096: The Tactical Games Explained: Train & Win ft. Jacob Heppner
Nov 14, 2024
auto_awesome
Jacob Heppner, Tactical Games National Champion and former CrossFit athlete, joins the conversation to unpack the nuances of tactical games. He discusses the transition from CrossFit to tactical sports, tackling fears and the importance of firearm safety. Jacob shares his journey into these competitions, highlighting the support of the community and the physical demands they entail. He dives into training strategies, essential gear, and the critical safety procedures needed in this high-stakes environment, emphasizing the balance between fitness and marksmanship.
The Tactical Games blend physical fitness and shooting skills, requiring participants to excel in diverse challenges while simulating a biathlon format.
Effective training emphasizes maintaining an optimal heart rate, integrating fitness and shooting, which enhances both breath control and shooting accuracy.
The community aspect of the Tactical Games fosters collaboration and support among competitors, reminiscent of CrossFit, aiding skill development and personal growth.
Deep dives
Understanding the Tactical Games
The Tactical Games combine physical fitness and shooting skills, requiring participants to perform various fitness tasks before engaging in shooting exercises. This competition mimics a biathlon format, where athletes must maintain physical performance while executing precise shots under duress. Competitors must be prepared for a range of physical challenges, including climbing ropes, carrying heavy sandbags, and more, making the training diverse and essential for success. The event is divided into stages, each scoring participants based on their overall time and accuracy, which adds to the strategic element of competition.
Training for Success
Proper training for the Tactical Games emphasizes the importance of maintaining an optimal heart rate during events to enhance shooting accuracy. It is not about outpacing competitors through sheer speed but rather integrating fitness and shooting with an 85% exertion model, allowing shooters to control their breath and precision. The training regime should incorporate exercises that simulate the competition environment, focusing on skills that will be tested such as carrying weights while transitioning to a shooting position. Understanding the physical demands and developing a pacing strategy are crucial for competitive performance.
Gear and Equipment Essentials
Participants in the Tactical Games require specific gear to compete effectively, including a reliable pistol, rifle, plate carrier, and appropriate ammunition. The pistol should ideally have a capacity for at least 15 rounds, with several magazines for quick reloads, while the rifle needs to accommodate different types of magazines depending on the stage requirements. Additionally, competitors need a plate carrier that typically weighs around 15 pounds, which can be filled with weight plates to meet competition standards. This gear not only supports performance but also ensures safety during training and competition.
The Role of Community and Support
The Tactical Games foster a strong sense of community among participants, with a supportive environment that encourages learning and skill development. Participants often share knowledge and offer assistance to each other, enhancing the competitive experience and forming camaraderie among athletes. This community aspect is reminiscent of CrossFit culture, where peers uplift each other despite the nature of competition. Such support networks remind participants that they can reach out for guidance, whether it’s related to technique, gear choices, or mental strategies for improvements.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Competing in the Tactical Games presents unique challenges that push athletes to grow outside their comfort zones, particularly for those transitioning from fitness backgrounds without shooting expertise. This sport encourages a growth mindset, where individuals must embrace the learning process and overcome initial hurdles, such as mastering firearm handling under stress. As competitors become more proficient in both fitness tasks and shooting, they gain confidence in their abilities, fostering both personal and athletic development. Embracing these challenges ultimately enriches the overall experience, instilling a passion for continuous learning.
Jason Khalipa and Gabe Yanez sit down with The Tactical Games National Champ, Jacob Heppner and get a full breakdown on what The Tactical Games are, who they're for and how to train for them. This is a throwback episode from ep. 012.
Follow Jacob on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jheppner66/
Never let momentum get to zero. Listen to the Jason Khalipa Podcast every Monday and Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
