Assassin Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I don't know about most shooters. I do know about myself. When I'm pissed off I shoot much better. What do others do to mentally prepare for a big match? Myself, I listen to NPR on the radio and it really sets the tempo for my shooting day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom, SASS #54973 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I meditate, then when I'm done I hug a tree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ The Red Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 14 minutes ago, Assassin said: I don't know about most shooters. I do know about myself. When I'm pissed off I shoot much better. What do others do to mentally prepare for a big match? Myself, I listen to NPR on the radio and it really sets the tempo for my shooting day. You are forever a mystery to the rest of us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ The Red Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 3 minutes ago, Phantom, SASS #54973 said: I meditate, then when I'm done I hug a tree. Please don't encourage him. There's a burr in his saddle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I call in to NPR, yell and scream a bit, then go cut down a tree Regards Gateway Kid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Cross, SASS #13848 L Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I tell myself slow to moderate is smooth, smooth is moderate to a little bit faster. Apply anti-inflammatory gel to the wrists and sunscreen to the nose. Make sure holsters are on right; don't forget to put shot shells in the belt; don't mess up first stage. After that I got it whipped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clay Thornton Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 On my way to the match it is about making sure I have something to eat, but not to much, and getting a good night sleep the evening before. From there it is just maintaining a positive attitude and a short memory for bad stages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Sometimes, I think getting a miss on the first stage is a good way to start out. The building pressure of a clean match makes me jittery, slows me down, and makes me much more likely to get a "P" or two, or to miss a holster with a pistol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky L Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I shoot at a few different clubs, all of which are a 2hr drive (each way) for me and my son. I start out with a prayer for our safe travel to and from the match, as well as safe travels for all the pards going to/from the match. Always thankful for what I have and the day and ask that I may shoot well and have a good day with my son and pards. Since I'm not going for the "bass boat"....it's all about having fun and visiting with good pards! As far as shooting goes, relax and have fun! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish ike, SASS #43615 Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 Local Monthlies I see as practice so I'll just shoot them as I see them working on transitions. But Winter Range I might review the stages the day before but other than that show up, shoot the best I can and know I won't shoot clean. I shoot Frontiersman so anything can happen. Top 10 is my goal, or walk away knowing I didn't shoot any love stock! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michigan Slim Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 I like to get likkered up the night before. Hungover Gunfighter I calls it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tall Tale Todd Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 I'll practice my draw and transitions the night before in front of the tv. I get a lot of strange looks from my wife haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painted Mohawk SASS 77785 Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 I'm mentally challenged already, so thinkin' too MUCH' about it only puts pressure on ones self !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 This is a bit off topic. But it has to do with preparation, so I'll go ahead and share. A couple months ago, I realized that although my grip on the pistols (as a guitar picker) was strong and tight, my wrists didn't have the rigidity I wanted for controlling pistol muzzle movement during cocking and firing. An Orthopedist friend suggested this exercise to strengthen all of the wrist muscles. I've been doing it every night for two months now, and it really has helped me to steady my revolvers. It's simple. Either standing or sitting, grip your favorite revolvers, one in each hand - - unloaded, of course. Hold them in firing pisition, arm straight out and level. Rapidly draw circles in the air with the muzzles. Go BOTH directions equally. Start with 6" circles and work down to 3" in each workout. Keep speed as fast as you can maintain. After a hundred or so revs, your wrist and lower arms will likely begin to burn or ache a bit. That's should be the stopping point. Don't overdo it and try to rush things. It takes time. Push too hard and you'll develop a painful condition, not unlike carpel tunnel syndrome. I've been doing about 300 circles per night with each arm, rotating in opposite directions. I divide the workout into two sets of 150, spaced about fifteen minutes apart. At first, my wrists felt stiff, and thumbs sore, but now they only feel solid and stable, and I don't have to think about holding a tight grip on the revolvers. It happens naturally now. Whether or not my shooting improves, time will just have to tell. Just passing it on here for those with interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawdog Dago Dom Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 15 hours ago, Assassin said: I don't know about most shooters. I do know about myself. When I'm pissed off I shoot much better. What do others do to mentally prepare for a big match? Myself, I listen to NPR on the radio and it really sets the tempo for my shooting day. A picture of Rachel Maddow or Jim Acosta at the loading table should do the trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shooting Bull Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 I try to start clearing my head on the way to the range. Slow my breathing, slow my heart rate. Las Vegas traffic being what it is, that isn't always possible. But If I can manage to arrive in a relatively calm state with a clear head I do tend to shoot better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Equanimous Phil Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 9 hours ago, Dusty Devil Dale said: Rapidly draw circles in the air with the muzzles. Do you circle/move your shoulder joints or the wrists? This exercise sounds interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rainmaker, SASS #11631 Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 12 minutes ago, Equanimous Phil said: Do you circle/move your shoulder joints or the wrists? This exercise sounds interesting! The entire straight/locked arm is rotated in a cone pattern. The wrist is held straight in shooting position. The wrist is exercised mainly by supporting the shifting force applied by the weight of the moving pistol, which is substantial. Allowing excessive repetitive wrist motion can cause tendinitis, and needs to be avoided. If, at any time, you experience sharp shoulder pain or popping (indicating Rotator Cuff stress or injury) discontinue the exercise. An alternative similar exercise, excluding the shoulder can be done with only the forearm, by resting the elbow on a padded table top or chair arm. Do be alert for signs of developing Tennis Elbow. This exercise I applies considerable force on the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints, so don't overdo it, and stop early rather than later if pain of any kind appears. I should also mention that the trigger