Monday 19 January 2009

New coaching website

I've just been looking at the new SAA coaching web site and wonder if others have had the chance to visit (see http://www.scottisharchery.org.uk/coaching/index.php).

It has the same clean look and feel as the main SAA site and, although fairly young, has some valuable content already. In particular, I had a look at the presentations from the November 2008 National Coaching Conference (they don't seem to be at the GNAS web site?).

A really full presentation about the last Olympics and four presentations on the coaching structure are there. There is also a very, very complete presentation on shooting from Kim Hyung Tak, that is worth spending some time on.

There is also an intriguing presentation from Bill Mackay called "100% ME" but the link unfortunately doesn't go anywhere - so we will just have to imagine what that is about!

Monday 12 January 2009

New Year Resolutions

This is the time of year that many of us make New Year resolutions. A few years ago, quirkology did a study that revealed some interesting facts - perhaps there are some archery goal-setting lessons here, particularly in the difference of the sexes.

They found that, at the start, 52% of participants were confident of success, but one year later, only 12% actually achieved their goal. Men were significantly more likely to succeed when asked to engage in either goal setting, or focusing on the rewards associated with achieving their goal. Women were more successful when they told their friends and family about their resolution, or were encouraged to be especially resilient and not to give up because they had reverted to the old habits.

Men may be more likely to adopt a macho attitude and have unrealistic expectations, and so simple goal setting helps them achieve more. Likewise, women might be reluctant to tell others about their resolutions, and so benefit more from the social support provided by friends and family once they have made their goals public.

Hints for achieving New Year’s Resolutions
  • Both Sexes: Make Only One Resolution, Plan ahead, Avoid previous resolutions, Be specific
  • For men: Set S.M.A.R.T goals, Carrot not stick
  • For women: Go public, Be persistent