Tournament Nerves

[indybutts]

Ok,we have all been there,the question is how do YOU deal with it.
For myself i can settle down quite quickly after the first initial 10 minutes but its those ten minutes thats the killer.
Archery is a lot like competitive rifle shooting that i used to do,you cant really psyche yourself up because then you are piling the pressure on yourself,on the other hand you cant just have a dont care attitude either or the opposite happens.
So you know the feeling there you are standing next in line to shoot and you get that old feeling of i wish i had taken up chess lol.......what do YOU now, how do you deal with it.
Did you read something in a book,did someone give you a fantastic piece of advice or maybe you have never got over it.
It would be very interesting to hear your views.

[Dave]

I just remember that no-one's looking at me, no-one cares how I'm shooting and no-one gives a damn what my score is. So what is there to be nervous about - just shoot and enjoy yourself.

[gunmender]

I personally try to blank out the thoughts of the other targets, ie only mine is important. Try to keep relaxed and still concentrate on the shot when its needed, a bit like golf! deep thoughts when addressing the ball, hit it and then switch off as you walk up to the next shot -not far sometimes!!

It is too easy to get distracted as well by others, be aware of the rest of the shoot but listen out for the whistle or you may get a mention on the Fonz pages!!!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Dave

I just remember that no-one's looking at me, no-one cares how I'm shooting and no-one gives a damn what my score is.

Spot-on Dave. It's important (I think) to remember that nothing anybody else does, says or thinks on the archery field can have any effect on your score. The ONLY thing that matters is how YOU shoot your arrows. Because of this, it's important to treat every shot the same, whether in pratice or competition. Assign the same importance to EVERY shot you make, then the tournament shots become no more significant than the practice ones and, if you're not heaving to deal with tournament pressure, you can get on with focussing on what actually matters - making good shots and finding "the zone". Ah. We're back to that topic agian!

Adam

[Max]

Fully agree with Dave - the only pressure you are under is the pressure you put upon yourself. I know that sounds very glib, but true. It really is important to deal with the root cause of your own fear and be honest in admitting it. Are you afraid of failing others, of what others might think of you, of failing to meet your own goals, of losing confidence in your ability? - the list is extensive.

For most of us it is easier - we are not going to win, or even come near the top three, so dealing with that kind of pressure need not be a factor (and I really admire those who are in that position and can handle it). However, you need to be honest about what it is exactly - are you sectretly under pressure from another archer who is gaining ground on you? (been there!). The only way to deal with it (from my perspective) is to say - "well supposing he beats me - how do I handle it" If you can get that far, you are on the way to accepting the fear and reducing the pressure.

Deep breathing an forced relaxation helps to reduce the stress level if all else fails.

[Shirt]

Get out there and shoot more competitions. The more you do, the more you'll get used to it, the less it will affect you.

[andrew.paterson]

Originally Posted by Shirt

Get out there and shoot more competitions. The more you do, the more you'll get used to it, the less it will affect you.

This is so true. I find it strange that some archers will not enter an event because they are afraid of coming last. In my first season, last year, I was coming consistantly last but improving and catching the pack after each event.

There are a few things that affected me on the tournament day:

1 - Location - Know where the event is or car share with someone who has been before. Getting to an event with little time to set up increases heart rate, and will effect your shooting for a good couple of dozen arrows.
2 - Equipment - Have an equipment list, and check it the week before, night before, and on the day before you set off.
3 - People - Find out who is on your target, and say hello to them, and find out what class they are. If you are on a target with a B or MB do not get disheartened by comparing your arrows to theirs. Plus it is good to see how a B or MB shoots - a free archery demonstration!
4 - Time - A shoot will last a lot longer than at practice so remember to drink and eat! Getting dehydrated and falling blood sugar levels will effect your performance and concentration.
5 - Rules - Know the rules. Not the whole book, but which target is ABCD, what whistle to shot/collect on. If you do not know ask a club member before you go. Otherwise you will be put off at the start by thinking which is my target, miss a whistle and then have to rush to the line etc.

[Bald Eagle]

Exposure brings Composure!!

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Bald Eagle

Exposure brings Composure!!

and also quite a heavy fine or prison sentence.....

[Max]

Originally Posted by andrew.paterson

Know the rules. Not the whole book, but which target is ABCD, what whistle to shot/collect on. .

Good point - I have also met more than one archer who was scared witless about the prospect of scoring. Either because their mental arithmetic was a bit shaky, or they were frightened of screwing up someone elses score and losing them a place. Take a calculator and don't be afraid to use it openly if it bothers you. Best cure for scoring phobia is to dive in and get used to it, rather than trying to avoid it.