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Mental Discipline in Shooting

Being a good shot involves two disciplines, and those are physical and mental. Many shooters consider the first part of this equation but not the second. Dr. Jay McNamara is a sports psychologist who specializes in fishing and hunting, and if you'll follow his advice about routine and visualization, you'll see your skill level with a rifle or shotgun increase.

Top athletes in golf and tennis and other sports employ psychologists to help them focus and develop routines for success. McNamara does the same thing with pro fishermen and hunters. He helps them develop routines to stay mentally sharp.

"You sit down at the bench or in the field, you've got a routine that you go through where you put the gun to your shoulder, take x-number of deep breathes, you let out the half a breathe before you ease the trigger, it makes a huge difference. If you just sit down and take a snap-shot, your way more likely to miss."

COMMENTS

SouthernSon

I don't know if I've been taught wrong or not, but I am very consistant by exhaling all the way and with a short pause to allow me to chatch inbetween my heart beats. - This is for long shots (800+ yrds). For short shots (-500 yrds), I breathe in and chatch between heart beats.
I will try your teaching and get back to you.
I tend to pull to the right with just half breath, but well worth trying again.
THANKS !!!

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SouthernSon

I tryed again and had more success with breath out all the way. But the mental follow through is what I believe is my success. I was concerned that I was letting to much breath out, instead of mental relaxation and follow through.
Thanks Again !!! your going to make me a better shot yet.

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Paul D. Harwood

I have been in the field with a weapon since I was 11 years of age, I am 58 now. My father who was a W.W. II vetran & a Army man all the way. Dad gave me all of my Safety instructions & Shooting instructions, & the importance of Maintaining your weapon.
The way you mentioned here is identical to the way that I was instructed. And glad to say that it has always served me good.
I am a Hunters Education Instructor in my state & this is the same way that I teach.
Thank You for sharing this great information, & Thank You, to ALL U.S. Vetrans through out the world for keeping us SAFE.

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