Overcome your "Primitive Brain" when shooting - TENICOR

Published on December 10, 2019
Duration: 6:52

This video explains how the 'primitive brain' causes flinching and recoil anticipation in handgun shooters, often misinterpreted as 'trigger jerk.' It highlights that this reaction is subconscious and can occur even without the finger on the trigger. The instructor suggests that focusing on trigger manipulation can be a diversion from the underlying flinch, and recommends the ball and dummy drill for shooters who aren't blinking, as it helps them see their gun movement.

Quick Summary

The 'primitive brain' triggers involuntary flinches during shooting due to anticipation of the explosion, often misinterpreted as 'trigger jerk.' This subconscious reaction can occur even without the finger on the trigger. Drills like the 'ball and dummy' can help shooters identify and correct these flinches by visualizing gun movement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Post Ignition Movement vs. Pre-Ignition Booth
  2. 00:35Understanding Pre-Ignition Booth and Primitive Brain
  3. 01:00Demonstration of Recoil Anticipation
  4. 01:40Why 'Trigger Jerk' is Misleading
  5. 02:02The Primitive Brain's Role in Flinching
  6. 02:31Natural Flinch Patterns
  7. 03:00Flinching with a Handgun
  8. 03:37Trigger Manipulation as a Diversion
  9. 04:01The Importance of the Target's Feedback
  10. 04:30Post-Ignition Movement: Good or Bad?
  11. 05:34Effective Drills for Different Shooter Levels
  12. 05:52Ball and Dummy Drill Explained
  13. 06:09Addressing Blinking as a Flinch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'primitive brain' and how does it affect shooting?

The 'primitive brain' is our subconscious, survival-oriented part that reacts to perceived threats. When shooting a handgun, it associates the explosion at arm's reach with danger, triggering involuntary flinches like eye closure or body jerks to protect itself.

Is 'trigger jerk' the real reason for flinching when shooting a handgun?

Often, what's called 'trigger jerk' is actually a subconscious flinch caused by the primitive brain anticipating the shot. This reaction can happen even when the finger isn't on the trigger, demonstrating it's a physiological response to the impending explosion, not a deliberate trigger pull error.

How can shooters overcome recoil anticipation and flinching?

Overcoming flinching involves understanding its root in the primitive brain. Techniques like focusing on trigger manipulation can serve as a diversion. For shooters who don't blink, the ball and dummy drill is effective for visualizing gun movement and identifying issues.

What is the 'ball and dummy' drill and how does it help handgun shooters?

The 'ball and dummy' drill involves mixing live rounds with inert dummy rounds in a magazine. This allows shooters to experience the trigger press and recoil without a live round firing every time. It's particularly useful for those who don't blink, as it helps them see their sight movement.

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