CAMERA KEEPS ARCHERS ON TARGET

by James Skitt - 15.06.09

Whilst the origins of the sport may date back to at least medieval times, the technology being used by Great Britain’s Archers in their quest for Olympic medals in London 2012 could not be more up to date.

Last June ArcheryGB, which is soon to move into newly refurbished state of the art facilities at Lilleshall, invested in a Specialist Ballisitcs Camera which is being put to good use by English Institute of Sport (EIS) Biomechanist Oliver Logan.

The new technology captures 4-5000 frames per second, compared to 50 on the average home camcorder, allowing Logan, who supports GB’s elite archers full time, the ability to capture footage in incredible detail.

“The camera allows us to capture the interaction between the archer and the bow in much greater detail” Logan explains, “but its main purpose is for testing the equipment which the archers use and ensuring that their clearance is clean when releasing the arrow.”

Clearance of the arrow from the bow is essential to accuracy it archery, with even the slightest deflection being magnified over the distance to the target.

“The real advantage of having this camera is that we are now able to test the archer’s equipment ourselves and on a regular basis” says Logan. “Before we only had the resources to test the equipment in this way about once a year but now we can do it anytime, which is of great benefit to the archers.”

The specialist equipment is not just limited to the camera either, as the technology needs specialist lighting to be most effective, whilst a second lower specification camera allows a second angle of the action to be captured.

“It’s been a fairly large investment” admits Logan, “but it is one that will pay off and will add that extra percentage to predicted performance. Not only can we capture the interaction between archer and bow in more detail than ever before, but we are able to give them instant feedback and even transfer it onto a USB so they can take it away with them” he says.

Under the steer of new Performance Director Sara Symington, the sport looks set to leave no stone unturned in a bid for 2012 success, with the archers to enjoy exclusive use of a refurbished indoor and outdoor facility at Lilleshall from July.

“This is the first time the archers will be able to carry out such regular testing and training without travelling abroad, which is imperative leading up to London” says Symington.

Alan Wills, one of GB’s leading archers, says: "The camera is the best I have used, it has been a brilliant help with the setting up of my bow as it is so clear it is possible to see the arrow pass though the bow window."