The effect of mental training on shooting points and mental durability levels in archery athletes aged 15-21

This study aims to examine the effect of mental training on shooting scores and mental endurance levels of archery athletes between the ages of 15-21. Also the study aimed to increase the shooting performance of archery athletes, to increase their attention levels and to reduce their excitement levels. It is considered that a mental training program should be implemented to achieve these goals. The research was conducted with licensed athletes in Istanbul / Beyoğlu Archers Foundation Sports Club. The shooting scores by the control and experimental groups in the Turkey Ranking Score 1 and Turkey Ranking Score 2 competitions before and after the study were taken and the Mental Resilience Inventory test was applied to these groups. In the study, the control group continued their physical training for 10 weeks. While the group continued their physical training, a mental training program of 40 minutes in total, divided into 2 parts, was applied for 10 weeks. In the mental training of the experimental group, the subjects of adaptation, focus, relaxation, imagination, and attention were emphasized. According to the data obtained in the research, as a result of the mental training applied to the archery athletes in the experimental group for 10 weeks, a significant difference was formed in the mental endurance levels and shooting scores of the archers. Mental training was not applied to the control group, and there was a decrease in mental endurance levels with no significant difference in shooting scores. In line with these data, the shooting performances and mental endurance levels of the group that implemented the mental training program also increased, and the shooting performance and mental endurance levels of the group that did not apply mental training did not increase. As a result, it has become clear that mental training is essential and should be applied.