Local archers get elite training tips from Olympic coach
High point of VIAA
A recent visit by Phil Graves, a US Archery Level 4 NTS Certified Coach and National Judge and a third generation Archer with over 25 years of archery experience, the Head Coach of Geneva Archery and a World Archery Representative that trains ‘Elite’ archers on the Olympic level, was perhaps the pinnacle of the Association’s short life.
“We thought we were in for a coaching clinic, with emphasis on shooting styles etc., but what we got was so much more. Coach Phil (whom I’ve come to call “Big Dog”) asked us for an agenda prior to his visit, so he could assess what we would need,” noted Smith. “Our Agenda included judging and officiating tournaments, fine tuning and setup of Olympic style bows, shooting Olympic style; which entails changing your anchor point to shoot longer distances and specialised training and diet.”
However, on arrival Coach Phil went above and beyond the list and included the mental side of sports, stretching exercises, how to target specific muscles, the mechanics of the shot process, alignment, how to adapt stance for windy conditions, and the list goes on.
Coach Phil also assured the Association that they were on the right track and that World Archery was impressed with their progress in relation to the strategic plans, and recommended that some items on the agenda be moved forward.
Top level training experience
“Until now, the only formal training we’ve had was from the NASP (National Archery in the Schools Programme). That’s not even the tip of the iceberg. At the end of Day 1 of the seminar, I was blown away. When Coach Phil asked what we learned, all I could muster up was WOW! Second day, same thing. You have to realise, he was sharing secrets with us that they use to train their ‘Elite’ athletes,” commented Smith.
“He shared with us periodisation, how to set up proper training schedules to have athletes at their peak at selected events and when to have them relaxed after to prevent burnout. It’s a lot more complicated than just running and shooting arrows. He also told us that no two athletes will train the same and that no two people are the same. So you see, there is a lot more than just ‘pullin’ em back and lettin’ em fly!’”
More targets in sight
Next the Association plans to design a coaching certification programme, under the guidance of World Archery and align themselves with medical professionals, physical therapists, nutritionists, personal trainers and social media.
“When it’s all said and done, what we will have is an efficient, well organised programme for our athletes. We are working with renewed vigor to move Archery in the Virgin Islands forward,” concluded Smith.
Coach Phil also met with the President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr Ephraim Penn and they discussed the Archery programme in the Virgin Islands and the combined efforts of World Archery and the BVIOC in the future that is needed to further grow the sport. “We’ve indicated to World Archery that we have 3 other islands to get involved, namely Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.”
Success in competition
In competition, the Association has also moved forward quickly with participation in the Inaugural 2015 Virgin Islands National Archery Championships on December 5, 2015 on the Island of St Croix, USVI.
“We had a team of 6 persons that represented the Virgin Islands, which consisted of 3 athletes, 2 coaches and 1 photographer. The President of VIAA, David Foster, competed in the 50 Meter Male Compound Division; the Secretary Ritseeniyah Georges competed in the 20 Meter Women Recurve Division and Winnette Lawrence, competed in the 50 Meter Women Compound Division. They all won their respective divisions,” beamed Smith.
According to International Archer Anne Abernathy, who is fondly referred to as "Grandma Luge" and competes for the USVI, "you cleaned us out."
Anne competed and won the 70 Meter Women Recurve Division and is a 6 time Olympian in the Luge and 2016 Olympic hopeful in Archery.
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14 Responses to “Local archers get elite training tips from Olympic coach”
people will join this growing sport. Congrtulations to the winners.
All the best guys.