Search Results (16)

A pastor and academic theologian is invited to perform a devotional service at a marksmen’s festival in a small German village. Unaccustomed to this kind of festive culture, he also finds himself confronted with theological and ethical questions: Is it possible to provide a place of shooting with rifles and pistols with a prayer service and thus shape it liturgically as a place of God’s blessings? One could also ask: is it not necessary for theology to engage with communal forms of festivity, not just theoretically, but performatively, if Christianity itself is fundamentally festive? According to practical-theological reasoning, occasional services, i.e., celebrations of life rites, accompanying liminal situations and transitionary events of human life are growing in variety and importance and “new occasional services” are being developed. Also, the church and (public) theology continuously search and find their role in civil society. After all, there are many life situations in which God’s blessing should be clothed in a festive garment. But in which way is the marksmen’s festival to be considered? Two theologians explore these questions—autoethnographically and theoretically—and thus shed light on the marksmen’s festival as a theological topic. Full article

The purpose of this study was to quantify the bullet impact locations of the men’s 10 m air pistol competition and propose objective metrics for evaluating shooting techniques. We automatically collected data from the top 20 competitors’ shooting results using computer vision techniques. Metrics such as x-variance, y-variance, covariance, x-mean, y-mean, root mean square error (RMSE), x-mean score, and y-mean score were computed to investigate correlations among rankings, left–right and up–down shot groups, aiming relationships, and precision. Covariance analysis revealed significant interactions between horizontal and vertical aiming, highlighting the importance of balanced coordination between these directions for high performance. Athletes with lower covariance values, indicating less variation between horizontal and vertical aiming, tended to achieve higher rankings. Additionally, top-ranked athletes exhibited lower RMSE values, underscoring the importance of precision in achieving high scores. In conclusion, this study analyzed the correlation between x and y through covariance, examined its relationship with competition rankings, and proposed new indicators for training and performance enhancement. This study is novel in that it provides quantitative data to correct poor aiming and shooting habits by performing a covariance-based bidirectional correlation analysis, rather than simply analyzing bullet impact locations in a single horizontal or vertical direction. Our approach establishes a foundation for more data-driven and objective evaluations in the sport of shooting. Full article

Physiologic hand tremors are a critical factor affecting the aim of air pistol shooters. However, the extent of the effect of hand tremors on shooting performance is unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the relationship between hand tremors and shooting performance scores as well as investigate potential links between muscle activation and hand tremors. In this study, 17 male air pistol shooters from China’s national team and the Air Pistol Sports Center were divided into two groups: the elite group and the sub-elite group. Each participant completed 40 shots during the experiment, with shooters’ hand tremors recorded using three-axis digital accelerometers affixed to their right hands. Muscle activation was recorded using surface electromyography on the right anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, biceps brachii (short head), triceps brachii (long head), flexor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi radialis. Our analysis revealed weak correlations between shooting scores and hand tremor amplitude in multiple directions (middle-lateral, ML: r² = −0.22, p < 0.001; vertical, VT: r² = −0.25, p < 0.001), as well as between shooting scores and hand tremor complexity (ML: r² = −0.26, p < 0.001; VT: r² = −0.28, p < 0.001), across all participants. Notably, weak correlations between shooting scores and hand tremor amplitude (ML: r² = −0.27, p < 0.001; VT: r² = −0.33, p < 0.001) and complexity (ML: r² = −0.31, p < 0.001) were observed in the elite group but not in the sub-elite group. Moderate correlation were found between the biceps brachii (short head) RMS and hand tremor amplitude in the VT and ML directions (ML: r² = 0.49, p = 0.010; VT: r² = 0.44, p = 0.025) in all shooters, with a moderate correlation in the ML direction in elite shooters (ML: r² = 0.49, p = 0.034). Our results suggest that hand tremors in air pistol shooters are associated with the skill of the shooters, and muscle activation of the biceps brachii (long head) might be a factor affecting hand tremors. By balancing the agonist and antagonist muscles of the shoulder joint, shooters might potentially reduce hand tremors and improve their shooting scores. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of psychological skills training on the brain quotient and perceived performance of high school rapid-fire pistol athletes and to provide basic data to overcome the psychological difficulties experienced in practice and competition situations. Using the non-probability sampling method, four rapid-fire pistol athletes were selected as subjects for the study. To verify the effects of the psychological skills training program (10 weeks), data collected through electroencephalography and a survey were analyzed. First, through psychological skills training, the psychological tension and physical stress of the left brain among the players’ brain function index significantly improved. Furthermore, the perceived performance of the study participants improved. Therefore, it was confirmed that through psychological technology training, participants increased their faith and confidence in shooting skills; thus, the level of perceived performance also increased. In addition, if the effectiveness of the psychological skills training conducted in this study is developed with a wider range of sports or athletes, this study will be valuable for athletes who always have to demonstrate outstanding performance. Full article

