SHOOTING HABITS

Posted by Coach Excellence on June 23, 2017 in Competition | ∞

TOP 5 HABITS OF SHOOTERS (AND SOLUTIONS!)

HOLDING TOO LONG. Many a shooter has been caught holding, holding as if trying to make a good shot into an 11. There is a finite time frame for all shots given that “balance and breathing” (BB) must be considered. Too long a hold will only cause a breakdown in the BB process. Solution? Work with a coach and ask them to time your shots (ideally without weather playing an important role) so that you determine a picture of your perfectly timed shot. Then practice this over and over again.
INEFFECTIVE POSITION. The shooting sports all require a similar approach—solid position and balance for whatever firearm. Suffice to say that a solid and reliable outcome is just not possible to the shooter who adjusts position at every shoot. Solution? Take more care in the training session (perhaps on Club nights) – take time to understand the elements of what your body is doing—take notes, photos or even a video, to keep you on track. Variances should then be easier to spot and remedy.
ANTICIPATION. The shooter who anticipates the shot will create another fence over which they must climb, as the anticipation can cause muscular reflexes or even flinching at a time when the firearm should be at its steadiest—when the shot is fired. Solution? Training with a smooth rhythm mindset – working on the external and internal feelings.
LOSS CONCENTRATION / ANXIETY. So many shooters seem to work so hard on the shot quality, however their mind lets in thoughts about the outcomes (ie results) of previous shots, or doubt about the next shot, to cloud the current shot. Their faith in their performance has taken a dent. Solution? There are numerous concentration games to enhance focus. Training sessions where the process has more emphasis than a score outcome is very beneficial.
PLAIN LAZINESS. This is a mental fault rather than a physical one, which results in the shooter accepting imperfections in performance. Quality control has “left the building”. The end result is that a good shot is hoped for, not anticipated. Solution? Shooting at blank targets, and pull the focus back to the process. Be sure of the process with every shot fired.

YOU CAN’T WISH IT TO BE RIGHT—YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT SO!

Tricia Van Nus