HAWTHORN sharpshooter Luke Breust says training under pressure is the secret behind his incredible goalkicking accuracy.
The small forward is on target for an unforgettable season, having kicked 23 goals without a behind since the Hawks' Easter Monday clash against Geelong.
This year he's slotted 35.4 at 81.4 per cent accuracy – including shots that have not registered a score.
It's a huge step forward from last year, when he kicked 40.30, and Breust said it's simply the result of hard work.
"It's obviously disappointing coming off last year and it's always in the back of your mind, so I worked hard over the pre-season," he told AFL.com.au last month.
The 23-year-old former rookie has sharpened his focus under the guidance of assistant coach Adem Yze, who has zeroed in on the Hawks' set-shot routines under duress.
"Any chance I've got really I just pick up a footy and have a set shot under fatigue or pressure," Breust said.
"So I think that's really working and I'll continue to do that throughout the rest of the year.
"(Yze) just backs us in. Everyone's different, everyone's got their own routine and he just says make sure you work on that throughout the week and then put it in place on the weekends."
Yze started recording the Hawks' set shots at training last season – copying a shot-chart used for training free-throws by current NBA champions San Antonio.
The minute focus was partly in response to the Hawks kicking themselves out of a premiership, ruckman David Hale revealed recently.
Alastair Clarkson's side booted 11.15 (81) to the Sydney Swans' 14.7 (91) in the 2012 Grand Final.
"It is so important and I guess from a couple of years ago it did cost us in a few big games where we didn't kick very well," said Hale, who has kicked 10.8 this season.
"It's obviously trying to get goal-kicking under fatigue, which is one of the biggest things you've got to practice – especially coming from big games.
"You can't simulate playing in front of 90,000, but if you can get your routine down pat and try and follow it the same way each time you become more consistent."
The Hawks are big on quality over quantity and the results speak for themselves.
In 2012, Hawthorn was ranked eighth in the AFL for accuracy at 49.4 per cent but jumped to a League-best 53.8 per cent last season.
The reigning premiers are setting the standard again this year at 58.6 per cent – way ahead of second-placed West Coast and Port Adelaide on 51.8.
Leading goalkickers Jarryd Roughead (36.18), Jack Gunston (30.15) Cyril Rioli (19.8) and Breust are all shooting above the team average.
The Hawks' nemesis, Geelong, has the worst accuracy this season at just 46.7 per cent, marginally behind Collingwood at 47 per cent.