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in shooting performance, physical stability, and lower extremity muscle fatigue in high-level shooters wearing shooting shoes and sports shoes, and to determine the causes. Eight high-level 10 m air pistol shooters wore shooting shoes and sports shoes in a simulated shooting qualification experiment (60 rounds in 75 min) and we recorded shooting scores, pressure centers (COP), and median frequency of muscle fatigue index (MDF). All the data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and are compared using a paired t-test. Athletes in shooting shoes scored higher than those in sports shoes (p < 0.05); COP moved less in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions for athletes wearing shooting shoes rather than sports shoes; and fewer muscles experienced fatigue, with fatigue also occurring later, for athletes wearing shooting shoes rather than sports shoes. Shooting shoes may reduce the sway of athletes’ center of pressure in the anterior–posterior and left–right directions, enhance postural stability, and result in higher shooting scores. In addition, they may make shooters feel more comfortable and relaxed during long training sessions and competitions. Full article

Shooting is a sport dominated by psychological factors. Hence, disturbing the shooter’s sensory function during aiming will seriously affect his psychological state and shooting performance. Electroencephalograph (EEG) measurements of 30 skilled marksmen in the shooting preparation stage under noisy disturbance, weak light, and normal conditions were recorded. Therefore, the differences in neural mechanisms in the shooter’s brain during shooting aiming in different disturbance conditions were explored using an analytical approach that employs functional connectivity and brain network analysis based on graph theory. The relationship between these brain network characteristics and shooting performance was also compared. The results showed that (1) the average connection strength in the beta frequency band and connection intensity in the left and right temporal lobes of the shooters under noise disturbance were significantly higher than those under the other two conditions, and their brain networks also showed a higher global and local efficiency. In addition, (2) the functional connection intensity in the occipital region of the beta band was higher than that in the normal condition in the weak-light condition. The information interaction in the left parietal region also increased continually during the shooting process. (3) Furthermore, the shooters’ eigenvector centrality in the temporal and occipital regions with limited sensory function in the two conditions was lower than those in the normal condition. These findings suggest that noise disturbance activates the arousal level of the shooter’s brain and enhances the information processing efficiency of the brain network; however, it increases the mental workload. In weak-light conditions, shooters focus more on visual information processing during aiming and strengthen the inhibition of functions in the brain regions unrelated to shooting behavior. Audiovisual disturbance renders the cortical regions equivalent to the audiovisual perception function in the shooter’s brain less important in the entire brain network than in the normal condition. Therefore, these findings reveal the effect of audiovisual disturbance on the functional network of the cortex in the shooting preparation stage and provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the neural mechanism of the shooting process under sensory disturbances. Full article

Breathing patterns play a crucial role in shooting performance; however, little is known about the respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary capacities that control these patterns. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between shooting performance, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function and to determine differences in respiratory capacities according to the shooting performance categories in police cadets. One hundred sixty-seven police cadets were recruited to assess respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and shooting performance in a well-controlled environment. Measurements included maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and pistol shooting scores. The shooting score had a moderate positive correlation with MIP (ρ = 0.33) and MEP (ρ = 0.45). FVC (ρ = 0.25), FEV₁ (ρ = 0.26), SVC (ρ = 0.26) (p < 0.001) and MVV (ρ = 0.21) (p < 0.05) were slightly correlated with shooting score. There were differences between shooting performance categories in MIP, MEP, FVC, FEV₁, SVC, and MVV (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). The results imply that both strong respiratory muscles and optimal pulmonary function may be one of the necessary prerequisites for superior shooting performance in police. Full article

