Always come out of position and off the firing line after each magazine–and for one shot drills–after each shot.

Always send me the breakdown of the score:  prone, standing= total. Also please note if shot in an indoor range. I will then post, but will note the type of range.

40 shot test–this is a tough measure of grouping–specifically good for biathlon. Use a row of 5 paper targets–need an x ring and a standing scoring ring. Use the alpha target to zero with up to 10 rds–then put 10 each on bravo and charlie prone–and 10 each on delta and echo standing.
Score–if it breaks the line it counts as good. Complete prone misses and complete standing misses [normal] count 2 against; prone hits but x ring misses count 1 against–same with standing hits but scoring ring misses. So top score is 0, worst possible is 80 points.

50 shot test–on metal–score misses– 25 prone and 25 standing. Top score is 0 worst would be 50.. we have some 2′s  floating around locally.

60 shot test–on 10 ring standard paper. Use upper alpha for zero. Then 10 on each lower target [3 x 10] prone and 15 standing on each of the remaining upper targets [2 x 15]. Scope as much as the athlete wants to. Break the line to count up. All scoring rings count– both prone and standing. [Even biathlon misses]. Top score is 600–worst score 0.

50 shot standing. 5 target strip. Shoot across. All standing– 10 x 5. Score 2 points against for a total miss, 1 point against for a biathlon hit, but scoring ring miss. Top score 0, worst score 100.

20 x 1 shot. For novices–use ammo off the shooting point mat. For advanced athletes only, under coaches supervision–use two magazines and fire a shot from one, don’t bolt, next time change magazines to the other one.

On metal. Coach clears target. 15 sec penalty per miss. 10 individual shots prone and 10 individual shots standing. Start 3 meters behind firing line. Return to that line after each shot and at end. Total time plus 15 sec per miss.

4 x 5 shot on Metal, coach clears target. Normal shooting with a full magazine so 2 mags prone, 2 mags standing. 10 sec per missed shot penalty. Start 3 meters behind the firing line and return to 3 meter line between magazines and at end. Total time plus 10 sec per missed shot.

Notes: The 20 x 1 shot test and the 4 x 5 shot test are range procedure tests and thus you need to use ski poles–and have the straps on when circling behind the 3 meter line. Coaches–to put more emphasis on accuracy during these timed range procedure drills–double the time penalty for misses. Don’t send those to me, however.

The Game- Put 10 loose rounds on mat. Shooting on metal. Start 3 meters behind firing line. Shoot one full magazine in prone. Then if any misses must get out of position–go back to 3 meter line, back to mat–hand load one round..return to 3 meter line. Continue that until all targets are down..then shooter changes target to standing [don't need to go back to 3 meter line] and uses one full magazine standing. Then back behind the 3 meter line and back into position using one handloaded round, and etc.  Total time.

So the penalty for misses after using the full magazine is to get out of position, go to 3 meter line, and back in for each followup shot. [one shot drills]. This continues until all targets are down, or the 10 spare rounds are gone. It makes no difference where the 10 rds are used–prone or standing. All prone targets must be down before the shooter starts on standing. Cleaning with the mag is golden (:-)

There are other similar tests. These are all good and I am tracking all of these. Some for many years.

In addition there is a good test to find the optimum shooting HR–[may be different HR prone and standing]. For good, experienced shooters only. Use a strip of 5 paper for prone and at least 4 for standing.
Zero on other paper. With no raised HR “cold zero” [CZ] 10 shots on alpha prone. This is for comparison only. Then use HR goals  like 160,170,180,190 or similar for goals. Athlete runs or roller skis sufficiently to get HR up and steady [0.5km minimum] and gives HR to coach as he hits the shooting point..picks up rifle–goes into position and fires a magazine immediately on say Bravo at 160 HR. Then repeats that at 160 goal on Bravo again. Then 2 times at 170 on Charlie. Then 2 x 180 on Delta, and 2 x 190 on Echo. Either same day or later–repeat in standing on fresh paper.

Now look at the groups–avg the two actual HRs for that target–and probably ignore 1 or 2 fliers. Especially if shooter knew they were fliers. Measure the group and look at the shape.

Find the smallest group–usually around the lactate threshold [LT]. Now look at the group shape. If strung out vertically–athlete has a breathing problem. If horizontally… a position instability. But around that HR will be their best race shooting as to the effect of heartrate and throbbing during the shooting. Normally we find the area 15-30 beats below LT is the poorest along with the group when the athlete is way over LT.  Good to train a lot with combos in the optimum zone or just above it to bring the group even tighter.

So have fun… send me results. Click here to email Bill.

