate feedback on the technical impact of recent training sessions on different technical characteristics. Comparison of historical data also provides valuable insight into performance development across disciplines, gender, and age for specific technical characteristics. These insights are used to optimize coaches’ education programs by providing a generalised understanding of the technical development of young athletes in shooting. Furthermore, some technical characteristics even have predictive validity for real shooting performance and therefore appear to be suitable for talent identification.

Discussion/Conclusion The integration of compensation-sensitive shot-styles and the consideration of individual preferences have led to a higher acceptance of the tailored feedback reports than the previous more generalised reports. In the future, we plan to extend these approaches by applying them to other disciplines within the shooting sports. In addition, we would like to scientifically validate specific training interventions to promote successful shot styles, with the aim to provide evidence-based training recommendations in the future.

In our view, this project serves as a good example of how challenging real-world problems brought up by coaches and embedded scientists can be jointly structured and solved at federation and university level, and how their solution can ultimately lead to practical tools reshaping and improving a federation’s process landscape.

References

Tartaruga, D., & Kredel, R. (2021). Prognose der Wettkampfleistung anhand von Techniktests im olympischen Luftgewehrschiessen [Prediction of competition performance based on technical tests in Olympic air rifle shooting]. Magglinger Trainertagung, 10. https://www.swissolympic.ch/dam/jcr:26fcf124-ce21-4b1f-9abb-bb5caf3f7011/Book_of_Posters_2021_A4h_def.pdf

Tartaruga, D., & Kredel, R. (2022, March 29). Shooting styles in Olympic air-rifle shooting. 25. Sportwissenschaftlicher Hochschultag der Deutschen Vereinigung für Sportwissenschaft: Sport, Meer & Mehr – Sportwissenschaft in gesellschaftlicher Verantwortung, Online (Kiel). https://doi.org/10.48350/169324

Tartaruga, D., & Kredel, R. (2024). Effects of inter- and intraindividual compensation-sensitive shot styles on performance in Olympic air rifle shooting. Current Issues in Sport Science (CISS), 9(1), Article 006. https://doi.org/10.36950/2024.9ciss006