Sydney based NSW biathletes have started back into their summer training after some well-earned weeks of rest from the on-snow competition season.

On Saturday, biathlon was at the Anzac Range for .22 practice and drills. A session held for new biathletes who wanted to try moving from laser to .22 after success at the NSW Laser Biathlon Junior Series Schools event at Perisher. Our 2020 Youth Olympians were back practicing their drills and accuracy before their upcoming departures for overseas training and competitions in early November.

At the Range, the new biathletes were introduced to the strong focus on safety required for .22 biathlon and understanding of the features of a biathlon rifle and the differences to non-biathlon .22 rifles. Coach Damon Morton explained how the rifle sights worked and how to adjust for wind and re-centring of the rifle. 

On Sunday, roller-skiing and laser biathlon sessions where held with masters biathletes, development and new-comers focusing on roller-ski technique, accurate shooting with elevated heart rate and drills for efficiency at the Range with poles into one hand on approach. Further focus was on getting onto the biathlon mat, shouldering the rifle, and then rising from the mat by way of knees and stepping, with poles being put back on while moving, then speeding up to complete the exit from the Range.

A super long obstacle Course was set up, including the bean-bag biathlon target to practice stopping and accurate aiming.

It was a great weekend of biathlon to kick off summer training in Sydney, with more to come!