TargetTalk

It's interesting for me: What is main part of successful pistol shooting (in Olympic events)?

I don't try to find answer - I just want to compare...

If there is a single answer then IMHO you have not included the most important factor in all target pistol shooting, trigger control.

David Levene wrote:If there is a single answer then IMHO you have not included the most important factor in all target pistol shooting, trigger control.

Right. hm... editing is impossible. OK.

Please, for nonpresent answers - mark: here is no right answer!

I added "Trigger control" to the pool

Shin wrote:I added "Trigger control" to the pool

I had already voted "no right answer", never mind.

For me, the answer at this level is psychology,
the mechanics of performing a good shot depends on your ability to control your thought processes.

Trigger control is an integral part of the shot but psychology controls everything...
"think trigger control"- isn't that psychology? ;-)

Happy new year!
Anders

edit: I was referring to international level competition...
out of the technical aspects trigger control is obviously most important.

Anders makes a very good point. It depends at what level you are trying to be successful and how you judge success.

If you are new to shooting (whether in Olympic events or others) then it is going to be one element of the physical technique which is going to be the most important. Which element it is would be up for debate, I obviously favour trigger control.

If on the other hand you are standing on the firing point at the next Olympics then it is a fair bet that your physical technique is going to be pretty consistant/good. At this level then the psych side of shooting takes on a major importance. Whether you recognise it as psychology depends on the approach taken by your coaching/support team.

No matter what level you are at........the #1 MOST important thing is PRACTICE............the more practice and familiarity with your sport and firearm, the better your scores will be and the higher level you will achieve.......just my 2 cents worth

race1911 wrote:the #1 MOST important thing is PRACTICE

I totally disagree. If you just practice a bad technique then all you will end up with is a much practiced bad technique.

Training in the technical elements of good shooting, whether they be physical or psychological, is infinitely more important.

It may just be semantics but IMO practice is just repeating learned techniques, training is trying to improve them.

While I always agree with David---I think the most important single factor has been forgotten----Good Coaching----you can know all of the rudiments and have developed good stance, balance, trigger control, mental discipline, self analysis etc.---but you cannot stand along side yourself and notice the many little quirks and glitches in your procedure. This is where the coaching process takes over---I know that having been a successful coach, I have often requested a teammate to watch me for 30 minutes or so with the Free Pistol to look for the various and sundry "stupid" things I am capable of. You will never, never know it all and the old adage is always true " no barber can shave so close that another cannot find more to cut" ---Ling Po (3rd Dynasty) THE COACH, THE COACH, THE COACH---In deference to my freshman college football coach, Vince Lombardi.

OK, let me rephrase..........#1 MOST important is PRACTICE USING PROPER SHOOTING TECHNIQUE...........the more you practice and become more familiar with your firearm and sport the higher level you will achieve

Proper technique is important of course, but being able to focus and close out the outside world is imho the most important factor. Sight alignment is automatic, almost subconcious. Steady hold and squeeze... oops, there the shot went - yes another ten... :-)

/Axel

Seems to me that going to the right matches and being seen so you can be selected is the most important thing. Play your politics right. I know that selection is not about who has the current highest average score at sanctioned matches.

Axel wrote:Proper technique is important of course, but being able to focus and close out the outside world is imho the most important factor. Sight alignment is automatic, almost subconcious. Steady hold and squeeze... oops, there the shot went - yes another ten... :-)

/Axel

Axel, you're right. I think that shot have to be unexpected (or sudden if you like).

You're absolutely right about subconcious work. After our hands go up from bench - out brains must be empty.

Practice..............................................