After doing a 2 day USPSA class a week ago, and spending some time reflecting on it, I have some observations about training and learning to get better.
I did get some footage of the class, check that out HERE.
#1 Most B class shooters are really good shots.
B class shooters can hit any reasonable target at pretty much any distance. They can draw and reload efficiently. If something goes wrong with their gun, they fix it quickly.
Most of the B class shooters I see are the best shot at their local range, or the best shot in their department. In the grand scheme of things, B class is pretty good. All those people really need to do is work at learning the game a bit more and after a short while they can become M class or better.
#2 People tend to have a hard time pushing themselves to go faster.
It is easy for people to get comfortable at “their pace” and stop really pushing themselves to go faster. I really think that you need to go so hard that the wheels completely come off. Draw so fast you miss your grip. Reload so fast that the mag goes flying. I have often asked people to do a draw and instead of aiming at a target just hit the berm. They routinely cut huge time off their draw. When they start aiming at a target again, they are usually drawing at that faster pace.
#3 Accuracy is the hardest thing to learn.
It is hard to be accurate, especially at match speed. It is the hardest skill to learn and people just plain don’t work at it enough. It is as simple as that.
#4 Keeping it fun and trying to pull off goofy things makes you better.
I have always felt that the people who improve their shooting the most are the people that are willing to attempt crazy things. I have seen people try to hit clay pigeons laying on the back berm a hundred yards away. Even though that is really tough, those people learn to shoot better from it.
Lately, I have been screwing around with shooting from the hip like a cowboy. HERE is some footage of that. Does this have direct USPSA application? Not really. But I think it helps make me better in the grand scheme of things.
