Continuous and properly practiced training is a fundamental aspect to prepare and make a difference on the field and in the days of the competition, as supported by Prof. Fabio Partigiani, athletic trainer of the Italian Team and right-hand man for the realization of this guide. In addition to the physical aspect, however, it is also essential to work on the mental and food aspect.
GETTING YOUR MIND READY
Psychological discourse is important in every shooter, from the athlete who finds himself challenging Olympic champions for the first time to the amateur who challenges friends and seeks victory.
There are those who by choice opt for help, external support such as the psychologist or the mental coach. At the same time there are those who work independently on their mental preparation.
Surely a hand, even outside of themselves, can be important.
The fundamental thing that must absolutely not happen is to suffer the absence of a second person in the moment of loneliness, that is when the person is with himself on the platform to face the plates. If you are not really prepared the risk of making a mistake and collapsing at the first wrong step is very high.
As with technical training, therefore, carving out time and dedicating yourself to mental training is important.
HOW TO NOURISH YOUR BODY
The energy intake is important before and after each series... but be careful not to exaggerate! In fact, throughout the day the right dose of energy allows you to better face the training or the series, avoiding getting weighed down. For this reason, we recommend a "classic" regular diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water and vitamins.
Let's dispel a myth, used in the world of shooting and beyond: chocolate does not help! Years ago it was recommended to give energy when the athlete was short. Numerous studies have led to the conclusion that this concept has obvious limitations. In fact, at the beginning a glycemic peak occurs and immediately after the level falls below the threshold values causing difficulty in concentration and poor yield during the series.
Eating properly, therefore, does not mean needing supplements or chocolate.
During competitions it is also necessary to keep the blood sugar at the same level, because if this drop can present difficulties in the athlete. Maltodextrins are fundamental for its maintenance.
Finally, the correct diet, made of white meat, fish, salad, carbohydrates and pasta, is also essential not only for the body but also for the mind, because, reviewing an old and wise saying, mens sana in corpore sano.
TO CONCLUDE
It's not just training, it's not just shooting... let's hope those who have always thought so change their mind. Shooting, whatever the discipline practiced, from skeet to trap through compak sporting, is a real sport that requires preparation on several fronts: physical, mental and food.
Continuous training and the maintenance of healthy behaviors are the basis of successes but also a source of satisfaction, especially at the end of each training or competition when certain results come, the result of a long and tiring previous work.
Again, a big thank you to Fabio Partigiani, met during the third stage of the World Cup in Lonato d/G (Brescia), FITAV athletic trainer and friend of Gemini.
To learn more about the topics covered or for a consultation below, find the email address to contact him: fabio.partigiani@hotmail.it