"Practice makes perfect." Perhaps you've respectfully pointed out to them that practice only makes one consistent. Only perfect practice makes perfect. Indeed, it is quite possible to practice missing the target! Shooters who repeat the same fundamental error enough times will then have that error ingrained into their shot routines. This learned flaw then becomes an impediment that keeps them from shooting better scores. Too often they conclude that they must simply practice more and will try to "shoot their way out" of their problem.
This, of course, usually serves only to "iron in" their errors and guarantees little or no improvement. Determined to improve their scores, they may begin to commit additional errors to compensate for the first one. We've all seen the occasional shooter whose shooting form or shot routine looks terrible, yet shoots acceptable scores. Over a long period of time, perhaps many years, he or she has compounded enough compensating errors to hit the target. It can be done, but it's a long journey and certainly not the best way to develop a shooting style.
Whatever the shooting sport, almost all unsuccessful shots are caused by the misapplication of one or more shooting fundamentals. As instructors and coaches, we teach the shooting fundamentals to our novice students and continue to stress shooters. It is in the correct execution of those fundamentals that scores are improved, and problems are both avoided and corrected.
Shooters like to shoot for scores. Their competitive urges cause them to measure the effectiveness of their "practice" sessions on whether they can outscore the others on the range or better their own previous scores. Their goal is worthy, but their method is inefficient. They are not practicing to their best advantage, but rather are simply rehearsing matches or tournaments.
Occasionally shooting for score is necessary, and it's enjoyable, but it isn't the quickest way to improvement or problem correction. The magic elixir is to devote most practice time to developing perfection and consistency in the execution of the fundamentals for the discipline being shot. Of course it's easier to say than it is to do ... but here's your roadmap!
- Fully understand the shooting fundamentals and how to apply them.
- Shoot in practice sessions to improve or perfect a specific fundamental or part of a fundamental. For example, concentrate only on "focus" (pistol shooters on the front sight; skeet shooters on the leading edge of the target) or on "stance" or on "follow-though."
- Do not keep score. When practicing, shoot more or fewer shots than regular events require so that practice scores are meaningless. Keep the practice attention on the fundamental being practiced.
- Work hard on each practice shot. Its not the quantity of practice shots, but the quality of them that will bring the needed improvement.
- Make only one change at a time. If a shooter exhibits multiple problems, work on them in the order that will yield the most improvement.
- Dry-fire occasionally to keep the attention on the performance of the fundamental rather than the outcome of the shot. This means shotgunners, too. When's the last time you saw someone pay for a round of clay targets and dry-fire them? It works for pistol and rifle shooters and it will work for shotgunners as well.
- Work more on your difficult shots or positions and less on those you already perform well. Make yesterday's hard shots tomorrow's easy ones!
- Use a video camera in practice sessions. It's a great way to spot problems.
- Set short and long-term practice goals. Be specific and write them in a shooter's diary.
- Develop a written practice plan to meet your goals and adjust it as needed.
- Record an honest evaluation of each practice session in a shooter's diary or log and review it frequently.
- Avoid unqualified help. Other people on a shooting range may offer unsolicited, well-meaning advice, but it may be the wrong solution. Not all good shooters are able to offer effective training assistance.
- Get qualified help. Even the pros and Olympic athletes have coaches or someone they turn to when problems arise. Find someone who can properly assess what needs to be changed and communicates it in a positive manner. Don't be too reluctant to pay for good coaching. It could be your best shooting bargain!
