Shooting Rhythm
We often hear athletes talking about how they were "in the zone" during a competition. The "zone" refers to a state of concentration where the technical aspects occur automatically, concentration is at its optimum, and performance is at its peak. Unfortunately there is no magic formula for getting into the zone, and few of us can achieve it every time we compete. One aspect that assists in gaining the performance zone, and that top performers always demonstrate, is excellent rhythm throughout their match, and it is this aspect of performance that I will discuss in this article.
What is shooting rhythm?
We often hear from coaches that to shoot a 10 each time we fire a shot, we must do the same thing each time. When we apply this principle to shooting rhythm, we are inferring that we must carry out all our actions associated with firing a shot, in the same order, and in the same amount of time, each and every time. However even a novice would say that surely some actions are more critical than others are, and this is absolutely correct. The more critical actions are those actions directly associated with firing the shot such as sighting, position checking, relaxing, and so on. Less critical, are actions carried out that are outside the action of firing the shot, such as loading, spotting, changing targets, and so forth.
One will find that with top shooters, even these less critical actions will appear to the casual observer to be carried out with the same consistency and in the same order and rhythm. Anyone who has ever seen the multiple World & Olympic Champion Ralf Schumann compete in Rapid Fire will be able to compare the almost mechanical performance of Schumann with perfect shooting rhythm.
Others have timed some of the top rifle shooters in competition and observed that their execution time – from picking up to putting down the rifle - for each shot is remarkably consistent, varying by only 2 seconds over a 60 shot match. Shooting with rhythm doesn’t mean shooting fast, although this may be an outcome. It does mean replicating the timing of the shot each time.
Why is rhythm important?
Physiologically the human body likes rhythm and tends to relax more when rhythm is present. Let’s explore this a little. Our heart beats with a rhythmic sequence – when we are stressed, our heartbeat will be quicker, and less even, and our performance suffers. We breathe at a rhythmic, repetitive pace – if you’ve ever tried falling asleep when you are panting, you’ll know that it just doesn’t work. Marathon runners and long distance swimmers all speak of the need to find a rhythmic sequence to achieve their best performance. Hence in shooting, it is reasonable to conclude that our performance is more likely to be better with good shooting rhythm, because our bodies function better when behaving rhythmically. Now this doesn’t mean that if you shoot all your shots in good rhythm, but don’t take care of the basic fundamentals of firing a shot that your performance will be good. What it means is that if you get the basic fundamentals right, and then work on improving your rhythm, you will probably find your performance is better.
How can you improve your rhythm?
Before embarking on a program to improve your shooting rhythm, you must be at a stage where each of the elements of firing a shot is performed consistently. For example if you need more than one attempt to mount your rifle in your shoulder for a shot, then you need to try to perfect this aspect before working on your rhythm.
Assuming the basics are sound, the next thing you need is a friend who is willing to time your shooting. You need to identify the point of each shot at which timing will start, and the point at which it will finish. For example you may like timing to start when you mount the rifle in your shoulder, and conclude when you fire the shot. Agree these points and make sure these are clearly understood. Your observer should note the duration of each shot, and the score – you probably need about 40 shots to get any kind of statistical certainty, and you may want to do the exercise on more than one occasion to confirm your results. Once completed, graph your results and determine which time duration gives you the greatest proportion of 10’s. For example you may find that 60% of your 10’s came from shots fired within 7 – 8 seconds. (If you can’t find a friend to time you could use a tape recorder).
Once you are satisfied you have determined your optimum aiming time, you need your friend (or tape recorder) to help you train yourself to always fire within the optimum time. This is done by giving the shooter a start signal. Then if the shot is not fired by the desired time, the shooter is stopped from firing and asked to recommence the sequence.
When should you vary your rhythm?
Perfectly consistent timing is not always practical. Often weather conditions or other factors may require a change to the rhythm. In these cases though, it is the non-critical aspects of the rhythm, such as the duration between shots that should be altered. The actual aiming/firing time should still remain consistent. Keeping a consistent flow of shots is only recommended when adverse conditions are not experienced. Once adversity such as weather, nerves or other difficulties occur, a break in your shooting is necessary to allow time to refocus, and regain your rhythm.