The aim of this bachelor’s thesis was to produce a guide for the Finnish Archery Association. It gives information about the problems leading to scapular and shoulder joint motion control disorder and about how to prevent these disorders. The objective of the guide was to give information of the means of preventing scapular and shoulder joint disorders and injuries that arise from these disorders. The thesis discusses scapular and shoulder joint functions and focuses on disorders. The thesis also studies archery biomechanics and describes archery as a sport.

The method of the thesis was product development. The process initiated from my interest in archery. The next step was to contact the Finnish Archery Association and ask if they have ideas for the subject for my thesis. The principal suggested that information about scapular and shoulder joint control and their control disorders would be useful in association coaching, as well as how to prevent these disorders in archery. After collecting studies and literature about this subject it was time to start to work the guide. The first version of the guide was submitted to a group of Finnish Archery Association coaches for pretesting during the development phase.

The importance of this information was underlined in this thesis by telling what kind of abnormalities and problems tend to manifest in the scapular and shoulder joint control and what they can cause. In some cases these problems can predispose to shoulder injuries. According to previous studies and literature the most common injury area in archery is the shoulder. Addressing causes that lead to disorders of scapular and shoulder joint control are a way to prevent shoulder problems and injuries. The guide was based on evidence-based research and theoretical knowledge and the development process was that of a health product. The guide contains information about scapular and shoulder joint structure and functions, motion control disorder and means to prevent scapular and shoulder joint disorders. Supporting prevents there is collected exercises in guide that supports and improves motion control. With this guide coaches can improve and support the athletes´ scapular and shoulder joint control which would contribute to successful practicing and also prevent the development of control disorders.