Competitive Sport Shooting Practical Sport Psychology

International Shooting Sport Federation
Bavariaring 21, D-80336 München, Germany
Phone: +49-89-5443550 Fax: +49-89-54435544
E-mail: munich@issf-shooting.org
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Internet: http://www.issf-shooting.org
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Competitive Sport Shooting

Practical Sport Psychology






By Dr. Heinz Lösel M.D.

Chairman ISSF Medical Committee





2nd Edition 1999; © ISSF Munich

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Index



Index 1
Foreword by Dr. Heinz Lösel, Chairman of the ISSF Medical Committee
3
Anxiety and Overcoming Anxiety
4
Autogenous Training, a Measure Used for Competition
10
Autogenous Training in Sport Shooting
11
Muscular Relaxation (Jacobson), Tonus Relaxation (Stokvis)
30
Desensitization, Implosion Therapy, Behavioral Therapy
34
Music Therapy
38

Provoking Anxiety
42
Beta-Blocker and Psychopharaceuticals
44
Complementary Transaction between Shooters and Reference Persons
53
Individual Psychostabilization
55
Experimental Medication
61
Taking Placebos
67
Taking Placebos: An amusing sample
70
Sleep can be learned
72
Smoking can be unlearned
79



2nd Edition 1999; © ISSF Munich
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? International Shooting Sport Federation
Munich, Germany
All rights reserved
1st edit June 1998; 2nd edit February 1999
Published by the
ISSF International Shooting Sport Federation
Printed in Germany.


2nd Edition 1999; © ISSF Munich
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Foreword



Successful training in competitive sports or any performance-oriented sport is based on the
scientific work up of specific physical and psychological as well as technical and didactic
elements required for performance.

As far as sport shooting is concerned, it took longer than in other sports for sport doctors,
psychologists and physiologists to decide to work together with experienced trainers to
analyze and integrate the numerous elements of the shooting process into a system of
learning.

For several decades, the Medical Commission of the International Shooting Sport Federation
– ISSF - has been striving to relay general findings of sport medicine as the basic elements of
training to its athletes and to back these findings with its own experimental tests and practical
experiences.

Many of these scientific lectures have been published in the ISSF NEWS (former UIT
Journal) and the "Deutschen Schützenzeitung" or at international congresses.
We plan to deal with topics pertaining to athletic performance in a summary form.

Since situations dealing with psychological problems are of great importance in the shooting
sport, I have decided to first deal with the behavioral processing of these complexes.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our president, Mr. Olegario Vázquez Raña, and
our secretary general, Mr. Horst Schreiber, for their support and to also thank Mr. Franz
Schreiber, who was responsible for the design and layout of this brochure, and Mr. Wolfgang
Schreiber, chief editor of the ISSF NEWS (former UIT Journal), for his advice. My special
acknowledgement goes to Mrs. Rebecca Walkiw for the excellent translation.







Dr. Heinz Lösel M.D.
Chairman of the ISSF Medical Committee

2nd Edition 1999; © ISSF Munich
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Anxiety and Overcoming Anxiety



Psychostabilizing Methods in Sport Shooting

Here, we are speaking of the manifold changes of emotional condition, which, in a larval
state, lead to an intrinsic state of psychic tension or anxiety, accompanied by despair under
extreme circumstances, and whose effects are characterized in the somatic region by a
conditioned, partially genetic influence on the vegetative nervous system which is typical of
the personality. In this context, we shall not deal with the unrestrained, tangible anxiety as a
pathological emotional disorder within the realm of endogenous depression or other forms of
psychotic, false behavior.

It is my intention, dear colleagues, who are striving to become active or who are already
active in sport medicine - whatever level it may be - to acquaint you with psycho-stabi-lizing
methods and measures in this report.

"I'm anxious about the results of my check-up by the doctor". "I'm afraid to spend the night
alone in this house."

"There are nights when I can't catch a wink of sleep just worrying about my children's future".
"I'm afraid of falling short again in the next competition which, in turn, could keep my team
from making the qualification."

"I'm afraid of ruining a good total result on my last shot." "I'm anxious about", "I'm afraid of",
"I'm worried about", "I'm concerned with something."

