Momentum

Posted On: 06-01-2021

In sports, momentum is often the edge needed to win.  As youth shooters you have to know when to recognize and grab that momentum.  In the world of physics momentum is the quantity of motion measured as a product its mass and velocity.  The more momentum the more power or impact.  In sports we recognize psychological momentum often as a team or individual begins to capitalize on either the mistakes of others, or the success of their own set of skills.  There are many ways of understanding momentum in sports and the Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science defines psychological momentum as, “the positive or negative change in cognition, affect, physiology, and behavior caused by an event or series of events that affects either the perceptions of the competitors or, perhaps, the quality of performance and the outcome of the competition. Positive momentum is associated with periods of competition, such as a winning streak, in which everything seems to ‘go right’ for the competitors.”

Trap is a sport that we all know requires a great deal of focus and concentration.  Everyone has to start on a station and shoot those first five targets.  A great start begins by hitting those first five targets and moving to the next station alert to the future possibilities of repeating another five-straight.  Each station builds on this sense of momentum or power pushing forward to achieve even more success.  It feels good, it is positive, and recognizing your momentum can lead to great possibilities. 

Some might ask, “what about missing a first target?”  All I can say is momentum has to start somewhere so why not on the first hit target regardless of when this occurs.  I reflect back on one of my students that missed the first target and the ACUI nationals only to go on and win the national individual trap title.  He built on that first target and let the momentum take him all the way to the podium. 

Keep in mind even little moments of success can build momentum.  Use these to help you grow into great shooters and recognize when you feel the sensation of confidence, control, that leads to an opportunity for peak performance.  Learn to grasp positive momentum shifts and use them to your advantage.  It might just the one thing you do better than anyone.  In closing, also consider collective momentum as you recognize the feeling, perhaps your whole team will follow. 

David R. Vaught

Executive Director