How Your Emotions Hurt Your Shooting

Published on June 3, 2026
Duration: 9:44

This video, presented by Joel Park, discusses how emotions and the perception of time can negatively impact shooting performance. It highlights the importance of recognizing these internal influences and implementing techniques to overcome them, particularly during drills designed to create pressure. The core message emphasizes prioritizing accurate sight alignment and trigger control over perceived speed, especially when dealing with varying target distances and time constraints.

Quick Summary

Emotions and distorted time perception significantly hinder shooting performance. Joel Park advises recognizing these internal influences and prioritizing deliberate sight alignment and trigger control over perceived speed, especially in high-pressure situations or during challenging drills.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to PSTG Summit Training
  2. 00:47Drill Design to Challenge Emotions
  3. 01:48The Unreliable Perception of Time
  4. 02:28Near-to-Far Target Transitions
  5. 03:18Rushing Shots Due to Emotion
  6. 04:03Waiting vs. Shooting: The Balance
  7. 04:40Trusting the Process Over Feelings
  8. 05:05Pressure in Competitions and Quals
  9. 05:35Conclusion and Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

How do emotions negatively impact shooting?

Emotions like anxiety or the desire to rush can distort your perception of time, leading you to speed up unnecessarily. This often results in poor sight alignment, rushed trigger presses, and inaccurate shots, especially during drills designed to create pressure.

What is the role of time perception in shooting errors?

Your brain's perception of time can be unreliable under stress. You might feel like you're taking too long and rush shots, or conversely, feel like you're shooting fast but not actually achieving accuracy. It's crucial to focus on fundamentals rather than perceived time constraints.

How can shooters overcome the urge to rush during target transitions?

Practice near-to-far target transitions deliberately. After shooting quickly at close targets, consciously slow down to re-acquire sights on more distant targets. Resist the instinct to continue rapid fire and focus on deliberate sight alignment before each shot.

What is the PSTG summit and its purpose?

The Practical Shooting Training Group (PSTG) summit is an annual three-day training event for members of their digital coaching site. It features various instructors teaching different drills and concepts, providing a platform for members to train and instructors to share their expertise.

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