TGL EP 191 - Recent Breakthroughs, Trigger Prep, and High-Volume Training
Aug 27, 2024
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Tom Castro, an innovator in training techniques, and Nick Young, known for his unique teaching style in shooting sports, dive into recent breakthroughs in performance. They discuss how different perspectives enrich coaching while emphasizing the importance of mental focus and high-volume training. Topics like mastering trigger prep, grip adjustments, and structured practice reveal key strategies for improving shooting skills. Their engaging anecdotes and collaborative insights offer valuable takeaways for both aspiring and seasoned shooters.
Diverse teaching styles among trainers foster unique insights and breakthroughs, enriching the learning environment for practical shooting students.
High-volume training enables mental breakthroughs and enhanced performance by helping shooters enter a focused state during practice sessions.
Prioritizing movement and mechanics is essential for achieving accuracy and speed in competitions, often overlooked in favor of shooting techniques.
Deep dives
Diverse Teaching Styles and Perspectives
The discussion highlights the value of diverse teaching styles among trainers, emphasizing that different approaches can lead to unique insights and breakthroughs in practical shooting. The speakers, Tom Castro and Nick Young, share their experiences in training, noting how they often encounter students who have trained under various instructors. This diversity in training experience allows for a richer learning environment where students can critically evaluate what they have learned and discover new techniques. The speakers also express a mutual respect for one another's methodologies, appreciating the contrast in their teaching styles which encourages open-mindedness and adaptability.
High Volume Training and Mental Breakthroughs
High volume training is emphasized as a technique that can lead to mental breakthroughs in practical shooting. Tom Castro discusses how shooting a significant number of rounds during practice allows him to enter a focused and present state, leading to enhanced performance on the range. He shares a personal experience where sustained shooting helped him maintain focus, ultimately resulting in a breakthrough moment where he felt he was connected with his shooting in a way that was new to him. This concept suggests that mental conditioning through high round counts can facilitate improved execution under pressure during actual matches.
Movement and Mechanics Over Shooting Technique
The conversation shifts to the importance of movement and mechanics in practical shooting, positing that these elements play a crucial role in achieving accuracy and speed. Both speakers agree that gaining proficiency in movement—such as entries and exits—can yield greater competition success over merely focusing on shooting techniques. They stress that many shooters may overlook foundational aspects like body positioning which can lead to inaccuracies when under pressure. By prioritizing movement and mechanics, shooters can refine their overall approach and improve performance in competitive scenarios.
The Role of Mindset and Competition in Training
Mindset in training and competition is brought to the forefront, with discussions on how maintaining a positive and fun-focused attitude can enhance performance. Tom Castro highlights the significance of not viewing other instructors or shooters as competitors, fostering a sense of community rather than rivalry. This perspective aids in developing a healthier mindset during training and competitions, allowing shooters to concentrate on their personal growth. Additionally, he emphasizes the need for constructive pressure during training sessions, which can translate into improved performance in competitions as shooters become more comfortable with high-stakes scenarios.
Trigger Preparation as a Strategy for Success
Trigger preparation is presented as a critical component of efficient and accurate shooting, with the speakers advocating for the importance of grip pressure and trigger control during practice. They explain that good trigger prep allows shooters to maintain connection with their firearm throughout the shooting process, leading to cleaner shots and quicker transitions. By focusing on trigger prep from the moment the gun is lifted until the shot is fired, shooters can reduce hesitation, thereby improving their overall responsiveness. This preparation, paired with mindful movement, creates a holistic approach that enhances performance across different shooting scenarios.
Learning from Competition and Cohesion in Training
The speakers discuss how competition experiences serve as valuable learning opportunities that can be leveraged in future training. They highlight the idea of using competition not just for assessing skill but as a form of stress test that provides insights into areas of improvement. Both emphasize the collaborative nature of training, where insights gained from watching others and engaging with peers can lead to breakthroughs. Creating an environment where competitors recognize their growth through observation and constructive feedback ultimately empowers them as shooters, reinforcing the value of learning alongside fellow practitioners.
This is part one of the discussion I had with Tom Castro and Nick Young. We talked through some recent breakthroughs and some very different teaching styles between us. I enjoy talking to people that have different approaches because there’s often something to learn and I appreciate different perspectives.
Log into Practical Shooting Training Group to watch the video feed for the podcast, view the content linked in the show notes, and ask follow up questions at http://pstg.us/
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