Failure in 10 m air rifle finals...

[tsokasn]

Hello my friends!
It's been a long time since I last entered a question but haven't quit shooting at all.

Some days ago,we had our 10m air rifle national competition.
I simply failed...
Here is the story:

Managed to qualify in the eighth position because I was simply thinking at the first 20 and last 10 shots.
Found the mistake and I will analyze it on an other topic.

The main problem was in the finals...
I could not fire a single shot without pulse,with clear technique,subconscious...
Anxiety till the end,no hold at all.

How must someone train to overcome this problem???

Thank you.

[svensta]

Well I have no formal world beating approach but simulating stress during practice (not every practice) does help.
Some of the following might seem silly but it helps keep you focused if you can ignore discomfort and irritation.

- Stick to your shot plan for every shot, in your head talk yourself through every phase
and imagine projecting your (thought out) words through the foresight, into the target.

- Get a pocket radio/ipod and play irritating music you hate just a little too loud while you practice.

- Shoot barefoot or put some .22 brass into your shoe to make it uncomfortable.

This won't make you a more accurate shot but if you can manage to concentrate while being annoyed
and still shoot an OK score then being able to focus while feeing stressed, flustered and nervous should
be easier.

[tsokasn]

The only drill I made was to arrange a practice/final with every shooter that wanted to participate,every time I went to the shooting field.
Furthermore,I did some amount of shots with time count down.
It kind of put me in the "feeling" but not 100%.

Got to find out a more strict drill I guess.
I will sure try out your advice svensta.
Thanks for the input.

[Pheyden]

Three words "self positive reinforcemnt"! This is extremely important and often neglected. Give yourself total positive reminders before you atart the shot process. "Relax". "Trust your ability". "Execute".

[Rover]

A good bourbon may serve you well.

[Andre]

Shoot more finals; the more you shoot, the easier they get.

[Albert T]

In Germany and The Netherlands the top-shooters end every training session with a final to learn to shoot under pressure. Often a small bet is made (lowest score/loser has to pay for the round of drinks etc.) to make it count. Other way is to have fellow shooters annoy you and let them tell yokes or let them yell at you while you are shooting. Loud annoying music while shooting also helps.

Albert T
(The Netherlands)

[Pat McCoy]

Anxiety till the end,

Anxiety is just another word for fear (False Evidence Appearing Real).

Figure out what you fear, and why. Then overcome that fear of what MAY happen, with what actually could happen. What's the worst that could happen? Will someone revoke your birthday? Not allow you to come home. Send you to fight is some foreign war?

Use Pheyden's ideas of self reinforcement, not only at the range during the match, but every day in, and out of training.

You already know how to shoot well, or you wouldn't have made the finals. Relax, and trust in yourself.

[tsokasn]

Hello my friends!
Sorry for my delayed reply and thank you for your inputs!

Everything saws that I must work harder with the mental game...

Once again,thank you.

[oldrifleman]

This was really a great read! My daughter is having similar issues and I just sent this to her. Thanks to all.

[Rover]

She's probably too young for the bourbon.

[oldrifleman]

Yeah, that one will have to wait another 8 - 9 years :)

[robruger1]

Our junior club regularly shoots a "Guts" match at the end of each practice. Every person takes 1 shot. The person with the lowest score is out and its continued until only one shooter remains. However, once you are out, you are allowed to do anything you want to distract the remaining shooters with the exception of touching them or their gear and still complying with all range safety rules. We get the parents in on it too. You'll see kids banging garbage can lids like cymbals, shouting, telling jokes. It's a lot of fun and teaches shooting under stress. Talladega Nights quotes are my go to and for at least my daughter, gets her to crack most of the time.

"Why you so sweaty?" "I was watchin' Cops." LOL