TargetTalk

Because of a back problem, I cant use the standing pose 'according to the book'. I tuck my elbow into my side, and stand fairly upright. Ony way to shoot standing without backpain. Anyway, I have 3 issues:
1 my zero is always too far right. Probably to do with my stance. I'm as far back as possible in the stand, and turning the whole body ín more helps, but feels unstable. Any tips?
2 When I get backpain, it always in the upper back. Any tips to help prevent this?
3 Nothing to do with the stance perse, but I tend to wait too long for the shot. With that, I mean that when I have perfect sight picture, I tend to wait for 'more perfect'to come along..(which doesnt ofcourse). Any tips here?

You know ... whatever you do don't aggravate your back problem. It's not worth it in the long run.

I think in Europe there is a category for air rifle that is supported off of a stand. I'd really suggest you maybe look into that.

STAY HEALTHY ... when you get old it takes longer to heal and those small tweaks you gave yourself when younger come back to haunt you.
(I always gotta learn this the hard way)

yana,

JH is right about staying healthy, but is this self -diagnosed "back problem" or one you have had an outside medical opinion about?

If it is a medically diagnosed back problem, work with your doctor and PT to see if you should even be attempting the standing position.

If is is self- diagnosed, due to soreness, you should follow up with real medical advice.

Starting a simple stretching routine 10-12 minutes a day can really help. I have done this (along with an exercise routine to strengthen the core muscles) for the past two years, and have no back problems even when shooting rifle without a shooting jacket.

At age 65 my scores ave dropped due to #1- eyesight, and #2 less stability without the artificial support offered by the shooting jacket, but am still having fun competing against myself and trying to get back to the old score.

I've had backproblems all my life. Main issue is hyper mobility. If I stand in thé correct standing pose, which I easily can, cause I'm too mobile, I can feel the ligaments shift in my back..Allthough it doesnt hurt, its not good either.
So I use a very mild upright position, to protect my back.
I already train to strengthen my back, but becáuse of my over mobility, its nearly impossible to find an excersize that works for my upper back..(only boxing and swordfighting seems to work!)
Usually, the movement of an exercize isnt far enough for mé, to make my back even work..
My lower back, no problem. Can push 70 kilo's + without feeling anything..

I dónt use shooting jacket, hose, or whatever, and dont want to either.
Its for hobby, I want to be able to get my gun and leave for the range, without hassle.:)

But because of my position, I'm struggling with my zero too far to the right..

Given the circumstances you sight, I will suggest that you seriously look into "canting" the rifle into your face since you are so erect.

Then if you are still shooting right, try shifting the rear foot and pivoting more or less on the front foot, until you get the proper Natural Point of Aim (NPA), which causes the rounds to strike center. Keep the cant and don't forget to click the sights once everything else is comfortable to get fine tuned to 10X.

search the internet for Core-strengtening exercise. It can help in strengthening your upperbody muscles, keeping everything toghether...

Albert B (The Netherlands)

To me it sounds like you would benefit from a shooting jacket and the stability it provides. Only you can decide if the extra 'hassle' is worthwhile to support and protect your back and help you shoot pain free....

Rob.

I cán shoot painfree, as long as I stand upright, and have my left hand sideways under the stock.

I've tried various strengthening exercises, but I dont seem to get my upper back to work, cause the movements I have to do are too large (and only tire my arms instead of my back). Only boxing and sword fighting training feels great for my upper back.

Just been to my fysiotherapist again, to set all back ligaments straight again.
Mentioned the fact that with normal excersises for my upper back I didnt feel my back at all. So she checked; made me lie down on my belly, pulled my arm backwards, like a rowing motion and she was stunned; my shoulders didnt move at all! Too flexible! So I'm correct that I dont feel my back with such exercises, cause none of the back muscles are even tensioned in my case!!

Thats why its hard to train my upper back!

Hello Yana,
I failed to notice that you are from the Netherlands, I am also. I regularly speak to mevr. Ria van Rooijen. She is the KNSA's physician., I know her well and she is a very kind lady. Good change she will get into your problem and give you good advice if possible. Do you have an email adress so I can send you her details, adress etc.? When I meet her I will mention your problem to her.

If you like to, have a peep at my website www.schiettechniek.nl
maybe your problem can be a topic for the KNSA-magzine "Schietsport."

Groetjes,
Albert T (KNSA trainer) The Netherlands

Hi Albert
I'm a trainer as well, allthough only Basic for now(already applied for Trainer A but have to wait for 12 persons to apply for it to start).
I'm familiar with yr site actually!
I you want, you can email me at:
yvw31@hotmail.com