Biathlon shooting is a complex task that is determined by many factors. Following an intensive bout of physical work load induced by cross-country skiing athletes have to perform a series of five shots on targets of 50 meters distance, either in prone or standing position (see http://www.biathlonworld.com/media/download/Handbook event and competi tion rules.pdf for details). In a comprehensive work Nitzsche (1998, p. 33) figured out the complex structure of biathlon performance that comprises of a wide range of both motor and mental skills. With respect to motor control, shooting technique (e.g. levelling the gun, targeting, triggering) and coordinative skills (e.g. rifle stability, postural control) are said to be of utmost importance for high performance. Concerning mental skills and abilities, Nitzsche (1998) addresses several aspects that reflect four dimensions representing the psychological fundament of biathlon shooting: (1) personality traits that can be subsumed in the concept of mental toughness (i.e. positive commitment, confidence in one`s abilities, emotional control) (for a review on mental toughness see Crust, 2008), (2) the actual psychophysiological state on the day of competition (i.e. balance of perceived stress and recovery), (3) cognitive processing at the shooting range (focusing on target and inhibiting distracting cues) and (4) the immediate handling of psychophysiological states (exertion, emotions). The body of scientific research on biathlon shooting is rare and addresses primarily biomechanical and kinesiological aspects of shooting like stability of the body-rifle system or postural control (Baca & Komfeind, 2012; Espig, 2013; Sattlecker, Buchecker, Müller, & Lindinger, 2014). Studies on psychological aspects of biathlon shooting so far focused on attentional processes (Grebot, Groslambert, Pemin, Burtheret, & RouiNon, 2003; Vickers & Williams, 2007), physiological arousal and anxiety (Vickers & Williams, 2007), and the impact of psychological training (i.e. relaxation techniques and imagery) on shooting performance (Groslambert, Candau, Grappe, Dugu6, & Rouillon, 2003; Laaksonen, Ainegren, & Lisspers, 2011). However, the complex interaction of psychological traits and mental states as mentioned above is underrepresented in research so far. In particular, it has to be shown whether top elite biathletes dispose of a characteristic pattern of psychological traits and mental skills that contributes to their success. Hence, the aim of this exploratory study was (a) to investigate whether elite biathletes display typical patterns of psychological traits and states, and (b) how these psychological parameters influence their shooting performance.
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