Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time competitive shooter, target shooting is a challenging and rewarding sport. It’s also one that can be improved with practice and proper technique. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips to help you improve your target shooting skills. Follow these tips, and you’ll be hitting the bullseye in no time!
Practice
The most important thing you can do to improve your target shooting is to practice as often as possible. This will help ingrain the proper muscle memory and technique required for accurate shooting.
If you don’t have access to a range or targets, set up some targets in your backyard or garage. You can even use something as simple as a soda can or water bottle. Just make sure you’re practicing in a safe environment.
And don’t forget to take regular breaks! Shooting is a physically and mentally demanding sport, so it’s important to give your body and mind a break every now and then.
Breath Control
Take some time to relax and focus on your breathing. This will help you stay calm and collected when you’re shooting under pressure.
Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, then exhale just as slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you feel yourself start to relax. Then, take a deep breath and let it out slowly before you take your shot.
Remember, it’s important to stay calm when shooting. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, your shots will likely suffer.
Grip
How you grip the gun is extremely important for accurate shooting. The most common grip is called the “thumb-over-barrel” or “weaver” grip. This grip provides a firm hold on the gun while also allowing you to line up your shot quickly and efficiently.
To properly grip the gun, place your thumb over the top of the barrel (or as close to it as possible) and wrap your fingers around the grip. Then, tuck your pinky finger underneath the trigger guard. You should now have a firm, yet comfortable grip on the gun.
If you find that your hand is slipping or you’re having difficulty holding the gun steady, try adjusting your grip. You may also want to consider using a shooting glove for added grip and stability.
Stance
Your stance is another important factor in accuracy. The most common and stable stance is the “isosceles” stance, named after the triangular shape formed by your arms and the gun.
To assume this stance, simply extend your arms out in front of you and point the gun at the target. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your weight should be evenly distributed between them.
If you find yourself wobbling or losing balance, try widening your stance or shifting your weight to one leg. You may also want to consider bracing yourself against a wall or solid object for added stability.
There’s no one perfect way to stand when shooting. Experiment with different stances and find the one that works best for you.
Shoulder Position
Your shoulder position is also important for accuracy. The gun should be positioned so that it rests snugly in the “pocket” between your shoulder and neck.
If the gun is too low, you will have to hunch over to line up your shot, which can throw off your aim. If the gun is too high, you will likely experience discomfort and may have difficulty keeping the gun steady.
To find the proper position, hold the gun up to your shoulder and adjust it until it feels comfortable. Then, take a few practice shots to make sure you’re still in the correct position.
