I can't shoot paper targets accurately/consistently

[crittahitta]

Does anyone else have this issue? It is like white coat syndrome. Your blood pressure is good at home but as soon as you see the doctor boom. Up it goes. lol. I set up paper targets at different ranges to try and see if I can shoot as good as you guys. Lets say I set up paper at 50 yards. Im all over the place. But if i shoot at a lacrosse ball at 90 yards no problem. Im better shooting an object. Seems I over think it or something. Driving me nuts.

 

[Hynzie]

Chuck knobloche syndrome 

 

[Imold]

It's like target panic(can't remember correct term,went blank),people get this a lot, it's like they can shoot real good on paper but when it comes to let say deer hunting they miss all the time, it sounds like your just the opposite,you can hit objects but not paper, also see this in Archery shooting,split arrows shooting a bag but can't hit a 3-D animal target in vitals ....

 

[crittahitta]

Thats it Imold. Exactly. When I aim at a object or a squirrel or even a deer with my bow or shotgun I feel a sense of calm until I take the shot. But paper targets stress me out. Most of my shooting/hunting buddies get the shakes when targeting animals. Weird. Maybe a past life thing. lol

 

[Slayerious]

Try drawing animals picture on to the paper, I see myself right away focusing more when attempting to make a shot at "living creature" (The example is not the case)

Like a mouse at 55m!

 

[NTSOG]

Hi crittahitta,

I find I can only focus on shooting at small paper aim points for a short time before I need to shoot at larger objects to help me relax and shoot spontaneously. I believe that shooting at tiny aim points is so critical in terms of concentration that one does become over focused and also 'analysis paralysis' occurs: one starts to think too much about the parts of the skill rather than performing the skill automatically. I'm not a golfer, but I have heard that golfers get the 'yips' about putting - I suspect it is a similar issue. By shooting larger metal targets I find I stop trying too hard. If I start to try too hard and become over-analytical now I make myself shoot inside a short time limit of a few seconds. If I don't, I lower the rifle and reset the whole shot from the beginning - anything to stop myself thinking too much.

Jim

Via Ballarat
Australia

 

[crittahitta]

Hey slayerious. too funny. I have a funny paper target of a koala bear bending over and his butthole is the 10 ring but I can't find it. Maybe I should try that.
Jim you are right on the money. I over think. I need to reset. Next time I get out I will try to shoot or take a break. 

 

[jlc]

You should always focus on a SPOT on the target, like the 3rd button on the shirt, vs the shirt.

I am much more accurate when i shoot at a target with a small aiming point.

Relaxing, taking your time, a few deep breaths.

Squeeze off a bulls eye.

 

[ironlion269]

@jlc, remind me to never wear a button-down shirt in your presence!