3 replies to this topic

[P_R]

I practice and practice, but I can't seem to get a lot better. So I had someone video me at a match the other day. Here's a pretty good stage for me, but I think I see a huge issue. I think there's major tension through my shoulders and traps when I shoot. I draw, then my shoulders come way up. Then I move to the next shooting position and my shoulders drop down only to come up again when I start shooting. Finally, at the end, when I get done with the stage, my shoulders drop down again to a relaxed position.

I'd be curious to hear any thoughts as well as some ideas for drills or something to help me get out of this habit. Thanks for your time.

http://s274.photobuc...current=155.mp4

[tackdr1ver]

You're dropping your head too, try and keep your head upright. Bring the gun up to your line of sight, don't drop your head to the sights.

Try and draw to where only your arms are moving, no other part of your body should move unless you're stepping out from the start position. Bend your knees, rotate from the knees/hips not your shoulders/arms. Your upper body position should change very little whether you're shooting right, left or, center.

Once you get the gun up in your line of sight, press out towards the target. Get a good extension but don't lock your elbows on either arm.

[lumpygravy]

Somewhere in Brian's book, he describes the notion of "floating" the gun. In essence, it's the concept of holding the gun with just enough grip to keep it reasonably steady and on target.

I used to do the head bob/scrunchy thing and after I read that piece, I did a lot of dry fire slow motion draws in front of a mirror (this was before video was so accessible) trying to improve my stance and eliminate extra movement and tension. I'd hold the gun out on a target and close my eyes and let myself feel where there was tension. Most often it was in the shoulders and traps like it is for you. I'd then let those areas relax as much as possible while maintaining my hold on the target. Sometimes a subtle change to your torso or foot positioning may have a big effect. You'll need to do some experimentation for yourself.

After awhile, the concept of floating the gun becomes more natural.

Edited by lumpygravy, 14 May 2012 - 04:33 PM.

[DoubleL]

Scrunching down to the gun gets old fast. Do ten draw and fire drills. You shouldn't be very sore, those sore spots are where the tension is. Also try draw and hold on target. You'll find out real quick where you are tense. Gun only weighs about 2 lbs. max?? Should be able to hold it up without soreness for a good while.

I have to fight the urge to scrunch also. Slo-mo draws helped me too. Allows you to slowly observe every movement, and eliminate the excess.