Practical Shooting After Dark EP 5

Published on July 13, 2018
Duration: 29:39

This episode of Practical Shooting After Dark features a discussion on competition shooting techniques and preparation. Ben Stoeger, along with guests Matt and Jeff, delve into the nuances of the 'hands relaxed at sides' start position, proposing alternatives like 'wrists below the belt'. They also discuss strategies for major match preparation, including dry fire and stage analysis. Nick shares his experience practicing multiple divisions in a single day to invigorate his training and improve specific skills, particularly recoil management and trigger control. The group also analyzes trigger press technique during fast shooting, emphasizing the importance of a straight rearward press and using drills like the 'doubles drill' to assess grip tension and trigger control.

Quick Summary

In competition shooting, the 'hands relaxed at sides' start position is often performed incorrectly with tense hands. Experts suggest alternative phrasing like 'wrists below the belt' for better compliance. For match preparation, analyze stages and practice them in dry fire. When shooting fast, focus on a straight rearward trigger press, assessed via drills like the 'doubles drill', and remember that basic gun handling skills are resilient to extended breaks.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Show Format
  2. 00:51Start Position Discussion: Hands Relaxed at Sides
  3. 01:16Critique of Current Start Positions
  4. 03:16Proposed Start Position Rules
  5. 08:54Jeff's Major Match Prep
  6. 10:41Major Match Prep Strategies
  7. 12:46Show and Tell: Pocket Pro Timer
  8. 13:22Nick's Multi-Division Practice Strategy
  9. 15:02Goals of Multi-Division Practice
  10. 17:41Recoil and Trigger Differences
  11. 18:01Training Volume and Motivation
  12. 20:41Nick's Off-Season and Return to Shooting
  13. 23:39Impact of Extended Breaks on Skills
  14. 25:06Trigger Press When Shooting Fast
  15. 27:25The Doubles Drill Explained
  16. 29:15Conclusion & Listener Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues with the 'hands relaxed at sides' start position in competition shooting?

Many competitors exhibit tense hands ready to draw rather than truly relaxed. This is often seen as a lack of respect for the game and can lead to issues with compliance on the shooting line, potentially causing disruptions.

How can competitors prepare for major shooting matches?

Major match preparation involves analyzing published stages to identify unique challenges like low ports or tight angles. These specific scenarios should then be replicated in dry fire practice using fundamental blocks to build proficiency.

What is the 'doubles drill' and how does it help with trigger control?

The 'doubles drill' involves shooting pairs of shots rapidly on a target. It helps assess trigger press and grip tension by ensuring the trigger pull is straight rearward, minimizing gun movement, and maintaining consistent impact points.

Does taking a long break from shooting significantly impact basic gun handling skills?

Surprisingly, basic gun handling skills like drawing and fundamental drills are often retained well even after extended breaks. The primary areas that typically require more focus upon return are target quality and accuracy at longer distances.

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