Striving for excellence: A multi-action plan intervention model for shooters

Objectives: A multi-action plan (MAP) intervention model has been applied to the Italian shooting team in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics to help athletes improve, stabilise, and optimise their performances during practice and competition. Design: A longitudinal design was adopted to assess the intervention effects over two years. Methods: Fifteen participants, two female and three male carbine shooters, and five female and five male pistol shooters, took part in the study. First, shooters were requested to accurately and extensively describe their usually optimal sequence of actions for the execution of a single shot from start to follow through. Second, shooters were asked to identify a small number of the most important core components (three or four) deemed fundamental to optimal performance. Third, performers were engaged in several shooting sessions and asked to assess themselves by rating the quality of each core component. Finally, the most influential core components were further assessed under conditions of increased distress and simulated competition. Results: Core component ratings were linked to shooting scores classified as optimal or suboptimal. The probability levels of optimal/suboptimal performance associated with the core component ratings were derived using logistical ordinal regression analysis. The full links among core component scores and the full range of shooting scores were also examined through path analysis. Conclusions: Findings highlighted the benefits of using the MAP intervention model in the preparation of elite level shooters.