Can mental training help to improve shooting accuracy?

The study investigated the effects of two mental training strategies separa tely and combined on subjects' shooting performance following an endurance march, Further the study examined the suitability of a ten-session training programme for the police force. On Trial 1, following a three hour march, 44 subjects shot 25 rounds. Subjects were then randomly assigned to four gr oups (biofeedback, relaxation, combined biofeedback and relaxation and cont rol). After two weeks of mental training, subjects performed both tasks aga in on Trial 2. A repeated two-way ANOVA indicated a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in shooting accuracy by the combined group. Suitability for thi s mental training programme toes strongly supported by the experimental gro ups (71 per cent to 80 per cent). Subjects were generally better able to re lax and focus. They were also more aware of their body and their physiologi cal control Results ave discussed in light of potential benefits for cognit ive strategies in precision tasks following endurance activities.