The main purpose of the study was to determine whether a pistol shooting efficiency score could be predicted by plantar force distribution patterns. In this cross-sectional study, participants were special police male officers (N = 30), members of the Anti-Terrorist Unit ‘Lučko’ (age_mean±SD = 40 ± 6 years, height_mean±SD = 180 ± 5 cm, weight_mean±SD = 89 ± 8 kg). Shooting efficiency at a target 10 m away was tested on a scale from 0 to 5, while standing on a Zebris pedobarographic platform. Higher absolute (N; β = −0.19, p = 0.002) and relative (%; β = −0.12, p = 0.043) forces beneath the hindfoot were associated with poorer shooting efficiency. A significant positive association between the relative force beneath the forefoot and shooting efficiency was found, i.e., higher relative forces beneath the forefoot region exhibited better shooting values (β = 0.12, p = 0.043). When the force was normalized by weight (N/kg), similar associations remained. This study shows that higher force values under the hindfoot region may lead to a lower shooting performance, while higher force values under the forefoot region can increase shooting performance. Full article

Executive functions (EF) are crucial to a person’s unique abilities, enabling one to achieve goals, adapt to new situations and manage social interactions. EF are also very important for the effective performance of military tasks including the shooting performance (SP) of soldiers. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EF with SP and gender differences in the level of these traits among cadets of the General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military University of Land Forces in Wroclaw i.e., 156 persons (19 females and 137 males). The level of EF and processes related to attention was measured with usage of the Color Trails Test (CTT-1 and CTT-2). SP was assessed on the basis of scores from four different small arms and rifle shootings at a fixed target and at emerging targets. The relations between explained and explanatory variables were assessed using Spearman correlation. The variation in the mean values of CTT scores and SP of men and women was compared using the Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples. The results of the present study did not reveal any significant differences between women and men in the level of EF and SP. The key finding of the present study is that the higher SP of males in all shooting events of the study and of females in pistol shooting were significantly correlated with higher executive functions. Full article

Shooting is a high-precision sport that depends on many factors to achieve high performance levels. The main objective of this study was to analyze the differences in anthropometric, physiological, and psychological variables by sport level in women air-pistol shooters. Fifteen female pistol shooters, including seven elite national shooters of Iran and eight non-elite shooters, participated in this study. Analyzed variables were grouped into three sections: anthropometric, physiological, and psychological. Anthropometric variables included: height, weight, body mass index, length of leg, arm span, and proportions between variables. Physiological tests include resting heart rate, static and dynamic balance, flexibility, and upper body strength. Additionally, psychological questionnaires of SMS-6 sport motivation, TSCI trait sport-confidence and SSCI state sport-confidence, ACSI-28 athletic coping skills, and SAS sport anxiety scale were used. The Shapiro–Wilks test and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Effect size and test reliability were calculated using Cohen’s d and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Our results showed that elite shooters have higher values of dynamic balance (Y-test), upper body strength (sit-ups), and intrinsic motivation, and lower resting heart rate than non-elite. However, no differences were found in the anthropometric variables, nor in anxiety or coping skills. We conclude that physiological and psychological workouts should be included in the shooters’ training programs to improve their performance. Full article

Psychological anxiety and physiological stress hormone management is closely related to an athlete’s performance, especially in shooting competitions. Thus, we aimed to investigate the changes in saliva stress hormones according to anxiety scores of Korean elite shooters immediately before a shooting competition. Seventy-two Korean national shooting athletes (Rifle = 62, Pistol = 8, Shotgun = 2) were recruited for the present study. The physiological stress hormones were assessed based on cortisol and immunoglobulin A level in saliva. The psychological stress was assessed based on Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) questionnaire. Cortisol concentration and cortisol secretion rate were significant higher in severe anxiety group. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration and SIgA secretion rate did not significant different in among the groups. A positive correlation was found between BAI score and cortisol concentration. These findings provide preliminary evidence indicating that psychological anxiety affects physiological stress and therefore may have a negative effect on athletes’ performance. Thus, research is needed to develop a strategy to reduce physiological stress in these athletes. Full article

