TargetTalk

So... in my daily training routine, I tend to have a radio on. Talk radio, I listen to the discussions while I shoot. At certain points, I tend to block it out. On occasion, after the shot breaks, I often realize that I don't know what they were talking about. But more times than not, I'm aware of what is going on the entire time.

Now that I'm getting over my competition shooting jitters, I've found that it's possible for me to shoot better in competition than I do in training (To a point. PTO's vs National events). When I occasionally shoot in training at home with the radio off, I have similar results to competition.

Two ways to I can see to interpret this.

1) Learn to shoot as well as possible with distractions, learn to tune them out when needed. Then without distractions, it's possible to excel further than you could if you trained without distraction full time.

2) Train as you compete. Not training fully focused is a detriment and will not allow you to perform 100% even when fully focused in competition.

I'm on the fence on this one. I might tend to believe that training with distraction will allow you to perform better when you don't have the distractions.

Final thought. I'm aware of another top shooter who tends to train while Family Guy is on TV off to the side. He shoots 97/98/99 consistently in that environment. However, he tends to shoot 93/94/95 in competition.

Is it possible, this is a very individualized situation? There is no right or wrong answer? I'm prepared to accept that. To each their own and each must find out for themselves?

Oz

I mix it up myself. I'll usually train with few distractions (match conditions). But it's good from time to time to see what you can tune out. I'm pretty good at it. In college, the softball batting cages were near our air rifle range with only chain link fence to block noise. They often had loud music just for that little extra something. It really didn't take long to tune it out.

The fact that you can tune out talk radio enough that you lose track of the conversation is a good thing. However, you may be getting used to a white noise in the background and the absence of the noise gets you.

I see it as there will be distractions at a match. At Perry a few years ago during prone, the summer camp had a guts match and the instructors started beating on trash cans and yelling. This went on a good 20min before someone stopped them. Not my fault, nothing I can really do about it, they didn't stop time, didn't give us extra time. So I had to tune it out, and that's what I did. Another example from Perry are the people behind you talking. It's a low hum for the most part, but it's just something else that could get you.

outside noise happens.
one of the ranges I have shot many times has a basketball court above the shooting range.
its fine if there isn't a game but they have games there all the time.
it sounds like there playing in the range.
I have also had one of the club shooters come in while I am training with what sounded like a hand cannon going off.
this guy must have filled his cases to the top with powder and squished it down with thw bullet because it blew a pumkin size flame with a disturbing noise.

Howdy,
I often set up at the rifle side of our club for Masters precision and bullseye practice and shoot with the AR and benchrest shooters.
It makes me work at breaking a shot.
There are times that the noise and concussion make it hard to stay focused.
I don't think "Perfect circumstances" are the answer either.
Good luck
Mike

I learned long ago to train my mind to concentrate on the progressive elements that are required to execute the shot sequence. If my mind refuses to comply I take a break, I use the break to rededicate my self to the purpose for which I am on the range. I tighten up emotionally if I am not dedicated enough or just mentally lazy by looking up the person or persons I have to beat if I am to win. In other words I confront my competition. If I am so tense that I lose control of the thought process I use a distraction technique that consists of removing myself from the range enviornment for several minutes. I further use a mental process that I call "thinking plesant thoughts". That is anything that posseses no threat to me either physically or to my ego. As I find myself relaxing and again able to control my thoughts I step back up on the line and continue the competition. I am not certain this is what the subject is all about but maybe just the concept will add to the discussion. Good Shooting Bill Horton