What did you study?
I studied which technical components influence shooting performance in biathlon. Additionally, I explored whether rifle movement measured by an accelerometer and a static hold assessment could serve as tools for evaluating technique in the sport. Special emphasis was placed on different aiming strategies in standing shooting.
What were the results of your study?
In prone shooting, it is essential to minimise movement of the aiming point during triggering (cleanness of triggering), to aim precisely at the centre (aiming accuracy), and to trigger at the optimal moment when the best sight picture is achieved (timing of triggering). In standing shooting, individual aiming strategy is emphasized: some stabilise the aim briefly within the hit area before triggering (holding strategy), while others try to time the trigger pull as they approach the centre of the target (timing strategy). The most important technical components vary according to the strategy; in the holding strategy, aiming accuracy is decisive, while in the timing strategy, cleanness and timing of triggering, and hold stability are highlighted. Regardless of the strategy, static hold – the ability to keep the aiming point as stationary as possible – is associated with performance in standing shooting. No differences were observed in rifle accelerations between shots with good and poor shooting performance.
How can the results be applied? What new insights did the research contribute to the topic?
Based on the findings of the study, biathlon shooting training can be targeted toward those components that directly affect performance, and the importance of individual aiming strategies is better understood. Developing static hold is recommended for all biathletes, and its measurement is possible through practical tests. On the other hand, the utility of a rifle-mounted accelerometer as an indicator of technical proficiency was found to be limited.
MSc Miika Köykkä’s doctoral dissertation “Technical Assessment of Biathlon Shooting: Exploring Key Determinants of Performance and the Role of Aiming Strategies” will be publicly defended on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 12:00 noon in room S212 of the Seminarium building at the University of Jyväskylä.
- Opponent: Professor Uwe Kersting (German Sport University Cologne, Germany)
- Custos: Professor Vesa Linnamo (University of Jyväskylä)
- Language of the defence: English.
The dissertation is available online: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-86-1362-6
The defence can be followed online: https://r.jyu.fi/dissertation-koykka100426
Further information:
Miika Köykkä, miika.i.koykka@jyu.fi, +358504017469
