I don't know if this occurs with any other shooters in here, but for me personally, if I get on a HPS string I can't help but to think "I could shoot a pose here now" and this causes me to become very nervous and I begin to lose my steady hold because of it. This amateur mental attitude I have has caused me to lose countless 75s and 50s. Then, I watch shooters like Jim Paton shoot not only 50.x, but 50.10, which completely boggles my mind. Now I know shooters like Jim have more then just a good mental program on me, lol, but they have to have their mind trained in some way, shape, or form to be able to handle such situations with ease. I was just wondering if any of the other competition shooters here have any experiances similiar to mine in their career, or any tips you may have for coping with such situations.
Nerves in Competition
- Thread starter newfie_shooter
- Start date
The only shot that counts is the one you are about to fire, not the 8th, 9th, and 10th when you are ready to shoot shot 7. Don't worry about the "V" count, a 50.0 beats a 49.9 everytime (unless you are shooting "F"Class)
You know what it takes to fire that perfect shot. Get into your shot routine and fire that perfect shot, just like the last one and the one before. When it's right, you can call your shots. You will know before the target comes up if you let the shot go left, right, high or low. You will also know when it is perfect and comes up a pin wheel.
Mark your plot sheet with your call.
Stay in your bubble.
But the book "With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Basham. The cost is about $15 Can and it will be the best investment you will make to gain those extra points.
You know what it takes to fire that perfect shot. Get into your shot routine and fire that perfect shot, just like the last one and the one before. When it's right, you can call your shots. You will know before the target comes up if you let the shot go left, right, high or low. You will also know when it is perfect and comes up a pin wheel.
Mark your plot sheet with your call.Stay in your bubble.
But the book "With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Basham. The cost is about $15 Can and it will be the best investment you will make to gain those extra points.
Maynard's right. Basham's "With Winning in Mind" is an awesome book. Olympic shooter, talked himself out of first place, gave up in disgust, missed shooting, analyzed himself, and figured out the mind game. Came back better than ever. Writes so you can understand it, and you can apply the principles of mental rehearsal to shooting, other sports, and life in general. A true guru.
I'm realatively new to competitive rifle shooting, but not new to competive archery. At one point in my traditiional archery career, I would over think every single shot. How's my stance? How's my draw? How's the wind? etc. And then I read this book by Eugene Heregal (I think that's how you spell his last name) called Zen in archery. It's pretty esoteric, but essentially I distilled my problem down to 'doubt'. Doubt in my equipment and ability. So I practiced and practiced and cast away my ego and asked for help from people who were winning tournaments. I eventually got used to my equipment and was able to shut my brain off and keep telling myself "Be here now."
Haha.Interesting.For me...I just do it.I don't think about it.When I'm shooting I have my routine down pat.Everything gets done the same for every shot,every match, every competition.I don't think about it.Thinking just screws things up.
