International Elite Coach Candidates Gather in Bangkok for Level 3 Course

World Archery’s Partner Centre in Bangkok runs a variety of coaching courses throughout the year, aimed at training officials from member associations around the world to be better teachers and evaluators of talent from recreational to elite level.

The Level 3 Coaching Certification is designed to produce mentors for international archers. The eight-day programme covers theoretical discussions and learning the practical applications of advanced training techniques including shooting form practice, strength and conditioning, and balance – as well as studying mental coaching. It is designed as collaborative learning: participants are encouraged to share views and examples from personal experiences.

In February 2015, 14 coach candidates made the trip to Bangkok for the most recent level 3 course. 

The course highlighted a critical aspect of elite performance: core strength. Discussions focused on creating to a stable base for the shot – with asymmetrical training and instability exercises being highlighted as the most effective ways of teaching a firm shooting foundation. The lesson was put to the test over two-day gym and shooting range sessions. Course leaders Pascal COLMAIRE, World Archery Development Director, and Thai Head Coach CHONG Yap Lee reviewed approaches as candidates peer coached each other – in both recurve and compound styles – and developed a better understanding of correct shooting form. With 14 coaches from eight different countries in attendance, it was interesting to explore the variations in technique taught around the world and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The candidates worked on a training plan for their own archers before presenting it to the group for feedback.

But acting as an international coach involves much more than training technique. Learning to be an effective team manager is a huge part of the job.

The course participants in Bangkok acted out a roleplay. They shot a ranking round and round robin head-to-heads as both archers and coaches, working through different situations that arise at events and working out the best way to deal with them. International Judge Simon WEE then gave a presentation on the responsibilities of a team leader at an international event: from planning training to logistics, dispute resolution and interaction with other officials.

“Fast paced but full of information and practical exercise,” said USA candidate Laval FALKS, in review of the programme’s content. “I also had time to enjoy Bangkok and the Thai culture. I’d recommend the course to anyone who is qualified to attend.”

The outcome of this latest level 3 coach in Bangkok: 14 new international-level coaches, subject to accreditation, ready to develop elite archery in their own countries.

Development in brief

The Bangkok Partner Centre welcomed archers from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, UAE and Bhutan for a compound training camp at the end of January. The aim was both to improve the level of the archers and the knowledge of their coaches, so they could continue to develop the discipline when the teams returned home. Eleven Level 1 coach candidates from seven African, Asian and Oceanic nations visited the venue in December to cover the fundamentals of coaching new athletes and introducing beginners to archery

Read more about coaching.