Ok, let me get right to the point. I want to throw a challenge out. We have something in common, and that is the both of us (unless you chanced upon my blog by accident) probably want you to be a better shooter. You want it because what kind of person doesn’t want to improve!? I want it because helping people improve is my job. So I decide to create a top ten list that is short, sweet, easy to read, and will give you guaranteed results if you follow it. I challenge you to follow each list item, and if you don’t improve significantly, you get your money back…(ok I know this is free so that won’t be much). This one will focus on competitive shooting, and the next blog will focus on defensive shooting improvement.
1. Set and write your goals down. Do I really need to go into detail here? Haven’t we all read the significant difference defining your goals and actually writing them down will make? The studies are out there, and they show a definitive and measurable difference in those that dream versus those that turn those dreams into goals by writing them down. I use a detailed goal setting process that is a full planning process rather than just setting a few goals. Read more about it here…
2. Commit 10 minutes a day to dry fire training. Yep, just 10 minutes (not including gearing up, safety check, etc.). I have a compete dry fire training program in my book (YCHTP) and it is there for a reason. I tell my students that even if they were so rich they could buy a private range and shoot live fire each and every day, that they would still learn things during dry fire they would not learn while doing live fire drills. Come on….I KNOW you can find 10 minutes.
3. Learn and apply the skill of visualization. Visualization is the act of running a mental video in your mind of something before you intend to do it. It can be applied to a training drill, or a full competition stage at a match. Let me put it like this, if I queried the ten best shooters in the world and could summarize their habits, there is one thing that stands out that is different from the thousands of shooters that are not as good as them, and that one thing is the use of visualization. In the mental section of my book I am very keen to point out that visualization is best learned in practice, so it can be better applied in matches. A side benefit is that practice sessions become more focused and give a higher return on your time.
4. Train with someone. Yep, as simple as it may sound, a motivated training partner at or above your skill level will increase your effectiveness. I have experienced this personally and have read numerous articles on the concept of having someone push us to the next level. Make sure you find someone who is a good fit for you, and commit to pushing each other hard, and holding each other accountable. It will make a significant difference in your skill!
5, Observe and Ask-Questions! I am absolutely amazed sometimes when I attend one of my local club matches, and I observe some of the newer shooters on my squad. The shooting (marksmanship and manipulation) and strategy mistakes I observe sometimes amaze me. I am not trying to toot my own horn here, but my thought process is this – If they watch the better shooters on the squad and I, they could simply mimic the techniques and strategy we are using to improve themselves by 50% or more! And even more importantly, if any of those newer shooters simply asked us why we hold the gun different than them, or use a different strategy when shooting a stage, we (across the board) would GLADLY tell them! I volunteer information and help at times, but am hesitant to do so if I feel I might offend someone by offering advice. So if you want to get better….watch someone better than you and ASK what they are doing! I can almost guarantee they will help you…
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