All of us are familiar with strong, emotionally accentuated reflections which we have to live
with and also deal with - sometimes better and sometimes worse - in our daily lives.
Reflections which - destiny so willing - take us captive time after time, influence and slow
down our thinking process and restrict our creativity. Reflections which often result in
psychoreactive patterns of behavior usually regarded by ourselves and our environment as a
personality disorder.

Intellectual anxiety has existed since the time the human brain, in the course of its evolution,
had developed to the point where a rationally thinking mind evolved with the help of which
we are now able to cultivate specific mental activities, to formulate the concept of our own
ego, to make decisions, and to reflect the temporal nature of our own human existence.

It is said that animals have no consciousness of self and therefore can only expierence fear
which brings us once more around to the concepts of "anxiety" and "fear". The questions
posed here are how to differentiate between these two concepts and when to properly apply
them.

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Let's see what the philosophers, psychologists and finally the physiologists have to say on this
topic.

According to Kierkegaard, the concept of "fear" is based on something concrete and is
connected with a definite object, whereas anxiety has no definite source and is not an in-
tentional expression of feeling but rather a superfluous mood which is not evoked through a
definite object. This distinction between the concepts of anxiety and fear, which is
indispensible for a scientific discussion, is generally not heeded in the everyday use of the
language. In fact they are often used as synonyms.

Even those who are more "discriminating in their choice of words" often do not use the words
fear and anxiety properly, especially when the emotional background first has to be pin-
pointed and then laboriously analyzed. A few examples of this are as follows:

"I'm afraid of failing because I'm not well enough prepared" ..., "the audience is not well
disposed towards me"...., "my speaking technique and means of expression are not
appropriate for this kind of discussion and because I" ...

It isn't the anxiety which influences my emotions but rather the fear with regard to some or
other facts which I negatively categorize.

"I am worried about the test." Why? I don't know. I'm well prepared; the instructors seem to
have acknowledged my work up to now; and I like the topic chosen for discussion. But
despite all these factors, my heart still skips a beat each time I think about the test. My skin
moistens and I become nervous and uncertain. Why? Perhaps, it is only anxiety, and I have
forgotten or suppressed the actual source, or is it the uncertain feeling of anxiety which,
according to the philosopher, Jaspers, is necessary to prevent one from lapsing into a state of
false security...., or is it a malaise such as a psycho vegetative syndrome caused by excessive
stress. Perhaps in the course of time, I have forgotten what anxiety actually is. Perhaps I have
conditioned and recalled it many times over through the use of certain signals without actually
realizing that this process was taking place." Let's take a closer look at anxiety.

Personal anxiety, a part of universal anxiety, which is not unfounded and can be traced back
to primitive times, is the consequence of an environment oppressed by - birth, anxiety about
death and the responsibility of making decisions or - as Sartre stated - the uncertainty of
taking action.

Christian theologists believe that fear originates from the loss of innocence after the fall from
grace and the banishment from paradise. In other words, it means making decisions without
the consultation of the "All Mighty Father" or being alone, isolated from God through our acts
of sin.

Psychology today no longer makes a distinction between anxiety and fear in experimental and
therapeutical realms. It supports the opinion that these emotions are closely connected with
the ability to differentiate between social patterns of stimulation. The anxiety about taking
action or existing takes on greater meaning during the development of the personality.

The comparison of behavioral researach has shown convincing results which have been made
in support of such premises. It is compulsive decision making which triggers the thymogenic
type of behavior.


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At a conference held on the fundamental phenomenon of anxiety, the behavioral scientist,
Professor Lorenz, discussed the research done by his colleague, Massermann. I quote:

"A rhesus moneky was confronted with two possibilities and had to make a relatively simple
decision. The monkey had to push a button when a certain picture appeared. He had to push a
second button when another appeared. If he made a mistake, he received a light electric
shock. The monkey had to work 5 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon but
otherwise could rest. Experience has shown that such a monkey dies in a very short period of
time due to high blood pressure, heart-failure and all those symptoms common to a person
suffering from management fever. A second monkey, sitting next to him, witnessed the same
procedure and was even given the same electric shocks, but was nevertheless able to survive
because he simiply didn't let the situation get a grip on him."

