In the Top Shot competition, during the first episode, where they were shooting the pool balls I was amazed about how crappy they were shooting. These shooters were way better than this.
We were chatting about it at work and our theory was that the run just before they shot put them off. All it takes is a small change in a shooters breathing, a small shake of the hand. Anything that changes up the conditions. I think when you combine this with time pressure you get misses.
It illustrates that you need to practice in all kinds of conditions. Tired, cold, hot, sleepy, buzzing on caffeine or adrenaline, standing, sitting, moving, light, dark, anything really.
--Fun stuff.
That's why I've always been so impressed with those biathlon folks. They ski hard and then have to STOP and shoot very small targets...
ReplyDeleteThey practice it that way. These top shot guys, not so much.
ReplyDeleteA couple of those guys were fighting shin splints to leg cramps...
ReplyDeleteI think your last paragraph illustrates the point clearly. Static shooting with equipment you are familiar and comfortable with is one thing. Running and gunning with a gun you've never shot before (even on that is the same or similar platform to one you own) adds a lot of variables. Is the trigger the same? Are the sights set the same? Ammo different? I remember last season that several competitors complained that some of the weapons used were not in good condition.
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