All the “Be Sure”s
Positive soundalikes: they sound positive, but they're a way for your brain to say, “Hang on, now, be careful. You're down three. Be careful. Come on now, be sure now. Be sure you see the target. Be sure you're in front of it. Be sure…” All...
Distracting Phrases
We've all heard the stupid phrases our brain injects that do anything but help us remain positive and stay in the zone: "Is that the right hold point? Be sure you get the lead right. I wish that guy didn't talk so loud. You only got...
Sleep is a Commodity You Can’t Do Without
There's a direct correlation between preparation and performance. We can get by when we're on the road with less-than-ideal nutrition or exercise. But we have to have sleep. Sleep is a commodity, and once you get behind on a four or five-day trip, you never get...
When You’re Out of Sync
I'm sure you've all experienced times when your synchronization and flow between your hands and body are gone. And try as you may, your body is all out of sync. Whenever you feel your body all out of sync, that's a sign that you've probably sped...
Learning to Compete
There's a difference in shooting a shotgun and learning how to compete. First of all, you have to be able to shoot a shotgun and break the target the way you want to break it and where you want to break it without thinking about...
Fixing Unforced Errors
“I've been shooting for two years and should be shooting better than C class. I have too many unforced errors. Thoughts on my dilemma?” This shooter wants to know: is it focus? Is it routine? Is it commitment to the breakpoint? Is it overthinking? Is it...
The Power of Affirmation
If you hear it, you must instantly turn the phrase around and make it a positive affirmation for you. This will take some real work on your behalf. But after a week or so, it will turn into a fun game and after 25 to...
From Hesitant to Depressed
When we go into the negative spiral, we begin neutral, but we become hesitant and doubtful due to hoping to shoot great today. The wrong brain is already in control. From hesitant, you slip into the confused state because your brain is confused - this is...
Taking a Six-Week Break
When people shoot year-round and compete in winter tournaments in Florida and Arizona, somewhere between June 15th and July 15th, they hit a wall and plateau out and go down. It takes them until the end of August or middle of September to work their...
Commitment to Your Plan
You must become totally committed to how and where the shot you're about to take will come together - both in practice, and on game day. But you've got to be committed to doing it like you planned, as opposed to committed to saying you're going...