Go Fast and Don't Worry About the Hits

Published on February 27, 2026
Duration: 11:07

Joel Park, an experienced firearms instructor, emphasizes that competition shooting requires executing practiced skills, not experimenting with speed. He advocates for a structured training approach where practice pushes limits slightly beyond comfort, allowing for mistakes and learning. Matches are for performance on demand, utilizing established proficiency, not for 'casino-style' shooting or 'hoper' techniques.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor Joel Park advises against prioritizing speed over accuracy in shooting competitions. He stresses that matches are for 'performance on demand,' utilizing practiced skills. Training is the place to push limits and experiment with speed, not during a scored event where consistency is key.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Listener question on shooting competition approach
  2. 00:14Performance on demand: avoid focus on speed
  3. 00:38Matches are about using practiced skills
  4. 01:21Instagram shooting different from real performance
  5. 01:50Matches use skills, training pushes limits
  6. 02:13Race car analogy for practice limits
  7. 02:57Three speeds of training explained
  8. 03:48Third speed, may or may not work
  9. 04:06Examples: rapid pairs, double drills
  10. 04:50Focus in on the sight picture
  11. 05:50Competitions need a defined objective
  12. 07:18Performance is about defined objectives
  13. 09:33Use training data to define actions
  14. 10:12Competitions are not for experimenting

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you prioritize speed over accuracy in shooting competitions?

No, prioritizing speed over accuracy in shooting competitions is a common mistake. Competitions require 'performance on demand,' meaning you should execute skills you've consistently practiced. Trying to force speed hoping for hits is unreliable; focus on your practiced technique.

What is the role of practice versus competition in firearms training?

Practice is where you push your limits, experiment with speed, and learn from mistakes. Competitions, on the other hand, are for demonstrating 'performance on demand' by utilizing the skills you've refined through practice. Don't experiment during a match.

How should shooters approach increasing their skill level in practice?

To improve, practice should involve pushing your comfort zone slightly. This means doing things a little more than you're used to, like increasing the distance for drills or aiming for tighter splits. This gradual increase in intensity helps build reliable performance.

What are the 'three speeds of training' Joel Park discusses?

Joel Park outlines three speeds: 1. Performance on demand (executing known skills), 2. Slightly uncomfortable (pushing limits slightly in practice), and 3. Undisciplined lunatic or casino shooting (high-risk, low-reliability attempts).

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