The PRINCIPLES and FUNDAMENTALS of PRACTICAL SHOOTING

“Learn to distinguish what should be done and what should not be done; the clever soul will always select his opportunity.” 
-Nagarjuna

The true purpose of shooting is to know where every shot will hit the target—before it does.

Call Every Shot

For consistent success, the vital skill you must master—and repeat for every shot you fire—is shot calling.

Don’t Blink

Unfortunately, firearm instruction seldom includes the importance of keeping your eyes open as the shot fires.

Calling the shot is vital for even a moderate amount of consistent skill. And you cannot call the shot if you blink when the shot fires.

Fundamentals & Technique

Clearly understand the difference between fundamentals: what must be done to accomplish the goal, and technique: how you do what must be done.

The Fundamentals

See the target.
Point the barrel at the target.
Hold it on the target until the bullet has left the barrel.

Technique

The goal of proper technique: Consistently execute the fundamentals, under the widest variety of conditions, both mental and physical.

Neutral Grip

A neutral grip is essential for consistent, accurate, high-speed shooting.

Eliminate Distraction

Distractions disable us because we don’t acknowledge them beforehand. 

When visualizing a stage, every stage, look for potential distraction points. Then create a plan to counter the distraction.

Start a list of distractions—we called them “stage traps”—that stage designers regularly employ.

¡VISUALIZE!

For every course of fire, create a precise visual flow, that includes everything you will see and do.

Visual Patience

At the start buzzer, calmly start the visual flow.

Replace Trying with Doing

When we are uncertain, we try, and trying usually fails.

Pay attention. When fully attentive, what you want to happen will happen.

Don’t Rush

Until your pace is the natural outcome of calling every shot, there is the idea of “pushing.” 

Your goal should always be to hit each target’s maximum scoring area as quickly as possible.

Know that is not possible to somehow magically exceed your ability on match day.

Trust Awareness

The road to trusting attention begins and ends with knowing what is happening.

For success in the high-speed, multiple-targets-at-any-distance world of practical shooting, being continuously aware is key. This flowing awareness relinquishes learned skills to the silent, knowing mind.

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Comments are welcome, and all questions will be answered.

A new topic will arrive each Friday afternoon, in one of two categories. One will be on shooting, and the other will be on living. Or: how I learned to live from what I learned by competing.

Thanks for coming in.