Shooting
Games to improve your scores and save your sanity
compiled by Tricia Van Nus
© 2006 TRA. If this
article is to be printed, distributed or used in part or whole, it is expected
that due acknowledgement will be given to the source and author/compiler.
OK then, your coach has convinced you
that you can improve, and he or she suggests that more technical training is needed.
What can you do to spice up those long sessions at the range? Remember to see
your coach for further assistance with any of the games listed.
Give yourself new
challenges....new ways of enjoying the hard work that is needed to improve.
"Get back to
basics"............"work on the shot process"............"good
training leads to good competition"
 |
Stripes - Dry and/or live fire on vertical and on
horizontal black strip. Groups of 7 shots or so. What does that do???? For starters, it confirms to you whether are
naturally aiming the rifle at the target, with the help of your body....... or whether you
are getting onto the target because your eyes force you there. You will be amazed
how small a group you can produce. |
| First to
15 - With a partner, and
appropriate to all events with modification. Score a "point" only if your
shot is greater than a predetermined level - for example if your shot is greater
than than 9.8 or 10.3 or whatever is decided between the partners and coaches.
Deduct a "point" for each shot that does not make this level. The winner is the shooter who gets to 15 points
first. The scoring can be varied for greater interest and competition - bonus points can
be added for "three in a row" or whatever. |
| Finals - gather a few club mates together and practice
shooting Finals, with the calls and scoring. Great way to put that rhythm work into
practice. |
Bull. In the least number of shots, shoot a
predetermined number of 10's - for example, 25 tens should take 25 shots - how close to
that can you go? This can work as a small group or individual exercise. |
| Up &
Down - Fire groups of 7 or 9
shots (so scoring is not the first thought) and then move away from the line... come back
again and start firing again. You are a winner when you can put the next shot right
into the centre of the previous group. Take your time about the setting up. |
|
Blocks - a "must do" for the standing
shooter. Shoot while standing on the blocks. Makes for a lot of work, and
amusement at the same time. Your balance is tested. Anyone who is handy with woodworking implements can create a
set. Make them slightly longer and wider than the boot with the curve smooth. |
| Holey
Shot, cut out the 9 ring or
9.5 ring from the target, or in fact which ever ring is appropriate to the course of fire
and the level of the shooter. The aim
here is to NOT see evidence of the shots, as the shots should go through the hole without
touching the edges of the hole. Cut a smaller hole as you get more proficient.
Challenge with a partner - shoot a set of shots, paying 10c to the other person for any
shots (or parts) being visible
This can be successfully used for standing,
kneeling, prone and air rifle, with the ring size cutouts being changed to suit the person
and the discipline. |
|
| Longest string of
10's in a row - establish and
then work to break your previous best string. What is your best record and strive to
improve on that. This can be modified for all levels and events. |
| Tennis - a game with a partner, just like the real
thing. Server, receiver - similar rules as in tennis. The server must shoot first,
and then the receiver. Call shots loudly and win "points". Play one
or two games or sets. Equal scores ie both 10's can be easily broken by using
decimal scoring....10.4 is better than 10.2 Ask your coach to help
score if you are unsure. This can be played as a singles or doubles match. Add
the scores together for the doubles. Again both "servers" would shoot
first. |
|
Darts - great with a partner or small group. Start
with a nominated number....eg 60. For every 10 you shoot - subtract 4, for every 9
- subtract 2, and for any 8's - subtract 1. First person back to 0 wins. This can be adapted with varying level athletes, by
starting them at different scores, or subtrating at different rates. |
All of these "games" have a purpose, and
you must approach them knowing why you working. They are often lighthearted - but
that in no way diminishes the effect.
If you have further offerings, please do not hesitate
to contact me - I am glad to add to this page.
.