In the laser-run trial in modern pentathlon, athletes must perform series of five successful shots with a laser pistol. A miss does not lead to a penalty but costs the time needed to lower the arm, charge the weapon and raise the arm. Pentathletes face the following dilemma: is it better to shoot fast or accurately? We investigate experimentally the effect of the shooting cadence on the accuracy. We then predict the consequence of this unavoidable speed-accuracy tradeoff in terms of total time needed to succeed the specific trial of laser-run. We find an optimal shooting cadence for each athlete, which minimizes this time. Full article

Background: The sport overrepresentation of early-born athletes within a selection year is called relative age effect (RAE). Moreover, gender performance differences depend on the sport. The main objectives of the study were to compare performances between gender and RAE in precision shooting events. Method: The results of 704 shooters who participated in the most recent World Shooting Championship were compared. Performance was analysed by event (rifle and pistol), gender and category (junior and senior), together with RAE and six ranges of ranking positions. Results: The results of the study indicated that men scored higher than women in pistol events and that no performance differences were found in rifle events when the whole group was compared. According to the birth trimester, no significant differences were found in the participant’s distribution, nor in performance in any case. Conclusions: The main conclusions of the study are: (1) the men’s pistol performance is better than the women’s even though RAE is not associated to the shooting score in any case; (2) men and women performed equally in the general analysis, but their performances were different depending on category and event with no RAE influence. Full article

Background: Many aspects affect precision sports like shooting. Skills such as strength and balance are related to shooting performance and therefore, they should be trained. Thus, planned physical workouts can help to improve Olympic Shooting performance. The main objective of this study was to determine elite shooters’ perspective about fitness trainings. Methods: Eight elite international shooters were interviewed using a semi-structured script validated by an expert shooting committee. Their responses were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative methods. The following categories were obtained: fitness training importance on performance, fitness professional support, precompetitive fitness exercises’ orientation and intensity, main motor abilities, recovery process, fitness evaluation and test and physical training influence on the psychological state. Results: The results suggest that athletes consider physical training as a key factor in their performance. Shooters mainly train strength and endurance exercises, depending on the competitions schedule. However, no consensus exists regarding the professional in charge of fitness trainings, nor the recovery methods to minimize performance losses. In addition, general balance trainings or physical condition tests to evaluate the training progress do not seem to be used. Conclusion: We conclude that there should be greater control of fitness training and recovery processes in Olympic shooting. Full article

Postural balance is a key element of shooting effectiveness, which determines the outcome of modern pentathlon competitions. The aim of the study is to examine the postural balance of 27 pentathletes (12 females and 15 males; mean age: 18.0 ± 1.8 years), and 26 physically active, untrained subjects (12 females and 14 males; mean age: 22.5 ± 1.4 years), and to investigate the impact of footwear on the stability of the shooting position in pentathletes. Methods: Static postural balance was examined during quiet stance in four test conditions (standing in footwear with eyes opened, standing in footwear with eyes closed, standing barefoot with eyes opened, and standing barefoot with eyes closed). During each postural balance measurement, the participant remained still on the platform, with their arms in front of their body. Postural balance in the shooting position was only evaluated in the group of pentathletes. The athlete was asked to assume a comfortable shooting position on the platform and to aim at the target. Standard pentathlon targets and pistols were used in the study. Measurements were carried out twice (barefoot and in footwear). Results: In all conditions, pentathletes achieved lower values of posturographic measures than in the control group. In non-visual conditions, measures describing the surface area of the centre of pressure decreased in pentathletes and increased in the control group. Both pentathletes and non-athletes were equally stable barefoot as in footwear. Footwear did not affect postural sway in the shooting position in pentathletes. Conclusions: Pentathletes were found to have significantly better stance stability and were less vision-dependent in postural balance than untrained subjects. Bearing in mind that the shooting position of pentathletes was as stable barefoot as in footwear, the main factors which were most likely responsible for minimising body oscillations in the pentathletes were their high level of concentration and conscious control of body alignment. Full article