Reducing Distractions

Posted On: 02-06-2024

I am always observing little things that cause distractions among youth shooters.  Here are a few:

Glasses slipping down the nose.  Fix this with some nose piece pads or have your glasses adjusted to fit better.

Earmuffs bumping the gun stock – This one bugs me for two reasons – first you need ear protection, but the downside is you don’t need them hitting the stock on every mount.  Try other ear protection.

Dressed to warmly – get it right, but once you add the vest that is another layer.  Note that layers change the gun mount.

Hat pulled down too low – It looks good, but emerging targets pass out of view so after a few unknowns one start fidgeting with their hat.

The wrong color sunglasses – said this before if you want to look cool don’t change, if you want to see, get the right color glass lens

Shoes with worn soles – Those old boots look great but worn heals lower you on the line and cause mid-alignment with the target as well as balance issues.  

Too heavy a pouch on your hip – Those baggy shell bags with a box of shells can be heavy.  Make sure the belt is fitted correctly and not pulling on your clothing or rattling around.

Gun not clean – a dirty gun is bound to misfunction – keep it clean.

No extra shells just in case – those extra couple shells in your pocket are important to avoid distracting others while you wait or borrow another shell after a misfire.

Ejection of shells at your feet – This is the responsibility of the shooter with a semi-auto to contain their ejected shells.  Same for those with a breaking breaching breach and that is to not let those shells fly behind you.

Loud ported barrels – You just never know but a simple look to the left will resolve the surprise when they fire their gun the first time.  Nothing you can do about it other than be prepared.  

Disruptive pre-shot routines – Too much is just ridiculous.  Be simple and efficient.

Pull, Pull, Pull, Pull – Just call pull – no need to develop your own Patois or awkward vocalization – just call pull

Not being ready to shoot – It happens but be prepared – this does not include adding a shell and closing the breach, just have that shell ready.

Talking to oneself – Keep it mental and avoid murmuring and complaining to yourself about missing a shot or anything else creating a need to complain.

Not knowing how many shots have been fired – figure out how to keep count – put those shells in the box in a row and take that mental game out of the equation.

Emotional displays – Keep it quiet and don’t show physical or verbal displays.  Zero affect is the goal.  This also confuses others.

Misses – You missed so what – move on and keep it to yourself – forget it

Hits – So you hit, same as misses keep it to yourself and move on

David R. Vaught, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Talking while rotating from station to station – those high fives and great shooting verbalization might work for some but for others maybe not.  As a squad I understand, but in competition keep this in check.