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Pre-Season Preparation - Dealing with Distractions

Distractions are around us every day and everywhere we go.  A distraction is something that prevents someone from giving their full attention to something else.  Some distractions can be easier to manage for one person but difficult for someone else.  A few examples: 

• A student is tapping a pencil on the desk, are you able to keep focus on your teacher and tune the tapping out?  
• Your cellphone vibrates, are you able to continue doing what you were doing and check your phone at a later time?

There are many distractions that can take place on the archery range from the person standing next to you who is opposite eye dominate, attractiveness to an individual, sounds, talking prior to shooting, photographs, a phone vibrating in your pocket, stomach growling, etc.

It is evident that distractions are not going to go away, but how you decide to handle the different distractions that effect your ability is your choice.  In order to get the most out of your limited archery practices, have something specific you want to work on (maybe a set skill from the 11 Steps).  However, if you know you struggle focusing when someone of the opposite gender is standing next to you or a person is taking pictures of you at a tournament ask for help.  A coach or parent may not realize what distractions are difficult for you to manage so ask your coach to setup different scenarios.  As you practice with the distraction in place, it will help train your mind to overcome or minimize it overtime.  

10 Archery Apps for Archers and Coaches

In Summer 2014, Apple released a powerful commercial titled “Strength.” Boasting over 1.4 million YouTube hits, the ad features athletes using mobile devices to improve their skills. A subliminal message hints at the devices’ strength and powers. Although Apple makes every activity look easy, customers often struggle to find the perfect app for every need. Never fear! We at Archery360 can help. Here are 10 archery apps that leverage the strength of your smartphones, tablets and inner archer.  Read More

Did You Know You Can Create Formulas For Anything, Even Archery?

Using your string bow and the 11 Steps of Archery Success you can practice archery without releasing arrows.  There is also a formula you could use to simulate the size of the target and how far away to stand from a printed target. 

Formula:

[Size of the printed target / Size of real target] * Simulated distance from target = How far to stand from printed target

Note: [Size of the printed target / Size of real target] is also known as the scale of the target.

Example: 

If a target is 50 cm high and the printed target is 10 cm high, your scale is 1:5 or 1/5th. 

If you want to practice shooting at 10 meters, you would need to stand 1/5th that distance to the target. In this case you would stand 2 meters away from a 10 cm target. That would feel the same as shooting a 50 cm target at 10 meters away.

The important thing to note when doing your scaling, is to keep the size of the target in the same units as the size of the printed target.  At the same time keep the simulated distance to target units the same as the distance needed to stand from the printed target.  The units between target size and distance do not need to be the same.

Example: 

A full size target might be measured in inches, then the scaled down target will also be measured in inches. While distance to the full size target is measured in feet, then the distance to the scaled target should also be measured in feet.

Additional Resource:

Estimating Distance (Outdoor Herbivore Blog)

Beyond NASP® - Iowa Winter Games Tournaments

Last year was our first year offering two Iowa Winter Game Tournaments and it went over very well that Iowa Games approved two events again.  

This year’s Winter Games will be on the same date, January 20th and the two hosting schools are Central City and Eddyville.  Both tournament locations will offer both bullseye and 3D tournaments.   Eddyville’s tournament registration opened in December but there is still space available.   Central City’s bullseye registration will open on January 4th.   For more information about each Iowa Winter Games Tournament visit https://nasptournaments.org/TournamentExplorer.aspx

Take it Outside - Spend a Winter Day Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a fun, inexpensive activity to get outdoors and beat cabin fever. Get a group of friends and/or family together, bundle up and head to your favorite ice fishing spot.

Attend an Ice Fishing Clinic

Learn basic ice fishing techniques and safety tips at a free ice fishing clinic scheduled around Iowa this winter. Dress for the weather - hats and mittens are essential along with a good pair of boots.

Find a complete list of ice fishing clinics on our website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing.

Ice Safety Tips

Ice conditions change constantly and its thickness can vary across the lake. Here’s some simple tips to help keep you safe on the ice.

• Check the weekly DNR fishing report for ice conditions across the state - we recommend a minimum of four inches of quality ice for fishing.
• Bring a friend along.
• Trust your instincts - if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.
• Check the ice often as you make your way to your favorite fishing spot.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. 
• Bring along ice picks, about 50 feet of rope, a floatable seat cushion you can throw to someone in case of a rescue, and your cell phone.
• Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.

Tips to be an Ice Angler

• Go with someone who has experience and equipment to use.
• Fish early and late in the day. Fish are more active during these times.
• Contact your local Iowa DNR Fisheries Biologist, bait shop or fishing tackle dealer for the latest tips on places to fish, what depth and areas of the lake they are biting and hot baits.
• View a structure map of the lake you are going to fish. Downloadable fishing structure maps are available on the DNR’s Where to Fish website.
• Use small jigs, spoons or minnows and light line.
• Learn to use spring bobbers (a piece of metal or wire that extends off the rod tip). Fish use less energy during the winter and are less aggressive. Spring bobbers let you set the depth of line and see when you have a bite, often before you even feel it on your line.
• Get more ice fishing tips and tricks on the DNR website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/icefishing 

Genesis Build-A-Bow Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the 5 winners for the Build-A-Bow giveaway.  Below is the list of selected essays submitted by the parents and the children who received the bows. 

1. Kim Hofmaster (Marion) - Daughter Liberty
2. Andrea Powell (Wapsie Valley) - Son Ayden
3. Kendi Ashmore (Stilwell) - Daughter Alyssa
4. Sherrie Duval (Marion) - Daughter Patience
5. Debra Steenhard (Garner Hayfield Ventura) - Sons Cade, Colt and Rhett

Thank you to all the families who entered into the drawing!  It was difficult to select just five recipients.  All had great stories to share on how NASP® has positively impacted their lives.   

Cupid Challenge - Win a Target!

Submit a photo of your "inner cupid" and have a chance to win a Hurricane™ Category 1 Youth Archery Target.  Whether it is a photo of a unique heart target you made, your best cupid impression or even a creative Valentine's day archery box or card; all will earn you a chance to win a new target!  Please submit your photos to huntereducation@dnr.iowa.gov by no later than February 12.  Winner will be notified on Valentine's Day (February 14)!