Bill Meyer

Schedule and Application

Summer 2011

Goals for USBA Camps
Looking for Top Results at the Olympics and World Cup

The U.S.Biathlon Association has had a long history of recruiting talented and motivated athletes and helping them become world class biathletes.  Currently our men’s team is ranked 10^th in the world, with all 4 of our top men regularly finishing in the top 40 in the world.  Tim Burke, our top athlete this year, wore the yellow bib (# 1 World Cup ranking) for several weeks prior to the Olympic Games.  We are looking toward 2014 and 2018 Olympics with excitement, and we hope to find a number of future Olympians in our Regional Development Camps of 2010.  Most of our current national team athletes all came to similar camps in 1995-1998.

Description and Purpose of Camps

The purpose of the Regional Development Camp is to allow you as an athlete to get a “jump start” in biathlon marksmanship, while at the same time experience a “national team” style training camp.  We will be training lots of hours, working on ski technique and strength training technique.  Many of the camps will be run in conjunction with the Junior national team or other athletes with advanced shooting skills.

Download application and more information pdf – doc – or click “Read the rest of this entry” below

Introductory Camps- for xc skiers with strong xc sking results and little or no biathlon experience. Applications are required. Space is limited and some rifles are available.

Camp #1:  Midwest Regional Camp: Intro Shooting Camp, Ages 13-17. Grand Rapids MN, June 14 – June 22.  Focus on developing biathlon shooting skills- position, accuracy drills, begin combo training.  Volume training focus on rollerskis/running, as well as strength and technique work. Approx cost $400. By application. Vladimir Cervenka – cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp # 2:  Eastern Regional Camp: Intro Shooting Camp- Ages 19-26 June 21-June 28. Lake Placid Olympic Training Center, NY. Focus on developing biathlon shooting skills- position, accuracy drills, begin combo training.  Volume training focus on rollerskis/running, as well as strength and technique work. Approx cost $400.  By application. Algis Shalna, algisshalna@aol.com

Intermediate to Advanced Camps- for experienced biathletes with 1-3 years of biathlon experience and excellent xc skiing results.  Prior camps are a requirement.  Jr National Team or by application.

Camp # 3: High Altitude Camp Granby/Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 21-July 7.  Ages 16-20.  In conjunctions with Junior National Team.  Previous regional shooting camp required. Volume training on rollerskis, trail running/hiking and mnt biking- very high training load.  Intermediate to advanced shooting skills. Included 4 days at the Colorado Springs OTC.  Approx cost $550. Ground transport available from Minnesota.  Vladimir Cervenka- cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp # 4:  Eastern Regional Camp:  Advanced Training Camp, Ages 14-16. July 5-July 17. Jericho, Vermont. Focus on accuracy shooting and combo training.  Volume training focus on rollerskis/running, with some intensity workouts. Previous camp experience required. Approx cost $400. Algis Shalna, algisshalna@aol.com

Camp # 5:  Eastern Regional Camp: Advanced Training camp, Ages 17-21. July 24-Aug 5.  Similar to Camp # 5 , but with older age group. Algis Shalna, algisshalna@aol.com

Camp # 6: National Rollerski Camp and Competition Camp, Camp Ethan Allen, Jericho, VT, July 31 1-7.  Previous regional shooting camp required and good rollerski skills.  Focus on “combination” training, with a shift to more intensity on rollerskis.  Rollerski biathlon races on Aug 6-7. Approx cost $400.  This training is attended by many coaches- contact Piotr Bednarski, mnbiathlon@aol.com to direct you.

Camp #7:  Junior Team Camp-  High Volume Focus, Lake Placid OTC, Aug 8-16, Continued combo training, and higher training volume.  Approx cost $250  Junior national team and intermediate level athletes ages 14-17.  Vladimir Cervenka- cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp # 8: National and Western Regional Junior Camp, Rollerski Combo and Competition.  Soldier Hollow, Utah, Oct 6-20(dates tentative).  Camp conjunction with Junior National Team. Advanced level required.  Approx cost $550. Vladimir Cervenka, cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp #9:  Western and Midwestern Regional Junior Camp, Nov 20-27, West Yellowstone, MT.  On snow, high volume training ski training with daily combo shooting practice.  Some athletes will stay, Nov 16-Dec 4.  Approx cost $800. Vladimir Cervenka@gmail.com and Piotr Bednarski, mnbiathlon@aol.com.

Additional Camps not yet scheduled:

Far West Regional Camp-  Introductory Camp- ages 12-20.  Northstar Biathlon Range, CA.  Mid-May.  Contact Glenn Jobe, 530-994-1041, gjobe@gotsky.com,

Washington Regional Camp-  Introductory and Advanced Camp- ages 12-20.   Methow Valley, WA.  Contact Betsy Devin Smith, 509/341-9345, drbetsy@methownet.com,

Goals for USBA Camps
Looking for Top Results at the Olympics and World Cup

The U.S.Biathlon Association has had a long history of recruiting talented and motivated athletes and helping them become world class biathletes.  Currently our men’s team is ranked 10^th in the world, with all 4 of our top men regularly finishing in the top 40 in the world.  Tim Burke, our top athlete this year, wore the yellow bib (# 1 World Cup ranking) for several weeks prior to the Olympic Games.  We are looking toward 2014 and 2018 Olympics with excitement, and we hope to find a number of future Olympians in our Regional Development Camps of 2010.  Most of our current national team athletes all came to similar camps in 1995-1998.

