Mind Over Matter

Our student is thinking his way to shooting success.

After the relaxation lessons of last month, I’ve really come to appreciate the value of what goes on beyond the actual nuts and bolts of learning to shoot. Teaching myself to relax has definitely helped me to remain calm and in control during those vital seconds before, during and after the shot, and the success this has brought me has certainly boosted my confidence. I’m really starting to believe in my ability now, and this brings me to this month’s subject, where I’m going to do my best to make the most of my recent improvement.

That subject is ‘belief’ and with it the confidence that is so vital to continued success in any form of activity. I have access to sports psychologists as part of my boxing training, and although the dynamics of boxing and air rifle shooting couldn’t be further apart, the basic principles are the same; basically, train hard, fight/shoot easy, and build belief and confidence through repeated success.

THE RIGHT FORMULA

My day job at the moment is as a personal fitness trainer and part of that involves working out training plans for my clients. These plans must be realistic and designed to suit each individual, because there’s no point whatsoever in coming up with a fitness plan that can’t be followed in the real world. The same must apply to this latest part of my training, and, of course, to yours, should you fancy doing some of it. Here’s how it works and how I’m going to apply it to my shooting. Please see how much of it fits you and your shooting life, then make the changes to it that will help you to get the most from it.

HOW IT WORKS