Empowering Women Coaches: Archery Seminar in San Salvador Promotes Skill Enhancement

In a bid to foster the growth of women coaches in the field of archery, World Archery Americas, through funding support from Olympic Solidarity, orchestrated a coaching seminar held from May 14-18 in San Salvador, El Salvador. The event followed the conclusion of the Youth and Masters Pan American Championships and drew participation from 28 women hailing from 14 different countries.
Led by esteemed American coaches Kyle Bissel and LaNola Shepherd, the seminar delved into the intricacies of the OPTIMAL model of motor learning, a framework renowned for its evidence-based and athlete-centric coaching strategies. A highlight of the seminar was the adoption of a Constraints-Led Approach (CLA), integrating cues, autonomy support, and bolstered athlete expectancies to optimize attention and motivation, thus catalyzing motor learning processes.
Among the attendees were representatives from Canada, including Janice Clark, Linda Price, and Margaret Sampson, who immersed themselves in the enriching experience, citing numerous ‘light bulb’ moments and coaching successes. The vibrant exchange of ideas, coupled with the palpable enthusiasm from participants, rendered the seminar a profoundly rewarding endeavor.
Reflecting on their participation, the Canadian coaches expressed eagerness to incorporate the acquired insights into their coaching practices back home, thereby nurturing a community of skilled athletes and fellow coaches poised for success in the realm of archery.