Momentum and Gender in Elite Recurve Archery

This study investigates the existence of momentum phenomenon in recurve archery. Using data from professional recurve archery tournaments, we find archers demonstrate relatively improved shooting performance after achieving consecutive streaks of two bullseyes compared to their average scores following the first 10 points and second 9 points. This supportive evidence aligns with the notion that “success breeds success,” suggesting that a sequence of three perfect shots is a result of a hot hand rather than mere luck. Moreover, we find no gender differences in the hot hand effect. Therefore, both women’s and men’s performance is significantly affected by positive momentum.