I've heard things about not drinking caffine, but what else should I/ or do you do before a match to prepare?

Do you believe in prayer?

yes, prayer is good, but in this sport, I'm sure bullshit will get you farther.

I have not used this recommendations but I have heard it from the grapevine..

Get some high blood pressure medication so your heart rate will go down.
If you took too much, drink coffee to wake up,:twisted:

Don't drink alcohol during the match or you'll get disqualified, before and after is just fine.
Before to calm you down and after to forget how bad you did during the match.

And the most important item is bring a COOL mascot with you.
So that if you do good, you could say that the mascot helped you . And if you do bad, blame it on the stupid mascot.

Now sex before a match, is a subject that I will leave to our experts.

papabear wrote:I have not used this recommendations but I have heard it from the grapevine..

Now sex before a match, is a subject that I will leave to our experts.

I've seen pictures of some of these guys and I wouldn't imagine that they would know anything about sex before a match with as ugly as those muggs are

Here is a link to the USAMU COMPETITIVE PHYSICAL FITNESS

It is from their Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide but should apply for what you are asking.

http://www.snider.com/jeff/amu-pmtg/shooting.htm

If you're shooting in the same class as me, I would heartily encourage you to stay up late the night before the match, dirnk yourself unconscious, wake up 1 hour before match time, stop at the Waffle House and down 4 pounds of pancakes and and several coups of coffee, then just show up and shoot your best.......If you are not shooting against me, then disregard all the above......Seriously, mental preparation (not getting pumped up, rather finding that quiet place inside), focus (one target at at time, one bullet at at time, not settling for less than a perfect shot) and attitude (believe in your ability to hit the target, be surprised when you miss, and accept your best effort of that particular day as being a good enough score and always build from your mistakes) are probably the best way to approach a match. By the time you get to the match, it's done too late to practice, so the mental aspect is all you can control.......Anyway just my 2 cents worth......Hey Mama Bear....Does he or doesen't he???

Andrew, since you are shooting in my class now and we will be shooting against each other I think you should follow the first part of the post from Jniehouse. That way I have a chance to win.

Kevin

I like John's advice...for everyone else! Prematch preparation really begins weeks and months in advance as you work on skills, routine and mental attitude.

As for what to do within a few days of the match, get rid of caffiene and sugar, get lots of sleep and remind yourself that additional anxiety won't help you shoot better.

In order to shoot better I got rid of caffiene permanantly, generally tried to limit sugar, started exercising and getting more sleep. This is what I do all the time so that I can practice better.

After a match I allow myself cold soda and maybe a chocolate shake at the burger joint on the way home. While all that sounds too sunday school for some people, I'll admit to a past passion for beer, ale, porter, stout, vintage ports, fine red wines, single malt scotch and good tequila. I know what I'm missing, my choice. A couple of gentlemen and fine shooters I know have a touch of bourbon...after the match (and they share with other friendly shooters!).

I do these things because I have limited talent. I need all the help I can get. The most important factor is to believe in yourself.

dwl

dwl

Apologies to all
I forgot to add that you have to partake of the free breakfast at the hotel. Specially the OREO cookies.Really, somebody from MI can attest to this.

Things I have learned not to do:
1. Drive 15 hours the previous day and arrive 1 hour before start of competition. Too tired to shoot and too tensed to sight in accurately.
2. Eat a big breakfast or eat no breakfast, both bad.
3. Forget ammo bag, anybody will lend you ammo but the anxiety will not go away for a while.
4. Squeeze in family reunion with competition. You will get no sleep and feel guilty that you are having a good time while they sit around.
5. Do not try to get your mini van unstuck from the mud in between relays.
6. Do not try anything new( hardware,stance,ammo) on competition day, unless you have given up and just trying to finish.

Things I have learned to do:
1. Eat the same breakfast for both days, so that you will know how your body will react.
2. Relax, this is all for fun.
3. Arrive as early as you can, You will have good parking and you will not be anxious to start sighting in.
4. Relax, this is all for the good hearted conversations in between relays.
5. Check eqpts, ie. scope rings, magazine,jacket before sighting in.
6. Relax, focus and have fun.

I am doing this for the fun of it, and if I win a few thropies along the way, So be it . I am not picky..

Are you guys really going to make me give up all my GOOD HABITS??


Kevin

appreciate all the help, I am going to stay away from the coffee before the match. Whats nice is the next match is only 30 minutes from where I am living now, the rest of them however have turned into quite the drive 2+ hours.

Tell you what kevin, does lomand allow drinking after the match is over, we can enjoy a drink on the Dawgs dime, still have some leftover glen livet from his last visit.

Andrew,I dont believe they allow any adult beverages. I gave up that along time ago but hey you can buy me a coke and a burger in Calhan in hyou want. hehehhe


Kevin

I know of a good diner in Calhan. Depending on what time we get done, that could very well be a possibility, I do have that wedding to get to on the 15th.