Description and Purpose of Camps

The purpose of the Regional Development Camp is to allow you as an athlete to get a “jump start” in biathlon marksmanship, while at the same time experience a “national team” style training camp.  We will be training lots of hours, working on ski technique and strength training technique.  Many of the camps will be run in conjunction with the Junior national team or other athletes with advanced shooting skills.

Application Process

Acceptance to USBA camps is based primarily on XC skiing results.  Exceptional results in other endurance sports such as cycling, running, speed skating, will also be considered.  Please fill out the camp application.   Applications are due by May 15^th.  Please email to the coach contact for each camp, and copy Piotr Bednarski, USBA Director of Athlete development at mnbiathlon@aol.com.  We may call you to further discuss your application.  Applicants will be notified in early May whether they have been accepted.  All athletes that are accepted have until May 10^th to confirm via email or phone that they will be attending:  Please contact Piotr Bednarski at mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/237-0765 with any questions regarding camps and the application process.

Camp Costs and Rifles

The cost for the camps will be $35-$55 per day- there is some variation depending on location.  In general, athletes need to provide their own transport to the training site.  Ground transport, room and board is provided at training site.  Some loaner rifles are available for camps-  inquire with your application.   Its best if you can purchase your own rifle.  USBA coaches can advise you on how and where to order biathlon rifles.

Coaching Internships

We have several coaching internship positions available during the camp.  Athletes are encouraged to have their home coaches participate as interns/assistants at this camp.  Coaches may apply by emailing Piotr Bednarski at mnbiathlon@aol.com.  Intern coaches must provide their own transport to camps.  Most expenses at camps will be covered by USBA.

USBA Staff Contacts

Piotr Bednarski, Director of Athlete Development,

mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/924-0381

Vladimir Cervenka, Junior National Team Coach,

cervenkv@hotmail.com, 218/256-8323

Algis Shalna, Collegiate Program Coach,

algisshalna@aol.com, 802/355-8493

Seth Hubbard, Maine Winters Sports Center Coach,

seth@mainewsc.org, 207/227-3867

Regional Coaches and Club Contacts

Download Application pdf doc

Application For Junior Regional and National Camp

-       due May 15th, 2011, but sooner you apply the better!

-       email directly to camp contact.  Also, copy Piotr Bednarski, USBA Director of Athlete Development, mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/237-0765

Name:

Address:

DOB:

Email and cell phone:

Parents names and cell phone (for emergency contact):

Ski/Biathlon Club:

Coach’s name, email and phone:

High School/College:

Grade in school or college:

Right or Left handed:

Height:          Weight:

Which Camp session(s) do you want to attend?  Please list other sessions that you could potentially attend.

List several of your best XC skiing Results from the past two seasons (JO’s, regional JOQ’s, State HS, USSA Points):

What other sports do you compete in?  Please list some of your top results (times and distances) from the past two years.  Please list team sports as well:

What are you goals in sport?

Why are you interested in Biathlon?

Have you had any laboratory testing- lactate profile or max VO2?  If so, please include results:

Do you have a training log?  If so, what were your training hours last year?

December

Sunday 12 Mt. Itasca Race Zero / Start 10 / 11 Mass Start 

Novice  

IBU Cup Trials – December 14 – 19 – Mt. Itasca

Tuesday 14 10 – 2 Unofficial Training Wednesday 15 10 – 12 Official Training Thursday 16 Zero / Start 10 / 11 Mass Start Friday 17 10 – 12 Official Training Saturday 18 Zero / Start 10 / 11 Sprint Sunday 19 Zero / Start 

9 / 10 Pursuit  

Junior / Youth World Trials – December 27 – 30 – Jericho, VT

January

Sunday 9 Snowflake Race Zero / Start 10 / 11 Mass Start 

Novice  

MN National Guard Central Regional Championships

January 13 – 15 – Camp Ripley

Thursday 13 Official Training Friday 14 Sprint Saturday 15 Relay – 3 Person Sunday 23 Nisswa Race Zero / Start 10 / 11 Biathlon games 

Novice

February
Sunday	20	Duluth	Race
		Zero / Start 10 / 11	Mass Start  Novice
March
Sunday	6	Elk River	Race
		Zero / Start 10 / 11	Mass Start  Novice
USBA National Championships – Juniors / Seniors / Masters March 17 – 20, 2011 – Mt. Itasca
Thursday	17		Sprint
Friday	18		Official Training
Saturday	19		Pursuit
Sunday	20		Mass Start

