title: Relation of Elite Rifle Shooters' Technique-Test Measures to Competition Performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the long-term changes in shooting technique in relation to competition performances in elite air-rifle shooters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventeen elite shooters completed simulated air-rifle shooting-competition series in 3 consecutive seasons, participating on 15 ± 7 testing occasions. Shooting score and aiming-point-trajectory variables were obtained with an optoelectronic shooting device, and postural-balance variables were measured with force platform. Shooters' competition results were collected from all international and national competitions during the 3-y period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean test score, stability of hold, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering, and postural balance improved during the 3-y period (ANOVA, time, P < .05-.01). Seasonal mean test results in stability of hold (R = -.70, P = .000) and cleanness of triggering (R = -.75, P = .000) were related to competition performances. Changes in stability of hold (R = -.61, P = .000) and cleanness of triggering (R = -.39, P = .022) were also related to the changes in competition performances. Postural balance in shooting direction was more related to cleanness of triggering (R = .57, P = .000), whereas balance in cross-shooting direction was more related to stability of hold (R = .70, P = .000).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The shooting-technique testing used in the current study seems to be a valid and useful tool for long-term performance assessment. Stability of hold, cleanness of triggering, and postural balance can be further developed even at the elite level, resulting in improved competition performances.
authors.affiliation: KIHU - Research Inst for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: Simo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ihalainen
authors.forename: Vesa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Linnamo
authors.forename: Kaisu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mononen
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kuitunen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005389:Firearms; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*