Are you a professional athlete or a shooting enthusiast? Starting from the fact that shooting, in all its disciplines both Olympic (skeet, trap) and non-Olympic (sporting, propeller, universal pit), is an actual sport, and as such it requires preparation on multiple levels.
Continuous and properly practiced training is therefore a fundamental aspect to prepare and make a difference on the field and in the days of the race, as supported by Prof. Fabio Partigiani, athletic trainer of the Italian Team and right-hand man for the realization of this guide and the next related articles.
Before going on with the reading, we anticipate that what has been achieved is not only designed for professional athletes but, as per the initial question, can also be used as a source of inspiration for all fans. Let's get started!
HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO TRAIN
Let's dispel two myths first.
Does a static activity really require training? We'll answer you: yes! If for me many might seem like a “I aim and shoot”, in practice this is not enough. To practice shooting, in fact, you need a 360° preparation, from the body to the mind.
Do you really need to train at every level? We'll answer you: yes! The preparation is fundamental and must be carried out by every shooter: from the professional who competes in national or international competitions, to the junior who has just started his sports career, but also to the non-professional who does it to challenge friends or for fun.
In recent years this aspect has emerged more in many competitions where, to make the difference especially in the final stages of the race, it is always the physical and mental condition, in addition to additional uncontrollable external factors (such as adverse weather conditions of rain, wind, cold). The competitions are in fact more balanced nowadays and the conquest of victory travels on a single target of difference. One more means podium or access to the final, while one less could lead to defeat. So what is the secret that allows you to detach the opponent? An optimal balance that can only be achieved through constant and targeted preparation over time.
This is fundamental at every level, precisely. What changes instead is the programming of the number of training sessions for each type of athlete, also by virtue of the time that a person can dedicate to it. A highly qualified shooter prepares (or should prepare) about six times a week, a young person two or three times reconciling school commitments while for an amateur it is enough once or twice a week. For the latter, we specify, there are also those who devote themselves to preparation several times a week, always with the main objective of finding an optimal physical condition.
Shooting is an atypical sport, where the moment of glory can be achieved independently of certain factors, such as weight, often unfortunately considered as discriminating. Some people weigh 60kg, 80kg, but also 120kg. It does not matter, what is important is the achievement of psycho-physical balance during training to then face the challenges, personal or against the opponents, in the best possible way.
TO CONCLUDE
It's not just shooting and we hope that those who have always thought so will 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.
Continuous training is the basis of success 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 hard previous work.
The result is that it does not necessarily mean victory but that continuous progress has been made, always aimed at improvement, also thanks to the help of our chokes and the upcoming suggestions on what aspects to train.
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