October 22 to March 23 an increase of 22%
Since October 2022, the County have been running the County Coaching Course for Senior archers at the Montsaye Community Sports Centre in Rothwell near Kettering. These monthly events have been very well attended by both participants and coaches from throughout the County.
Five individually themed coaching sessions have been focussed on supporting both Northamptonshire archers and coaches. These coaching sessions not only provide an opportunity for novice or intermediate archers to learn or develop their knowledge and skills but also provide an opportunity for less experienced coaches to work with more experienced coaches in a “performance” setting.
In addition to our own coaches from our counties clubs there have also been some “special guests” at three of our events!
Danielle Brown a two-time para–Olympic Gold medallist, and former World Champion provided an insight into mental preparation and the strategies that could be used to build confidence and banish nerves.
Nicki Hunt, a former World number one who has represented AGB with both Compound and Recurve bow styles supported each of the coaching groups on technique.
Rob Frances from AGB provided the latest insights on Strength and conditioning and provided age-appropriate advice on warm ups and fitness.
Whilst these guests certainly provided some highlights it has been the Counties coaches who are owed our thanks having volunteered to support these events and make them the success they proved to be. The support of these coaches made it possible to support three Recurve coaching groups, plus one barebow and one compound group.
Each of the sessions were themed and whilst technique was common to each, others were linked more specifically to mental and physical preparation, equipment set up and tuning, and organisation for tournaments.
As part of the coaching process, participants at the first coaching session shot a number of scored ends in order to create a “benchmark”. At the final session on Sunday 26th Mach the same number of ends were shot to achieve a comparison score.
The overall increase in performance was 22%
The County very much hope to do the same again for the 23 / 24 winter season, if you would be interested in participating or coaching, please keep an eye on the web site for announcements or contact the County Coaching Organiser.
