How to Stop Shooting Low & Left!

Published on June 26, 2025
Duration: 8:50

This video addresses the common issue of right-handed shooters hitting low and left, identifying shot anticipation (flinching) as the primary cause, not the gun or sights. John Lovell demonstrates that grip significantly impacts follow-up shots more than single-shot accuracy. He provides a diagnostic method using dummy rounds and a corrective 'prep, stop, easy' trigger cadence to overcome the flinch.

Quick Summary

The most common cause of shooting low and left with a pistol is shot anticipation or flinching, not issues with the gun or sights. Adjusting sights is a mistake; focus on diagnosing the flinch using dummy rounds and correcting your trigger press with a 'prep, stop, easy' cadence.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: The Low & Left Problem
  2. 01:15Grip & Sights: Common Myths Debunked
  3. 02:42Root Cause: Shot Anticipation (Flinching)
  4. 04:17Diagnosis & Correction Techniques
  5. 07:56Conclusion & Advanced Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do right-handed shooters often hit low and left with their pistols?

The primary reason is shot anticipation, commonly known as flinching. The shooter's brain anticipates the recoil and sound, causing an involuntary downward and leftward 'push' on the trigger just as it breaks.

Should I adjust my sights if I'm consistently shooting low and left?

No, adjusting sights is a mistake. The issue is typically shooter error, specifically shot anticipation or flinching. Correcting the trigger press and diagnosing the flinch is the proper solution.

How can I diagnose if I'm flinching when shooting a pistol?

A simple diagnostic method is to randomly load dummy rounds into your magazine. When you encounter a dummy round, you'll likely flinch without realizing it, revealing the issue.

What is the 'prep, stop, easy' cadence for trigger control?

It's a technique to manage shot anticipation. 'Prep' involves taking up the slack, 'stop' means pausing at the wall before the break, and 'easy' refers to a smooth, controlled trigger press without anticipating the shot.

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