Ask The Instructor: Pre-Shot Part 2

Question: Everybody talks about a pre-shot. What exactly is it and what should it be? It seems like the articles out there all say something a little different?

Answer: In Part II of the answer to this question, let’s discuss the “pre-shot routine”. The pre-shot routine occurs after pre-shot planning, and is the mental and physical process that the shooter uses to prepare the body and mind for the successful engagement of a target pair.  The pre-shot routine consists of three distinct elements executed while in the shooting stand, prior to calling for each target pair: 1) Deep breathing, 2) Out-of-body Rehearsal, and 3) Visual Cue. The first and second of these elements occur simultaneously. Deep breathing: As you load your shotgun and prepare for the upcoming pair, begin taking deep breaths; at least two to three deep breaths. You must oxygenate your body to counter the physical anxiety and tightening of muscles that you might otherwise experience just prior to calling for a target pair. Deep breathing infuses your body with oxygen, slows your pulse rate, and keeps your muscles limber. Out-of-body Rehearsal: After your gun is loaded, and as you breathe deeply, mentally rehearse your engagement of the upcoming pair. You must not only visualize your shot engagement, but you must also “feel” the physical sensation of your body executing the pair. Your out-of-body rehearsal should be repeated at least once, for a minimum of two iterations. At this point, your shotgun should be loaded and the action or bolt closed. You now move your body and shotgun into the ready position and your holdpoint. Your eyes move to your visual pick-up point. You pause for a brief second as you deliver your visual cue. Visual Cue: This is a mental prompt, or “silent suggestion”, prior to calling “pull”. While the visual cue is individualized, it should silently prompt you to apply acute visual focus to the target (e.g., “front edge” or “dome”) just prior to and through shot execution. In summary, a preshot routine is that multistep process which positions the body, eyes and mind to successfully engage a target pair.