Chasing the times

Published on June 2, 2025
Duration: 4:15

This video discusses the potential downsides of 'chasing par times' with a timer in shooting practice. While timers are valuable for measuring progress and providing motivation, focusing solely on speed can lead to degraded technique, particularly in sight picture acquisition and controlled gun movement. The instructor emphasizes a holistic approach to training, balancing speed with accuracy, consistency, and clean technique.

Quick Summary

Focusing solely on 'chasing par times' with a shooting timer can hinder progress by degrading technique. Shooters may compromise sight picture acquisition and controlled gun movements for speed, leading to counterproductive practice. A balanced approach that considers speed, accuracy, and consistency is essential for effective training.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Timer Question
  2. 00:15Understanding the Shot Timer
  3. 01:04Par Time Feature Explained
  4. 01:25Typical Strategy: Meeting Par Times
  5. 01:41When Timers Become a Hindrance
  6. 01:58Degradation of Technique
  7. 02:13Cheating the Sight Picture
  8. 02:42Upsides of Using a Timer
  9. 02:56Becoming Your Own Worst Enemy
  10. 03:11Holistic Training Picture
  11. 03:37Personalized Hindrance
  12. 04:07Conclusion: Chasing Times is a Hindrance

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a shooting timer become a hindrance in practice?

A timer can become a hindrance when a shooter solely focuses on 'chasing par times,' leading to compromised technique. This often results in neglecting proper sight picture acquisition and controlled gun movements in favor of raw speed, ultimately hindering overall skill development.

What are the common technique issues when focusing too much on timer speed?

When prioritizing speed over accuracy, shooters may 'wave the gun through the targets' without acquiring a proper sight picture for each shot. This compromises the systematic approach to shooting and can lead to a false sense of proficiency as technique degrades.

What is a 'par time' in shooting drills?

A par time is a predetermined duration set on a shot timer for completing a specific shooting drill or sequence. It serves as a benchmark to measure performance and encourage faster execution, but can be detrimental if pursued without regard for technique.

What is the recommended approach to using a shooting timer effectively?

Effective use of a timer involves measuring progress and providing motivation without solely focusing on speed. It's crucial to maintain a holistic view of training, balancing speed with accuracy, consistency, and clean shooting technique for optimal development.

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