Why Your Shooting Might Get WORSE the Longer You Practice

Published on February 12, 2026
Duration: 11:53

Instruction from Joel Park, a recognized firearms instructor, addresses common accuracy degradation during extended practice. He explains how mental and physical fatigue leads to subconscious recoil anticipation and improper trigger/grip techniques, causing shots to trend low and left. Park offers practical solutions including trigger press focus, support hand tension maintenance, and strategic breaks.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor Joel Park explains that shooting accuracy degrades during long practice due to mental and physical fatigue. This leads to subconscious recoil anticipation and poor trigger/grip habits, causing shots to trend low and left. Solutions include focusing on a straight trigger press, maintaining support hand tension, and taking short breaks to reset.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Community
  2. 00:37The Problem: Low and Left Shots
  3. 01:11Fatigue and Focus Degradation
  4. 02:41Recoil Anticipation and Drills
  5. 03:20Support Hand Fatigue Impact
  6. 05:47Optimal Training Duration vs. Reality
  7. 08:15Summary and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my shots get worse the longer I practice shooting?

Extended practice sessions lead to mental and physical fatigue. This fatigue causes a loss of focus and can result in subconscious recoil anticipation and improper trigger/grip techniques, causing accuracy to degrade, often seen as shots trending low and left.

How can I fix shots trending low and left after practicing for a while?

To correct low and left shots caused by fatigue, focus on pressing the trigger straight back, maintain consistent support hand tension, and take short breaks. Practicing the 'one shot return drill' can help identify and correct muzzle dip.

What is the role of support hand fatigue in shooting accuracy?

When your support hand tires, it fails to provide adequate stability and tension. Your firing hand then overcompensates, often leading to an improper trigger press and pulling the muzzle down and left, significantly impacting accuracy.

What are the best practices for extended shooting practice sessions?

For extended sessions, take 10-15 minute breaks to reset mentally and physically. Focus on maintaining proper trigger control and support hand grip tension throughout. Avoid high-intensity, all-day sessions if possible, opting for shorter, more frequent practice.

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