Known Conflicts

• Jan 8                  Pre-Loppet
• Jan 8                  Mesabi Invitational – HS
• Jan 22 – 23            Super Tour / JOQ – Minneapolis
• Feb 5 – 6                  City of Lakes Loppet
• Feb 9                             Section Meets – HS
• Feb 17                  State HS Meet
• Feb   13^th Mora Vassaloppet
• Feb   19^th Bemidji Finlandia
• Feb 26 – 27            American Birkebeiner
• March 7 – 12            Junior Nationals – Minneapolis

http://minnesotabiathlon.com/current-schedule/

At the novice events, we supply all the shooting equipment and safety training. You just need to bring your ski gear. As long as you can stand on skis, no other experience is necessary. Contact the organizer for the event if possible before arriving, and have fun!

http://minnesotabiathlon.com/current-schedule/

We will cancel out for tomorrow and try to reschedule to the 14th of February–the Sunday after the State HS meet.

Looks like we should get some snow on top later tomorrow or Monday. As soon as we do, I will regroom the range.

I will set up a training plan and get it out shortly. If the weather clears enough to groom in the am, we might have a local  practice tomorrow at 1:00.

Bill Meyer

————–

What: The Nisswa Games Biathlon Meet. This is a series of contests oriented to more shooting than normal–that you will not find in the IBU Rules. Each team earns points depending on how they place in each event. Overall biathlon skills are emphasized.

Depending on numbers interested, teams of 2 or 3 will be handpicked from the entrants to be as equal as possible. Sometimes one lucky sole gets to do both positions.

The games are:

• Russian/AK –Into position–hand load one shot–tag off- goal is to clean the target asap
• Short leg relay–do a lap, relay rounds, penalty loops, tag off–each does one prone+one standing alternating..
• Patrol race– group sprint race-team all needs to finish at same time.

The longest skiing will be the last event with a 1km loop x 3

Novices are welcome–ideally you should bring your own rifle..or contact me ahead to be sure I have you covered..

Where: Nisswa Range–see attached map

When: 1:00 zero, Sunday the 24th of January, 2010

Contact: Please let me know if you plan to attend. Email Bill Meyer

Cost: None      Awards: minimal    Prizes: None     Fun: That is the whole goal!!

Bill Meyer

My special thanks to Charlie Merhar for his help in coaching during the whole camp; Bakers for a lunch on Wed, Ruzich’s and Bakers for hosting athletes nearby; and my ever patient wife, Jean for cooking, cleaning up and putting up with all of us!!

Bill Meyer

Click “Read the rest” for results!

Results:
50 shot
Zean  11,17= 28
CJ     12,19=31
Jenna  0, 7=7
Erik     4, 9,= 13                      Note first is misses in 25 prone, then in 25 standing= total misses
Ty      14, 21= 35
Nate    14, 18= 32
Kaila    15, 18= 33
Nick     12, 12= 24

Team scores
Jenna/ Nate = 7+ 32= 39
Erik / Kaila    13+ 33= 46
CJ/ Nick        31+24= 55
Zean/Ty        28+ 35= 63

1.5km sprint race
Zean          2 5      8:57
Nate           3 4      9:42
Jenna         3 4      9:53
Ty              2 5      10:26
Erik            3 3      10:35
Nick            3 4      11:13
Kaila           5 5      11:27
CJ              3 ?      11:49

Roller ski 4km time trial Thurs am
Erik                         10:01
Nate                         10:48
Zean                         11:11
Nick                          11:12
Kaila                         12:18
Jenna                       12:30
CJ                            12:59
Ty                             13:06

Team Events  Festival
Team              Russian/AK in prone          Short leg relay             0.5km Patrol race     Total Pts
place       pts                     place      pts                place    pts

CJ/Nick            1             50                      4            31                 1        50               131

Jenna/Nate       3              35                     1             50                3        35               120

Erik/ Kaila         4              31                    2              40                2        40               111

Zean/Ty            2               40                   3              35                 4        31               106

Our teams were pretty evenly matched– and in reality everyone won-it was excellent experience for athletes and coaches- overall, it was a good camp!

Bill Meyer

We didn’t start until the afternoon –so conditions were pretty slow.. but nice.. hit about 45 by end.

Raleigh dominated with some good shooting and his typical strong shooting, even with some pretty severe time handicaps– Jenna did well, and CJ will be a top shooter in a short time. His Dad, Charlie, an ex UMD ski club member- also jumped in and with a pretty good bonus handicap- and shooting prone on standing, but standing on standing also- did quite well.

We are forecast really warm this week–see what happens

Bill Meyer
Coach, MN Biathlon