Supporters of modern behavioral physiology believe that biochemical reactions are the sole
factors governing consciousness and perception. The type and strength of these emotions are
conditioned and can become unconditioned by means of proper therapeutic and be-havioral
therapeutic care.

What takes place in the central nervous system when it is confronted with anxiety, fear, fright
and frustrations? Even though we have won greater insight into the psycho-
somatic/somatopsychic processes by experimentation in cerebral physiology and bio-
cybernetics, we are still in the elementary stage with respect to the theoretical fundamental
research done in the process of thinking and perceiving.

It is a fact that typical expressions of human behavior are closely connected with the most
recently developed part of the human brain, the cerebral cortex, the neocortex and the limbic
system. Through a vegetative nervous and hormonal regulatory mechanism, the perceptions,
triggered by the dopamine-ergic nigro-striatal nor-adrenergic system, lead to processing
impulses on physiological motoric and cognitive levels. Through the output of
neurotransmitter substances such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, acetylcholine, dopamine,
serotonine, the emotions have a centralized effect on the flow and processing of information
and a peripheral effect on almost all systems of the human body through the sympathetic
nervous system and the tenth cranial nerve.

Anxiety causes the pulse rate and blood pressure to increase, creates a poor distribution of
blood, a disruption of the peristalsis in the digestive system, a widening of the windpipe and
pupils and further increases the production of the sweat glands. In short, all functions are
controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. The opposite, however, can also be activated at
the same time. A good example of this is crying, which is a process triggered by the
parasympathetic nervous system through the stimulation of the lacrimal glands.

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Organ
Sympathetic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous
System
Heart
Increase in contractile force and pusle Decrease in contractile force
(shortened time of transition)
and pulse (longer time of
transition)
Vascular System Increased tonicity (vasoconstriction)
Decreased tonicity
(vasodilation)
Bronchial System
Dilation
Constriction
Stomach/Intestine Retardation
of
peristalsis
Increase of peristalsis
Pupils Dilation Constriction
Palpebral fissure
Dilation
-
Hair follicles
Muscle contraction
-
Genitalia Orgasm
reflex
Secretion
Stomach, Intestinal
- -
Gland, Pancreas
Sweat Glands
Secretion
-
Lacrimal Gland
Slight secretion Strong
secretion
Adrenal Medulla
Hormonal output

Figure 1: Effect of the vegetative nervous system on the various human organs
(by H. Legewie, L. Nusselt)

Up to now, we still know very little about the amount of neurotransmitters produced and the
relation of these transmitters to one another, such as the relation between noradrenaline and
adrenaline in the peripheral as well as the central area of the brain, or the substance sertonine,
which is activated in the brain during emotional outbreaks of desire, joy, fright, sadness and
fear. Therefore, a wide field of speculation exists. Presently, a strong topic of discussion is
one based on cerebral research of serotonine metabolism and the possibility of its use for
medicinal stimulation. (see UIT Journal 2/87 – now ISSF NEWS).

After the representation of anxiety and its effect on the psyche and biocybernetics, let's take a
closer look at the topic dealing with "anxiety in sports".

Many factors are involved in the psychic stress which occurs during the performance of a
certain sport. The individual forms of behavior caused by genetic factors are often under-
estimated, just as the schematic reactions shaped by the environment and influential people.
The pursuit of general or specific achievements and the acknowledgement by others as well as
oneself is certainly not only limited to competiton and training.

