The Modification of the Initial Stance Differentiates the Balance Parameters of the Aiming Phase in Recurve Archery

Abstract

Balance is an important performance factor in archery. Archers tend to use two distinct stances, the open (OS) and the classic square (CS) stance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible differences in selected balance parameters between OS and CS. Thirty-three (21 males and 12 females) righthanded experienced archers (28.8 years ± 12.0, 1.73 m ± 0.08, 74.8 kg ± 12.6) performed trials with OS and CS. Participants were assigned into two groups (square stance group, CSG and open stance group, OSG), according to their preferred stance adopted during training and competitions. Participants were instructed to use their favorite stance for the first block of three trials and the alternative for the second block of three trials. The order of block trials was counterbalanced to avoid any carry over effects. All trials were performed on a 2-Delta Stabilometer©. Results showed that, regardless of the block of trials, CSG applied higher vertical ground reaction forces by the front leg than OSG. Additionally, the analysis revealed a tendency for CSG to show smaller displacements of the center of pressure (CoP) compared to OSG, since CSG had significantly (p< .05) lower CoP displacements in the block of trials with CS than OSG, but only for the axis of the line of shooting. In conclusion, the selection of the proper stance is essential to ensure the optimization of archery performance.