Simple K.I.S.S. Gauge of performance for the Newcomer

[T191032]

In browsing through the various threads on this site, I've come across some good information. While I may not be aspiring to be come "The Next Great Champion", one thing that I do know is that certain things are important. At my local indoor range, I've been on the shooting line, and sitting behind the line, observing new, intermediate and expert shooters alike. I've seen both good and bad advise be given alike. Some of it's even been given to me (luckily I have been able to absorb some of the good from people I would listen too). I've tried to give advise if possible, and there have been days, in retrospect, when I realize I should have left the range for my own safety.

I know that this particular board is perhaps geared more towards the intermediate or experienced shooter. However, that does not mean that there isn't information that the "hobby" shooter, and certainly newcomer can not glean some good information from it. One thing that caught my attention recently was a thread regarding "Average Score" viewtopic.php?t=14136.

That thread went beyond the scope of what it began as, a discussion of how to gauge one's performance by numerical score. For a newcomer, there is a fairly simple gauge. Now, since I'm not an "expert"/Coach/athlete I am going to simply remind one to use that wonderfully simple act. So, if you want to approach with "a grain of salt", ok. :) Presuming that said newcomer is reading/researching/exercising between a good practice session, I hope this might help give them a base.

1. Designate a time and shoot a "match". I'm referring to Air Pistol, but this can be modified for powder-burners accordingly. That would be 40-(women)/60-(men) shots in the time alloted by ISSF rules. Tally your score. Treat those targets like they are gold, for as a base reference, in time you will come back to them to compare. This is part one of the two-part base establishment.
2. Practice stance/hold/aim/trigger press - you know all those Fundamentals.
3. Coach/Mentor/Fellow shooter encouragement can be sought (online if others don't share your interest).
4. Take notes. [Something this "hobby shooter" doesn't do well, perhaps reminds him of school? {shudder the thought}]
5. Don't stress those bad shots. [Take it from this poster, I am still trying to learn this one myself. The advise given on this board about not worrying about that pellet in the "one" ring is hard to swallow, but we are human. Your groups will get better. Mine are.]
6. Repeat step 1 after a month. That is how you'll have established the second part of your base. Scores, performance under the pressure of time clock, etc.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 as necessary.

As mentioned in the thread above, and discussed in other threads, folks seem to reach peaks/plateaus in scores. Again, do not let that frustrate you. I've shot some targets for practice that outscored numerically those that were meant for online shoots. Frustrating? Yes. Encouraging? Oh yes! When the pressure was on, it showed me I needed to look at my mistakes (there are many) to improve my shooting efforts.

We can read an entire thread with folks saying this number or that, but it is only when the shooter puts pellet to target and establishes that base numerical score will they know where they stand.

To any newcomer who may read this, I wish you well in your efforts to become a safe, accurate shooter.