Configuring the shooting position with the aid of biomechanics, helps shooters reach a zero net-force state - where the rifle and the shooter’s body can be in equilibrium. This can be achieved by modifying the shooting position to minimize the influence of external forces and, therefore balance the centre of gravity (COG) of the body.
Experimental evidence, as demonstrated in research by Gianikellis et al. in 1999, has shed light on the inherent mechanical instability within the postures adopted by athletes. This instability arises from intricate interactions among various body segments. Such revelations underscore the critical importance of meticulous "fine-tuning" of movements at different joints to effectively balance an athlete's posture, eliminating excessive degrees of freedom within these joints.
In light of this critical context, the innovative role of the device in facilitating postural correction gains immense significance. By providing real-time feedback, this device becomes an invaluable tool in an athlete's pursuit of achieving optimal postural stability. As the athlete strives to align the laser with the target, the subtle adjustments required to eliminate unnecessary joint movements become apparent, thereby ensuring a mechanically stable posture. This feedback mechanism directly addresses the challenges highlighted by the research, showcasing the practical application of biomechanical principles to mitigate the complex interactions among body segments. Ultimately, this technology enhances the athlete's performance in the realm of shooting sports.
A full-length mirror can be placed on any side of the shooter in order to check the poster while shooting.
A chair or an elevated table can be positioned in front of the shooter as a reference point to assess the hip angle with respect to the table or chair for alignment.
The mirror can be placed on the side, left or right, of the shooter. This has 2 problems:
1: Ideal Observation Angle: The optimal way to assess hip alignment is from the front , as side placements do not provide a clear view of hip angle deviation. Placing the mirror behind the shooter does not provide an optimal position to view the angle of the hips. Placing the mirror in front is not feasible since it obstructs the view of the target.
2: Disruption to Shooting Process: To view a side-placed mirror, the shooter must divert their head from the shooting position. This disruption hampers the shooting process and can lead to inaccurate shots.
Chair or Table Placement: Placing the chair or table in close proximity to the shooter on either side enables observation and maintenance of a parallel hip angle with respect to the chair/table. However, this approach presents two challenges:
1: Limited Detection of Small Deviations: Small deviations in hip angle can be challenging to detect and correct using this method, as it primarily highlights significant discrepancies.
2: Disruption to the Shooting Process: Viewing a side-placed chair or table necessitates the shooter to divert their head from the shooting position, potentially disrupting the shooting process and affecting shot accuracy.
A visual indicator that signals the correctness of the position or the recurrence of persistent postural issues.
Working on presentations in school, I saw the tiny laser pointers and knew that is was the solution I was seeking.
If the hips are not fixed well a bigger movement of the rifle in the lateral plane will occur. This would make it difficult for a shooter to get zero-point of the rifle to the middle of the target. (2)
If hips are turned to the side, unequal pressure on the feet occurs and the muscles of the back are tense and tiring faster. This will disturb the concentration of the shooter, as well as disturbing the stability of the position with movement of the rifle.
Opening the hips will create a triangle between the shoulders and the rifle. Moving the rifle further away from the body will increase the use of muscle strength, causing the shooter to tire quickly and dip in their performance.
When placing the feet and adjusting their angle, the shooter needs to consider the optimal angle to ensure optimal hip alignment." (3)
Sport Psychology And Competition (The Psyche of The Shot), by Heinz Reinkemeier and Gaby Buhlmann
The hip does not align with the rifle barrel and the midfoot.
The 3 points, rifle barrel, hip and the foot lie in a straight line.
The arrows show where the hip is pointing.
The arrow can be replaced by a laser pointer, this pointer will show the shooter, in real-time, where the hip is positioned, and enables the shooter to correct the hip, by correcting the laser point position.
A laser is attached to the hip point of the shooter with magents and sculpting clay.
The laser serves as an indicator of proper hip alignment. When the laser aligns with the central axis of the target, it validates the correct positioning of the hip.
When the hip is correctly positioned, it aligns with the barrel of the rifle, hence the laser point can be seen in line with the target.
If the hip position deviates, this can be seen by the shooter and self-corrected.