The effect of hand grip strenght and pinch strenght on shooting accuracy i̇n traditional archery

The aim of this study is to acutely analyze how the balance and hand and finger grip strengths of traditional Turkish archery athletes affect their shooting accuracy. A total of 26 athletes, 10 males and 16 females, who were licensed athletes between the ages of 12-15 and had at least 2 years of experience without any injuries, were included in the study. Hand and finger grip strength tests of the athletes were performed with a Saehan SH5001/SH5005 brand hydraulic hand dynamometer and hydraulic pinch meter. The measurements were repeated 3 times on both hands and the average of the 3 values was taken and noted in kg. MFT Challenge Disk 2.0 Nature device was used in the balance test of the athletes. Measurements were taken of the athletes on the platform, first with both legs and then with one leg. Shooting performances were applied according to the 18 meter indoor competition qualifying shooting rules determined by TGTOF. Each athlete shot a total of 35 arrows, 7 arrows in 5 series. SPSS program was used for statistical analysis. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used when examining the relationship between the data. According to the results obtained, no significant relationship was found between the athletes dominant and non-dominant hand and finger grip strength, dominant and non-dominant foot balance and shooting accuracy (p < 0.05). However, a moderately positive (r = .624) and significant (p < 0.05) relationship was found between male athletes two-foot balance and shooting accuracy. Additionally, a strong negative (r= -.744) and significant (p<0.05) relationship was found between the balance difference between the two legs and the shooting accuracy rate in male athletes. According to these results, athletes are recommended to do branch-specific balance and strength training in order to increase their shooting performance.