There are a lot of details that go into shooting both accurately and precisely. There are five key details to improving your performance when it comes to being accurate.
Know The Basics
The first detail has to do with understanding the principles of marksmanship. No matter what, they do not change. What changes is the precision with which each of the principles is applied. In this case, the level of precision is high; which means I need to have a fine application of trigger control versus a rough application for close range shots. This flexing is something all shooters must develop. The earlier you learn this flexing, the better your performance. It is great to practice drills that stress the metering of this trigger control. Where on the one hand, you need rough trigger control then immediately slip into fine trigger control.
How Fast Is Too Fast
With a thorough understanding of the principles of marksmanship you can move at various speeds. We break things down into three speeds, full, half & slow speed. It is at slow speed learning takes place. If you want to be super accurate you need to start at slow speed. This allows you to tighten up your movement precision. The flexing mentioned earlier is only achievable when you can recognize the need. Within the slow speed you have the opportunity to improve the necessary movements to achieve the level of accuracy performance you want. This is not to say all movement is at slow speed, you learn where you can go fast, but more importantly where you need to go slow.
Scale For Better Learning
Starting close and working out to extended ranges is the next key detail. Jumping right to the 25 yard line or beyond is like putting too much weight on the barbell and hoping for a good outcome. It is more luck than skill. Starting at closer ranges helps to build confidence. You also get to appreciate the importance of the details and see how they are negatively impacted when you cannot stay focused. When you are accurate and able to achieve a minimum score of say 80% then increasing the distance makes sense. You keep reaching further and further by building a solid foundation. It is not a bad idea to periodically push out to further distances, just don’t start there.
Be Accountable
Having observable and measurable standards is the next key detail. You need to start keeping score if you haven’t done so up to this point. It is great to pick a simple drill, make one up or research the numerous drills online. Work this drill over time to see if you are making improvements. When you see your score repeatable then you know learning is taking place. It keeps you honest and holds you accountable. Without standards, you are spinning your wheels. There are so many ways to score, but the most common is based around a point system along with a par time. In the beginning I suggest skipping the timed components. Focus on being accurate and improving your score, then add par times.
Find a Rival to Help Grow
The last key detail is to work with partner or friend. Bring someone along to help you or for you to help. There is so much good that happens when we put in the work on our own, but there is an equal amount of positive growth that occurs when you work with others. If you cannot find someone who can go with you physically to the range, consider working virtually. With today’s technology there is no reason you cannot up the game by doing it all via a video conferencing/calls. Even if you cannot do a virtual range session together, comparing notes on a regular basis and sharing progress or problems is still a great approach.
Following this tips will do wonders for your level of precision. We will work on sharing some of our sessions online to help build a framework for others to follow.
