Changing Places

First of all, I want to say hello to the returning shooter I met on Thursday. I forgot to ask you your name but it was very nice to meet you. To elaborate on our conversation:

I like to go to different clubs to shoot practice. I find the exposure to varying backgrounds really helpful for mental focus. My favorite club to practice at is the one with the most difficult background. We spent an entire day there on January 31 shooting practice. It is tough since there are horses in the background, a major airport, residential homes and apartments, and all kinds of other noise. My scores are never as good there but the focus it takes to concentrate without becoming distracted really sticks with me when I go somewhere else. For example, today I was shooting 27 yard practice. Tony was standing behind me to observe and a group of shooters arrived waiting for the trap. Another person was with the group to act as a coach. They came into the trap area right behind me and were talking. I know it was intentional to see my reaction. I continued what I was doing so that I wouldn't keep them waiting. Then the 'coach' (whom I personally think is an excellent teacher even though I don't shoot his style) decided to chuck a few pieces of cardboard in front of me as I was about to call 'pull'. I didn't even turn around to look. I knew who it was, I didn't startle, called for the target and broke it.

Plus, there is another club we like to practice at and we have someone pull for us. This person will pull slow, fast, cough, holler, and other things to attempt to break focus. It really is great mental practice. Honestly, the one thing that continues to interfere with my concentration (and it certainly should) is my son's voice. If I can hear him when I am at the line I can't focus on anything except his voice. But then again, he is only five.

Another thing I find really helpful is to have someone (usually Tony) stand back and observe me. I also find it helpful to be the observer. Having someone to let me know when I shot faster than I usually do, moved slower to the target, picked up my head, and things along those lines enables me to analyze myself better. Sometimes I know I did something 'off' but I don't know what it was and an observer might be able to see it. Watching other people (and I mean people, not their targets) also gives me insight into mistakes I might be making. The one thing I want to point out that I do not ask observers to do is give me any advice on how to shoot unless I specifically ask for it. For me, it is very important to be able to figure out what works and what does not on my own. That way I understand the reasons why and why not and can replicate it or avoid it.

--Heather