Misorienteringarna

Misorienteringarna is a term used in Swedish orienteering to describe navigation errors in which a competitor loses orientation with the map and terrain, leading to an incorrect route choice. The misorientations can occur in all formats of the sport, including forest orienteering, sprint, and relay, and they are a common topic in competition analysis and coaching discussions.

Causes of misorienteringarna include misreading terrain features, taking an incorrect compass bearing, or failing to relocate after passing an attack point. Dense vegetation, similar-looking terrain, limited visibility, and fatigue can increase the likelihood of losing track of position. The consequences are typically extra distance, time loss, and in some cases a significant setback in standings.

Relocation and corrective strategies are central to handling misorienteringarna. Competitors mitigate risk by regularly rechecking their position against recognizable features, using attack points, and aligning the map with terrain throughout the leg. Training emphasizes rapid map reading, efficient route planning, and developing reliable relocation techniques so that a deviation can be identified and corrected quickly.

In competition they are regarded as a normal challenge of the sport, offering a test of navigational skill and resilience. Discussions about misorienteringarna often focus on what methods or practice routines most effectively improve relocation accuracy, reduce time loss, and help athletes maintain confidence after a detour.