Research has identified two primary biomechanical variables
that determine success in shooting. The ability to minimize
postural sway during the seconds preceding a shot distinguishes
among ability levels (Era et al., 1996). Furthermore, achieving rifle
stability, and in particular only triggering the shot when this
condition is achieved is indicative of elite shooters (Konttinen et al.,
2000). The use of rifle stability, or aiming, in the form of real-time
auditory biofeedback has been shown to improve performance in
novice shooters (e.g. Konttinen et al., 2004). While it is known that
increasing postural- and barrel-stabilities aids in improving
performance, studies have not used biofeedback in top-level
shooters or used live fire where the effects of barrel recoil and
follow through are considered. Hence, the purpose of this study
was to investigate the effects of augmented real-time auditory
biofeedback on shooting technique and performance in top-level
shooters during live firing