Minnesota Biathlon

Fasterskier.com interviews Anna Kubek, check it out here:
http://fasterskier.com/2011/09/youth-olympic-games-presents-anna-kubek/

Fasterskier.com interviews Nick Proell, check it out here:
http://fasterskier.com/2011/09/youth-olympic-games-presents-nick-proell/

Here are the current shooting test results through the MN Biathlon shooting camp. If a previous result was older than 2 yrs I have moved it down in the results.

Only those results using poles for the 4 x 5 and 20 x 1 shot tests are shown, but I have considered changing your own target equal to moving back to the 3 meter start line as the test protocol actually calls for. [In the 20 x 1 shot you need to return back to the 3 meter line for each shot until the target needs resetting--then reset it without returning that time--etc]

I have included results for two newer tests:
40 shot on paper– use alpha for zero–then 10 shots prone each on B & C; and 10 shots standing on each D & E. Score like this: in prone-a biathlon miss–doesn’t break the prone ring–2 pts against; a biathlon hit [breaks the line] but x ring miss counts 1 against; breaks the x ring line = 0 pts against.

In Standing- a biathlon miss = 2 pts against; a biathlon hit that doesn’t break the  80mm scoring ring – 1 pt against and a 80mm hit = 0 pts against.

Top possible score = 0. Worst = 80.

“Vlad’s 20 shot test”
On 10 ring paper– 10 shots prone on one target and 10 shots standing on another. If it breaks the line it counts up. Top score =200pts. This is actually 1/3 of the normal 60 shot test. It is good as a daily or every other shooting accuracy workout.

Enjoy!! If you have others recently–sent them along.

Bill Meyer

• 091011_4x5shot_test
• 091011_60_shot_test
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• 091011_40_shot_test
• 091011_20_x_1shot_test
• 091011_20_shot_test

Just a reminder on shooting tests–as described below–send me the results and I will post them, periodically ranking them and sending them around to this email list in xcel format. Kind of fun, and a great way to structure your practices this time of year when you should be working on accuracy foremost, and range procedure a close second.

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

The first annual Mammoth Mountain Invitational will be held this spring between April 30th to May 14th.  Two weeks of professionally piston bully groomed XC ski trails on the back side of the Mammoth Mountain Resort.  This is a camp that is open to the public.  There will be an organized training structure for each day of the camp, along with a 6 lane 50 meter biathlon range.

April 30. Arrival to Mammoth.
May 1.   Arrival to Mammoth.  Camp meeting along with what the camp is looking to accomplish.
May 2.   Skate Skiing along with Shooting  8am/11am
May 3.   Skate Technique instruction, 8am/11am
May 4.   Morning off to walk around town.  Weight training in the evening w/easy run 4pm/5:30pm
May 5.   Skate Skiing with Shooting 8am/11am
May 6.   Classic
May 7.   Unofficial Biathlon Time Trial for experienced athletes.  Trails will be open for skiing.  8am/11am
May 8.   Rest Day.  Range Closed
May 9.   Choice of XC Skiing or Roller ski intervals at 3,000 feet.  Range Closed
May 10. Skate Skiing with Shooting  8am/11am
May 11. Morning Off.  Weight Training in the evening w/easy run 8am/11am
May 12. Skate Skiing with Shooting 8am/11am
May 13. Skate skiing with Shooting 8am/11am
May 14. Travel home
May 15. Travel home

This is the camp structure.  Depending on the temperatures the times will very for the late morning thaw.  There are scholarships available for elite athletes. (free housing and no training fees)  First come first serve basis.  Additional athletes will be staying at the Mammoth Mountain Inn.  We will make your reservations for you there is a training camp discounted price if you want to share rooms that will be an option.  If you are not able to do the whole two week camp it’s not a problem.  We will just need your intended dates for the housing.  There is a free town shuttle that runs from the Mammoth Mountain Resort into and around the town.

The goal that Mammoth is looking to accomplish is providing an affordable spring camp to help jump start your summer training.  The only requirements are to be motivated to improve your skiing/shooting and no complaining. Transportation can be arranged from the Mammoth Airport for anytime with a two day notice.  There is currently a shuttle that runs from the Reno International Airport to Mammoth for $60.

What do you get from this?  You get great spring skiing, two days of shooting and ski technique with Olympic Biathlete Wynn Roberts, and to ski to your hearts content in May!

For  prices and lodging please email: alarson150@yahoo.com (Subject: Mammoth Ski Camp)