“The key points at the end of each chapter are a really useful tool to look back on.” Ema Bullseye Mind

Author Raymond Prior Publisher Momentum Media Sports Publishing, 2016

This is a rather slim book, which perhaps might give the illusion that the contents are light or limited, but this is very much not true. Designed as a short guide on psychology for rifle shooting, Bullseye Mind targets the most commonly made mental errors and gives detailed guidance on how to combat them. The similarities between rifle shooting and archery as sports allows for straightforward transposition into a frame of reference appropriate for our sport and all the key principles ring true.

The book is divided into many short, dense chapters, each presenting a specific common flaw in mental preparation or routine, rationalising how this can hinder the achievement of consistent performance and presenting a simple method on how to think differently. Topics include the dangers of not having a consistent pre-shot routine, the common mistake of over-engaging the ego, how to deal with fear and anger whilst competing, and a lovely section on not putting limits on your dreams – it’s okay to dream big so long as you have an action plan.

This problem/solution format is very easy to digest and makes it possible to pick up the book and immediately select an area to focus on that feels particularly relevant to you – a massive benefit for those that struggle to keep focus from cover to cover. Crucially, pretty much everything in here can be applied straight away, and the principles outlined are evidencebased and logical in their presentation.

Each chapter is centred around an

anonymised case study based on athletes that the author has specifically worked with, used as examples to provide context and make the ideas presented more relatable. This works very well, providing the reader with more guidance on how to identify similar problems within their own mental performance. The end of chapter contributions also provide an insight into the elite level performance mindset, with contributors including multiple Olympic medallists, national coaches, world champions and even a team leader from the US Marine Corps!

Despite all of these positive elements, don’t expect any quick fixes. The author, who has a PHD in Sports and Exercise Psychology and has worked with Olympic champions, is careful to stress that he is not a magician. You will not find any short-term tips or tricks in this book, but instead a guide on how to build mental toughness over time through practice and persistence using “good information and common sense”. The goal is a sustainable mindset that requires commitment and continued effort to build.

Evidently, from the wealth of success experienced by the various contributors to this book, these methods can be a powerful tool. So long as you don’t expect it to change your shooting overnight then there’s no telling where it could take you.

“One of the most important boks I’ve read, I absolutely recomend this to everyone.” Tom