Competition Shooting

Introduction

It’s always a pleasure to see newer members progressing quickly enough to start shooting competition cards within weeks of joining. The development can be remarkable — credit to those shooters, and to the coaches who help make it possible. This page is for anyone starting to wonder whether competition is for them, and how to take that first step.

When am I ready to shoot in competitions?

In theory, if you can handle a rifle safely without supervision, you can start competition shooting. Is sooner always better? Not really. If your technique needs lots of improvement, it is better to focus on practice rather than competition for the time being.

So how do we know when the time is right? As a general rule, if you can consistently shoot around 80% of the maximum score possible for your discipline, you may like to start competing. Your Head of Section will certainly be encouraging you to do so. Of course, if competitions are not for you, that’s perfectly OK too — don’t be shy to say so.

Team shooting

Although there are plenty of competitions you can enter as an individual, these tend to attract more seasoned shooters, and for good reason. They are mostly external to the club, though some can be shot within our own ranges and the results forwarded to the organising body.

If you are relatively new to the club, the way forward is via team shooting. You will be in a supportive group who will offer you the encouragement you may need at an early stage. Everything is organised for you, right down to the timescale for shooting your cards. All you have to do is turn up when it suits you, and shoot.

The teams at our club mostly shoot in local Devon leagues. There are many teams that cater for all abilities — for example, Team A members may consistently shoot at 98% of the possible total, whereas Team E members may shoot at 80% of the possible total. You will be competing against people at your own level. Your Head of Section will advise you on which team to enter.

How do I approach my first competition cards?

There is no theoretical difference between shooting a practice card and shooting a competition card — but psychological factors (known as the inner position) certainly can affect your shooting in a competition.

Take this example. Imagine you are walking on a log across a shallow stream. Now imagine walking across exactly the same log, over the same stream, when it has become a raging, ice-cold river. Same log, same stream — different inner position. Same card, different inner position.

It’s all down to that little white sticker on the card that declares it to be a competition. So what is there to worry about when shooting a competition card?

There is no one way to deal with the emotional hit those factors can have on our shooting. However, the power of positive thought can have a wonderful calming effect.

A visualisation technique

Best of luck (and skill) in all your competition shooting.