finger should be in position gripping the trigger, so it is not just important, but essential, to double/tripple check the empty cylinder (I also keep the loading gates open for visual confirmation while doing this exercise) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Bill Burt Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 I don't do anything to prepare for a big match other than go over the stage descriptions and do some mental walkthrough of each stage. Prior to a stage I do some mental prep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil dogooder Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 When they start giving away Cadillac s i may consider prep, until then it's just another match, so I just have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles B. Gatewood SASS #48517 Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 Visualizing movements, transitions, and all have help me as much as actual practice. CBG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494 Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 I have learned to relax more and thereby have more fun. Being ORGANIZED beforehand to allow subconscious to function has been a paradigm shift in match enjoyment. This allows time to visit and enjoy interaction with folks we only get to see at bigger matches, That in itself adds to the fun factor, and by extension, aids relaxation. Shooting first stage clean, even if not fast, helps set tone for the rest of the match. And PLUS MANY to C. Gatewood above...... keeping a clear mental picture of what I WANT to do helps immensely. Of course, then the buzzer goes off......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 16 minutes ago, Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494 said: Of course, then the buzzer goes off......... The great mind eraser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles B. Gatewood SASS #48517 Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 1 hour ago, Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494 said: I have learned to relax more and thereby have more fun. Being ORGANIZED beforehand to allow subconscious to function has been a paradigm shift in match enjoyment. This allows time to visit and enjoy interaction with folks we only get to see at bigger matches, That in itself adds to the fun factor, and by extension, aids relaxation. Shooting first stage clean, even if not fast, helps set tone for the rest of the match. And PLUS MANY to C. Gatewood above...... keeping a clear mental picture of what I WANT to do helps immensely. Of course, then the buzzer goes off......... Thank you! I apply the same technique I was taught when I rode bulls. It's a matter of mentally going through every procedure so that your mind learns what is akin to muscle memory. However, once the timer goes beep.....well you know! HA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Kane Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 Take a couple of Advil during the 4 am trip to the bathroom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bull Skinner Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 I watch a John Wayne movie the night before, pilgrim! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutmeg Ryder, SASS # 74966 Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 When the shooter in front of me at the loading table gets called up I realize I should figure out what I am doing.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 Assemble guns and gear ready to load into my van the afternoon before the match. I don’t want to feel rushed. Get up an hour early the day of the match, get dressed, eat a high protein breakfast, take care of body functions. I don’t want to feel rushed. Get to range at least 30 minutes before shooter’s meeting. I don’t want to feel rushed. Be one of the last to shoot the stage. I don’t want to feel rushed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 It seems like my mental state and confidence are driven mostly by my advance preparation or failure to prepare. If I know my rifle is dirty, I haven't touched my pistols since last months match, my shotgun shells are bulged, and my rifle cartridges are the same ones that produced two squibs on my last match, I doubt that my concentration is going to be very acute, beyond those distractions. For me, prep is a big part of my shooting ability and speed. And regardless of any mental prep exercises I do, I know the timer beep is going to erase it all. When the timer sounds, I just dive in and do my best. It's going to either be real good, good, fair, bad, or awfull. I never can predict. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 I been accused of being Mental. Time or two. However, Prior to a match big or small, I go thru my mental checklist, wallet, glasses, change, snot rag, boots, then to the load out, kart, possibles box, ammunition for long guns, short guns, shotguns, then to the actual guns and my hat. Make sure I have a map to the range. Start the car and back out only AFTER I have opened the door ......... Once I get to the match, someone always tells me where to go Then someone tells me what to do Cake .... No ?? PS: See ..... Forgot my leather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal TKD, Sass # 36984L Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 Match Prep. Arrive on Saturday morning between 9:00am and 11:31 am. Set up motorhome. Talk to others who are camping. Eat lunch Set steel if needed. Paint targets. Time for Happy Hour. Then Dinner either at the range or Mexican Place. Then a few drinks while sitting around the campfire telling stories. Wake up next morning and shoot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Holiday Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 On 6/17/2019 at 8:42 PM, Dusty Devil Dale said: This is a bit off topic. But it has to do with preparation, so I'll go ahead and share. A couple months ago, I realized that although my grip on the pistols (as a guitar picker) was strong and tight, my wrists didn't have the rigidity I wanted for controlling pistol muzzle movement during cocking and firing. An Orthopedist friend suggested this exercise to strengthen all of the wrist muscles. I've been doing it every night for two months now, and it really has helped me to steady my revolvers.... This makes a ton of sense. Shooting on top of moving my ma-in-law's 4 giant stacks of 20" patio pavers... again... led me to a pretty severe case of tennis elbow. Wound up going to physical therapy since I wasn't getting over it by natural means. Now, my prevention / preparation varies from stretching and wrist strengthening exercises to a TE strap and athletic tape depending on how sore I am before I shoot. I'm going to add this exercise to my routine as strengthening will help prevent future TE troubles. Not sure what happened but it turns out I'm not 24 and fit from 50 hrs a week of physical labor anymore... Thanks for that tip. It's a goodn' for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Holiday Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 On 6/18/2019 at 7:05 AM, Captain Bill Burt said: I don't do anything to prepare for a big match other than go over the stage descriptions and do some mental walkthrough of each stage. Prior to a stage I do some mental prep. I do this too. Then accept my "P" with grace and dignity... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Bill Burt Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 6 minutes ago, Croc Holiday said: I do this too. Then accept my "P" with grace and dignity... I'm far from a top shooter, but Ps are fairly rare for me. Maybe once every 25-35 matches or so. I did get one last Saturday though! I typically visualize myself shooting the stage at least six times prior to going to the line. That seems to help minimize Ps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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