XD Talk

TCS_XDM · 06-22-2012, 01:22 AM

I figured out if I take my first shot slow and then speed up Ill shoot my whole match faster. When I try to rip my gun out throw it forward get a sight picture while pulling in the trigger slack and pop shots off I don't do that well on every other shot in the match. I guess this goes with the

Slow is smooth Smooth is fast

I dont think I really even took that long on the first shot It felt slower but was faster on the clock. really weird.

Blacksamwell · 06-22-2012, 06:47 AM

Reminds me of the time I once chatted with a former professional motocross racer about racing. He said that his fastest races were the ones that felt the easiest and smoothest. When all of his training came together going fast actually felt easy and his perception was of going slower. In those races he often wondered why his competition wasn't catching him. But when he had to struggle to make speed he had to work much harder, it felt extremely fast, and he often didn't win those races.

Interesting parallels. Hopefully your experience just means that you're coming into your zone. Good luck on your future matches.

FTBoomer · 06-22-2012, 07:19 AM

I'll have to try that. Although, after just 6 weeks of shooting matches, I've learned that accuracy is NOT the foremost thing. Speed overrides accuracy. I'm accurate as hell with scores in the mid to high 90's but always in the middle of the pack time wise.

I'm now working on worrying less about all 2-Alphas and concentrating more on dropping 5-10 seconds as long as I stay with at least a minimum of 2-Charlie, no Mikes or no-shoots.

TCS_XDM · 06-22-2012, 01:08 PM

Our friendly matches are done like steel a miss is 2.5 seconds added to your time. A&B is in C&D*M all out you miss or throw a round it hurts you bad and adds up quick. 3 down shots on 1 stage is 7.5 seconds added to your time.

However I wasn't even talking about accuracy. I run faster if I don't push my first shot. I still draw and snap my gun up as fast as possible, line up the sights and pull the trigger its by no means slow. I'm prob at 1.5-1.7 seconds for my buzzer to first shot instead of 1.0-1.1 However every shot after that is faster.

I have also become scientific about walking my stage before I run my match. I find each place I'm going to stop and put my feet at and every mag change is planned and practiced before that buzzer goes off.

LocoGringo · 06-22-2012, 06:09 PM

I'm not sure that it is unusual. When preparing for any competition, we get ready mentally as well as physically, right? So, warming up, stretching and visualization are all factors for our ultimate performance. Why should it be any different for shooting? Those first couple of shots shouldn't be rushed because you're just starting and there is no "warm up" before a shooting competition. That first shot can be a warm up. If that goes well, you get into your groove and, just as you said, slow is smooth...smooth is fast. If, on the other hand, you rush your first shot, that is the mentality you stick with for at least a couple of stages until you settle down and get into the groove. Of course that's my "professional" sports psychology opinion based on absolutely no scientific study whatsoever.

I've found the same thing happens with me only I have a twist...stamina. Not that I get tired physically, but I always seem to start well and finish poorly or start poorly and finish well. I lose focus on one stage (beginning or end) and have a big brain fart and screw up which ends up dropping me a couple of slots.

TCS_XDM · 06-22-2012, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocoGringo

I've found the same thing happens with me only I have a twist...stamina. Not that I get tired physically, but I always seem to start well and finish poorly or start poorly and finish well. I lose focus on one stage (beginning or end) and have a big brain fart and screw up which ends up dropping me a couple of slots.

Something has to happen to do that to me. FTF/FTE from a mag crapping out on me is the only way I have ever started well and ended bad.

LocoGringo · 06-22-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCS_XDM

Something has to happen to do that to me. FTF/FTE from a mag crapping out on me is the only way I have ever started well and ended bad.

Usually if I start badly, it's because I haven't completely cleared the cobwebs out of the attic yet (cause it's early) and my head isn't completely in the game and if I end badly it's because I "take a stage for granted" and don't focus like I need to. Something like it looks really easy and I assume I'll fly right through it or it's a "memory" stage and my brain is wiped out and I don't account for all of the targets. A bad beginning AND a bad ending in the same match is a rarity for me.

If I have a good beginning like what you describe, I get overconfident later in the match and that is where I make my mistake. It's always humbling when it happens, but by then it's too late. The mistake is made and I walk away cursing under my breath and shaking my head.

loridah · 07-09-2012, 06:25 PM

Same for me. Start a bit slower and smoother, and the stage seems to go smoother. But, sometimes as they say( whoever THEY are) that when the buzzer goes off, all bets are off. LOL. Yall stay safe. WG

Pucknut · 07-10-2012, 12:52 PM

Good lesson learned and shared. Most competitive shooters (me included) don't spen enough time practicing the draw and presentation to the target. This is especially important for IDPA folks who need to sweep the cover garment out of the way before the draw.

Thanks for sharing.