Practicing should include effort

[drmitchgibson]

During my progression as a shooter, I have found myself at many times with a bunch of bullets that I have essentially uselessly launched downrange with poor concentration and technique. This is most often when I begin shooting at an indoor range, since my excitement is peaking and hasn't plateaued yet. Also, it has never bothered me in the slightest to generate these appalling groups.
Generally after a few mags I've calmed somewhat and can practice with purpose. But then at times I'd just pull the trigger with the sights generally on the target, not really caring about what I was doing.

This was notable last Saturday, when I was "qualifying" for an SDA class. We shot at 3 and 5 yards, and generally my group was 2" with no real input. But then I shot one string just kind of apathetically staring without focus at the back of my gun (EMP), and my shots landed in a horrible, horrible straight line down the paper, each about 2" lower than the last. It was embarrassing to have put so little effort into my shooting, even for a BS qualifier. It's time to stop ****ing around. After spending an enormous amount of time on and putting a large quantity of raw cash into guns and shooting, it's really ridiculous to be doing anything half-ass. Especially after spending time every day drawing to beat the timer, changing mags to beat the timer, loading shotshells to beat the timer, etc.
This seemed worth a mention.

 

[taymoor]

I feel the same way. I hate feeling like I'm shooting as though I just bought my first gun.

 

[mike cyrwus]

have a plan for every bullet you put downrange in practice

 

[imacgyver]

I've noticed that there is a ton to think about (stance/grip/sights/squeeze/breathing/etc...)when I practice. I have all of this in my mind after the first thing goes wrong during a match, then it kind of goes downhill from there. I feel that if I focus too hard on these things during a match - it's probably because I am frustrated about my performance. My best games of golf have happened when I am just letting my body do what I have trained it to do during all that practice - I think some of that translates to shooting and other physical activities I participate in.

 

[LuckyDucky]

There is a ton of research out there on what makes someone a great performer and the amount of practice required. Obviously, a bunch of practice is required to reach the level of skill of Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods. However, as you pointed out OP, one can't just go through the motions and call it practice. There must be a deliberate mental effort to self evaluate and improve.

It's tough. It takes dedication. It takes sacrifice.

ETA: This is why I predict that as the sport of action gunning matures, we will see younger players at the top. When the sport is more popular, more people will dedicate themselves to it at a younger age implying that they will reach an expert level at a younger age.

Remember the video of the 12 year old shooting USPSA? As long as he keeps at it, he will be a GM by age 20...

 

[kaiserb]

have a plan for every bullet you put downrange in practice

Logging your practice sessions with an exact count on the ammo used will help in this area. I have been using Range Log to track my practice and my matches, each entry requires a drill and a number of rounds fired. This has helped me avoid the willy nilly do nothing practice sessions.

 

[Twmaster]

Mitch, I hear ya.,..

I go to the indoor range at least once a week. My intent is to improve my shooting. Sometimes I walk out frustrated after expending all my ammo thinking that was a wasted session.

 

[Airic]

Research "calling your shots" and work from there. Its basically the same thing as master class shooter Mike Cyrwus said above. His advise is simple but you can spend a fortune in ammo mastering that concept. In a nutshell, make sure that no matter what position you are in ...or what situation you are in, the sights are alighned on your target when the gun goes off. Learn to know where you hit.

 

[Jefpainthorse]

Every interaction you have with kids, horses, dogs or firearms produces "training" for someone.

Purpose and constant action produces favorable results.

Perfect practice produces perfect performance

 

[Brianatc]

The book "With Winning in Mind" explains all of this very well, I try to read it at least once a year.

 

[imacgyver]

I almost feel like forming a study group/training group between us would be nice, but I think I know the overall response.

Go get trained up by the professionals - We are not opposed to formal training - but maybe more of a friendly advice and tips (sorta like the kind you get on the golf course)

 

[KurtM]

yeah, we already tried that with the "Tips from the pro,s" section, which just turned into "arguing with the pros" and that is why you don't see many tips or answers in that section anymore. As for handing out friendly advice or tips at a match or the range, unless I am asked I don't, because most folks don't want to hear it when they don't ask for it.

 

[taymoor]

Whoever argued with pros oughta be BANNED!

 

[imacgyver]

Kurt - I am open to all suggestions and tips as long as they good ones! Just kidding - I think Kurt is spot on, we need to be more proactive in asking for tips and advice from our seasoned vets - they really have some great insight.

 

[bigbrowndog]

Firearms training, Red Neck Tactical, tips from the pros, "more is not always better"

trapr

 

[Brianatc]

Trapr and Kurt, I'm going to Ozark and FB3G. If ya see me there any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[toyfreak]

How about a BS members only Pro Am match of some kind where each squad has one of our local vets/pros/ bad asses as the squad captain. Entry fees go to them for the time and advice that they give during the match. They would critique our every move good or bad.
I know there are classes for this but I just think it would be cool to get some training in a real competitive situation.

 

[Jackary]

that sounds cool i know i could use some pointers

 

[benjamin-benjamin]

How about a BS members only Pro Am match of some kind where each squad has one of our local vets/pros/ bad asses as the squad captain. Entry fees go to them for the time and advice that they give during the match. They would critique our every move good or bad.
I know there are classes for this but I just think it would be cool to get some training in a real competitive situation.

best idea i have heard in a while...

 

[Corey]

They might use true red neck tactics first busser you draw half a second later there busser goes off they hit you in stomach if gun is not up and aimed then reholster they take drink of beer this goes on until you get it or beer runs out. I am bringing Texas beer lol