SHOOT Quick Tip – Making a Comeback
We’ve all had those moments when nothing seems to go right. When they happen at a shooting competition or when you’re trying to improve your skills on the range, it can make for a frustrating experience. This week’s Youtube video is a perfect example…
Between an obvious bad shot, sluggish reloads, crazy lighting and the misses that I thought were good hits, this disaster of a stage could have set the tone for the rest of my USPSA Carry Optics Nationals. If there’s one thing I have learned throughout my shooting career it’s that it is not over until it’s truly over. Here are some of my do’s and don’ts for those less-than-stellar moments so that you can come back strong.
DON’T let your emotions get the better of you, but DO take a moment. No one wants to see you have a hissy fit. That said, you should allow yourself to take a short amount of time to feel annoyed, sad and/or angry on the inside. This will help you accept what has happened and move on.
DO acknowledge what went wrong, but DON’T dwell on it. Did you have some sort of gun or equipment problem? Did you forget to load your magazines? Did you not pay attention to the sights? Identifying the problem(s) will help you not repeat them. Take a clinical approach by assessing and coming up with an appropriate plan.
DO go back to the basics. Focusing on the fundamental skills isn’t just a productive distraction, it can also get you back on track for a better performance.
DON’T worry about your score or where you’ll finish. Instead, DO micro-manage the moments/shots/stages. The best part? If you win those small battles and you may just end up winning the war.
Finally DO give it your best shot every time (pun intended). Not every day will be a record breaker or victory, but it’s the moments when you struggle you really can learn so much about your own mental game, how to make a real comeback and achieve your shooting goals.