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State
Physiological
Psychological
Manifestation in Sport
before
Characteristics
Characteristics
start
Start
Acute stimulation of
Intense nervousness;
Disorganized motor skills;
fever
central excitation
inability to concentrate;
deviation from tactical
process; acute
forgetfulness; emotional
plan; loss of the time and
vegetative shifts
instability; unmotivated
rhythm; cramping; wild
(increased pulse rate,
haste; psychomotor
and uncontrolled con-
outbreak in sweat,
restlessness; fear of
tension
trembling etc.);
opponent
weakness

Start
Acute stimulation of
Slackening of perception,
Strength only partially
apathy
central retarding
intensity of thought and
mobilized; incapable of
processes; reduced
alertness; mental
warming-up; no energetic
excitability; vegetative
sluggishness; bad mood;
fighting spirit (rapid
shifts (exhaustion,
aversion to competition;
exhaustion); no pep after
leadenness); weakness
dissatisfaction
competition; full potential

not used; reactions too
slow

Optimally
Concentration &
Optimal activity level &
Competition according to
prepared
balance of central
joy for the competi-tion;
tactical plan; control;

excitation & retardation
positive emotions; self-
performance level reached
processes; optimal
confidence & performance or exceeded; performance
intensity of
optimism; optimal
demands tactically and
physiological process
alertness; great self
properly used
(breathing circulation, control; great stability etc.
metabolism, hormonal
regulation etc.)

Figure 2: (by F. Schubert)

Anxiety plays a major role, where sensorimotor skills such as the finely coordinated processes
of movement, are stressed, where a temporary decrease in vitality can not be compensated for
by extraordinary efforts, and where a transposition in aggression is not appropriate.

In this case, I'm thinking along the line of figure-skating, gymnastics, many track-and-field
sports, and of course sport shooting. An unphysiological tensing of the muscles, which
influences the automated process, or a slackening in concentration for only a matter of
seconds is enough to cause a decrease in the information flow of unplanned stimulations
which can impede the optimal performance in firing a shot and can mean the difference
between victory and failure.


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Just as in most walks of life, one is chiefly confronted with anxiety to fail in competitive
sports. This is based on failure experience in the past or a past victory, which one fears to
lose, or a burning desire to achieve victory. When considering an event, which will take place
in the distant future, the "overall concept of anxiety" can most often be traced back to an
anxiety of unexpected factors, which may occur in a given situation during the course of a
competition.

Whereas the general concept of anxiety stems from the comtemplation of the general and
disciplinary condition and strength of the opponent, the anxiety about a given situation stems
from the thought of making a false decision or taking a false action to no avail. Anxiety in
general influences the emotional behavior and not so much the autonomic nervous system. It
is seldomly self-analyzed but is usually suppressed instead. "Why should I worry about it? I
have plenty of time until then."

The anxiety of a given situation, which largely depends upon a fixed time schedule and can
undergo excessive fluctuations before the competition, has a great effect on the biocybernetic
regulatory mechanism and largely corresponds to the image we have of distress. Restricting
factors which are physically or mentally rehearsed can trigger a stimulus-response. However,
superstitious behavior, according to "Skinner", through accidental contingents can not only be
observed in daily life but in sports as well. In this case, disturbances in ritual are responsible
for fluctuations in mood. A well-known inter-national rifle shooter was once heard saying, "I
forgot my 'lucky charm' which I always have by me. I no longer have a chance of winning a
good place..." And a considerable decline in his level of performance was indeed noticed at
this competition.

In the high-performance sport of shooting, it is not, as often assumed by laymen, the dreadful
trembling which causes poor results. An emotional erruption, which affects the ability to
concentrate and observe, which brings about a change in the muscular tension such as
hypotonia or hypotension or which, more importantly, causes a discrepancy in the tonicity of
the agonistic and antagonistic functions of the muscles, plays a major role here.

What can medicine and sport psychology offer to influence psychic or mental/physical
processes at work in us? What active or passive methods for that matter can be used to
overcome psychic instability? For practical and economical reasons, analytical procedures and
heterogenic hypnosis are of not great help, whereas a wide-range of practicing pro-cedures
can be used. Let's take a look at some of the most important ones:

In the forefront are the Asian and Western immersion practices in self-contemplation such as
yoga, Zen-Buddhism, and experimental meditation which are based on some ideology or for
that matter religious practices. There are also methods of behavioral therapy such as
autogenous training by Schultz or progressive muscle relaxation by Jacobson; psychic
desensitisation; and in more recent years, the many forms of biofeedback training, which
include the method of role playing as in development therapy and music therapy; the practice
of persuasion used in everyday life; and finally, individual systems for the pro-cessing of
distressful situations.


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