Establishing the relationship between selected physical fitness parameters and the efficiency in Olympic clay target shooting

Abstract

This study aimed to optimise performance in the two Olympic clay shooting disciplines, Skeet and Trap, by providing empirical evidence on the critical fitness parameters that athletes and coaches should focus on during physical training. The first objective was to explore existing empirical research and gain a theoretical understanding and practical implications of selected fitness parameters in clay target shooting. In addition, relevant research results in other shooting disciplines were also examined. The second objective was to identify performance factors among the physical fitness parameters studied and determine their direct or indirect effects on shooting performance. In addition, the specific mental and psychomotor demands of Olympic clay target shooters and their relationships with other identified performance factors were examined. Based on the findings of the first two objectives, the next goal was to investigate the implementation of a training program specifically aimed at improving the identified performance parameters and whether further improvements in these parameters would lead to better shooting performance. The final objective was to determine the relative benefits of developing selected fitness parameters as a training strategy for novice and elite athletes in Olympic clay shooting.

The initial comprehensive review of the available scientific literature revealed that the current research in the field of Olympic clay target shooting lacks the necessary depth despite certain guidelines highlighting the importance of specific fitness parameters in other shooting disciplines. The findings of the desktop study were published in the Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 13(3), and the paper titled 'The relative importance of selected physical fitness parameters in Olympic clay target shooting' was issued in 2018. Due to the lack of empirical evidence in this field, a subsequent study examined the relationship between selected fitness parameters and performance in clay shooting. The outcome of this investigation demonstrated that none of the tested parameters were statistically significant, suggesting that they cannot be regarded as important determinants of performance. In conclusion, an average level of the tested fitness components was adequate for achieving a high shooting performance, and further increases in these parameters would not improve shooting scores. However, an important finding from a later study was that elite shooters exhibited better bilateral symmetries in shoulder mobility and grip strength. This discovery encouraged further investigation into the potential effects of neuromuscular imbalances, and the results of this investigation were shared with the scientific community through a publication in the Journal of Physical Education and Sport in 2021, with the title 'Assessment of physical fitness parameters in Olympic clay target shooters and their relationship with shooting performance'. To expand on the focus of previous research, modern computerised tests and traditional self-report assessments were used to examine psychological and psychomotor aspects that may contribute to Olympic clay shooting performance. The results of this investigation provide valuable insights into the coping strategies of Skeet and Trap shooters and their ability to overcome challenges, highlighting the significant role that coping skills play in this shooting sport. Subsequent research focused on further exploring the importance of bilateral neuromuscular symmetry, assessing the performance of competitive clay target shooters, applying individualised corrective training regimens to minimise detected asymmetries, and comparing results with shooting performance. The results of this investigation confirmed that neuromuscular asymmetries can negatively impact performance and that significant improvements in shooting performance were observed after minimising these imbalances.

In summary, this study provides novel information about performance factors that have not been studied previously and highlights the importance of symmetric rather than absolute values. The findings suggest that training programs to correct bilateral asymmetries should be incorporated into clay shooters' training regimes. The results of this study will subsequently help professionals involved in Olympic clay shooting better understand the importance of addressing and developing these aspects of the sport.