– We have lost a bit in the shooting percentage and that is something we are trying to do better this year, says Johannes Lukas to SVT Sport.
It was a big step back when it comes to World Cup podiums and WC medals last season. A big reason was the weak Swedish shooting.
– Our best biathletes who should be on the podium have done too poorly, says shooting coach Jean-Marc Chabloz to SVT Sport.
Worst among the top nations
Among the top five biathlon nations, Sweden is worst on the men’s side and second worst on the women’s side when it comes to hit percentage last season.
– We are not satisfied with that, we want to be the best of the best nations, says shooting coach Johan Hagström.
– The skiing is at a very high level, but we have lost a little in shooting percentage and that is something we are trying to do better this year, says head coach Johannes Lukas.
Priority shooting
Shooting is more prioritized than before and that means more time behind the rifle and greater accuracy when during the day they choose to have their important shooting sessions. But the biggest difference is dry training in a group, which is new for this year.
– Dry training is the best way to train stability, trunk stability, it is slow muscle fibers that must be trained and they must be trained often and quite a lot to get better, says Jean-Marc Chabloz.
– One session we stand for 20 minutes and just hold the weapon and it’s incredibly hard, says Martin Ponsilouma.
All active have done dry training before, but then individually at home. But the national team management has seen that far too many people are not focused, something that many also admit.
– I have been really bad at it, says Martin Ponsiluoma.
– It’s not something that has been a favorite exercise from my side because you don’t immediately feel that it gives so much, says Elvira Öberg.