“90% of the game is half mental”
~ Yogi Berra
With tournament season well underway, our number of inquiries about the mental game has understandably risen. Their shooting performances and scores both, unfortunately, have fallen short for some time now. Understandably, improvement is the goal here. So, can the mental game create this improvement? Yes, it can. However, the question of “how” is worth a bit of thinking first.
Here are a few thoughts on the basics, the mental approach to shooting improvement.
While many are eager to jump into a mental “pre-shot routine” as a cure-all, let’s back up a bit. Here, we want to remember – regardless of sport or activity – any real, measurable skill improvement is a “process,” not an event. More dependable shooting ability is a skill that must first be developed. Which means some serious, ongoing, disciplined, well-defined practice. During that practice, two mental disciplines rise to the top. The first is a vigilant mindset to be patient with one’s self. The second is a prompt and very steady, non-stop self-forgiveness when things don’t go as planned – as they surely won’t, regardless of endeavor. Definitely embrace the goal, but set the expectation level to realistic.
“The only problem with success...
is that it does not teach you how to deal with failure.”
~Tommy Lasorda
We’ve all heard the question, which came first, the chicken or the egg? In our case, skill development has to come first, as in, it’s required. Why? Because the very best mental game in the world can’t (and won’t) fix an inconsistent, error-filled set-up and/or swing. Never has. Never will. See, anyone can break targets. What about consistently – as in 10 out of 10? 25 out of 25? That, folks, is an entirely different matter. To break targets consistently – now we’re back to the skill part. And why developing the skill fundamentals has to come first. Skill and consistency rest firmly on the foundation of basics executed correctly. Choose your sport, hobby or profession – that’s a hard rule.
Let’s say the skill set has reached a reasonable level of proficiency and consistency. The mental game is now about moving and holding the shooter’s “attention,” his/her focus, where it needs to be, just prior to and during the swing / trigger pull. When attention shifts in the wrong direction, problems arise, both in the shooting box and on the scorecard. Where to place that attention is addressed in my 3 books.
Speaking of attention, unfortunately, many Instructors are telling their unskilled shooters they’re missing because they’re not trusting themselves enough. Say what??? Not trusting themselves enough? How can a shooter trust a skill they don’t have and haven’t learned yet?
Let’s talk about that trust for a moment. How much trust can be placed in the swing? Reliably. That will depend on the level of skill that’s been developed. Like tying your shoes in the dark, there’s a level of familiarity to be considered. The greater the familiarity with the set-up, swing and shot process, the greater and safer the level of trust.
“Want the X?
Trust the shot you have…
not the shot you wish you had.”
I believe mental training is definitely advantageous, once the shooting basics come online consistently. I add that condition because extensive effort poured into the mental aspects of shooting simply won’t be able to make up for a swing that lacks precision, is inconsistent and, at best, semi-reliable. Mental training can’t compensate for a swing that only works part-time.
In my humble opinion, most folks shy away from the mental side of training because of the unknown, the mystery involved, believing that what’s out there can’t be explained. How to make it useful? That’s unfortunate because the process of learning to manage our thoughts and focus our attention can be explained in a completely logical, step-by-step process with down-to-earth explanations that make perfect sense.
Before closing, a quick comment on what holds our attention. I’m referring to our “self-talk,” or “inner voice.” That’s the chatter, the dialogue that goes on in our mind throughout our waking hours. Because it’s been with us for so long, most folks just accept this inner dialogue as the truth and never question its validity. While teaching in WA state a few years ago, I was walking in downtown Seattle and came to a vendor selling small, flat stones with sayings imprinted on them. The one I liked and bought said, “Don’t believe everything you think.” Good advice.
While our thoughts can have a positive effect on our behavior, too often they don’t. And, it’s not like us to stop and question our innermost thoughts. Maybe there are times when we should? Because so much of what we do and how well we do or don’t do it – especially in competition – is guided by our thoughts.
We can move our attention away from the negativity and distractions, provided we first begin to listen to the self-talk. Become an observer, a third party listening to the “self-talk” conversation. Take a moment to reconsider the conclusion you just came to, especially the self-doubting. That’s when we can deliberately move 100% of our attention onto the target in front of us. I encourage you to consider this a very worthwhile exercise.
At Paragon…we believe that fundamentals are the core, the framework that ultimately encompasses all that is required for success. Because everything is built on basics. Truth be known, there are no advanced techniques. The alleged 'advanced' shooter merely executes the basics smoother, more efficiently and faster than others. If a shooter wants to improve his shooting, he can do so by understanding and repeating the basics, consistently, at a more proficient level.
If you're a clay target instructor and want to help your students quickly move their shooting to a higher level and consistently break more targets, the Paragon School of Sporting's Instructor Certification course will definitely be your silver bullet. Our July class is full and the dates for our fall class will be announced soon.
Thanks for joining us here. Be safe and I hope to see you out on the course.
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About Dan Schindler
Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!
Dan Schindler's Books
"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors
and parents of youth shooters."
Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.
To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.
Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.
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