Focusing on Process with No Practice

Focusing on the process with no practice, working a shoot, and still shooting great!

This just in from J. B:

So, I really haven’t had a chance to do much more than practice a little, as we were focused on final preparations to host the Kentucky SC Championship. I did get to shoot on a 50-bird 12-gauge sub-event at the state.

 I thought the outcome was very interesting and falls right in line with your coaching.

 Jumping to shooting from working the shoot is a bit of a challenge. I tried last year and it was miserable. This time I told myself it’s so I can get some experience in a bigger shoot with targets set by an outsider. I was going to focus on the process and slowing down.

 At the first station, the jitters were terrible. My stomach was a wreck. I should have grabbed a snack before. Was this going to be a repeat of the 26/50 from last year?

 I stepped into the stand and popped two into the ground, hoping to ease my nerves. I had to consciously slow down and try to control my pace. You were in my ear.

 I started poorly and dropped five targets at one and two. At that point, the jitters were gone.

 I knew in C class there was a mid-forties score already, so I assumed I was out of contention. I decided to work on the process. Control pace, play the movie, move and mount, play the movie, control the pace. I was shooting a Super Sporting event at the same time, so I really wasn’t aware of score.

 I finished by running the last five stations and tied for first with a 45. Wow, I had no idea until I saw the card. What an epiphany!

Focus on the bird and the process the score will take care of itself.

Thanks for your help!

 – Jim B