Getting it back: A case study of skill recovery in an elite athlete

Execution of the optimum technique is the basis of high-level performance i n sport. Unfortunately, however, even well-established technique can be uni ntentionally lost, with disastrous results for achievement. The present cas e study describes the design, execution, and evaluation of an intervention to aid the recovery of optimum technique in an elite javelin thrower. Using contrast style drills, in association with mental skills to promote effect ive learning, the intervention worked on critical performance factors ident ified through three-dimensional kinematic analyses. Analysis of the perform er's technique at a recent major championship provided a comparison of thes e performance factors and, therefore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention.