Tips on Pistol Shooting

[jitu sati]

hey tir u r setting tough goals. but i will take it up as a challenge. let me start the 60 holds SA drill today. i will also let you know of the 60 shots 9ring live shoot result.
brihaji
it would really be nice if you could throw some light on how one can utilise pranayam in shooting

[brihacharan]

[quote="jitu sati"]

> brihaji
> it would really be nice if you could throw some light on how one can utilize Pranayam in shooting

Hi Jitu,
> In all humility I don't claim to be an expert - however having been practicing Pranayam has given me immense benefits.
> Shooting requires intense concentration / focus / muscle coordination while having a relaxed mind - Tall Order
> However one can achieve this with sincerity / dedication / perseverance & practice.
> It takes time - hence patience is required. Good Luck & here we go.........

One cannot under estimate the importance of proper breathing. Regulated breathing ensures proper supply of blood to the brain cells and in the process purifies and energizes the blood. The resultant benefit is that the motor control nerves perform to optimum levels of efficiency. In other words the signals delivered by the brain to the muscles in the body function with perfection.

Clarity of thought and muscle coordination are at their peak when one can control the process of breathing. This is all the more important for sportsmen wherein focus / concentration and coordinated body movement play a crucial role.
PRANAYAM - This word literally means "Breath of Life"

Pranayam is an ancient practice concerned with breath control. Research has shown that practicing Pranayam can relieve symptoms of asthma and is also beneficial in treating stress related disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

If you have a medical condition, consult with your doctor before doing Pranayam. For example, if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, labored breathing, a hernia, or any other condition that could be exacerbated by especially fast, deep, or intense breathing.
Make sure your nose isn’t stuffy. Nostril breathing is crucial in yoga, so if you have a head cold, you won’t be able to complete these exercise.

The Process
Sit comfortably on a mat on the floor with your spine erect. You can sit in the traditional lotus position or simply make yourself comfortable in a chair.

It’s important that you relax your stomach muscles when doing yoga breathing exercises; when they’re held tight like a corset, you can’t take oxygen as deeply into your lungs.

Always do what is most comfortable for you. If any of these exercises makes you feel light-headed or uncomfortable, stop or slow down immediately. Take breaks often as necessary.
It’s preferable to practice Pranayam in the morning.

1. Close your eyes. Focus your attention on your breathing.
2. Close the right nostril with the right thumb by pressing the thumb against your nostril to block it.
3. Inhale slowly through the left nostril. Fill your lungs with air. First, feel the diaphragm move down, allowing the lungs to expand and forcing the abdomen out; then feel your chest expand with your collar bones rising last.
4. Remove your thumb from your right nostril. Keep your right hand by your nose and your lungs full of air.
5. Use your ring and middle finger to close your left nostril. Most people find it easier to continue using the same hand to block either nostril, but you’re welcome to switch hands depending on which nostril you’re blocking. You can also switch if your arm gets tired.
6. Exhale slowly and completely with the right nostril. Feel the collar bones dropping, chest deflating, and abdomen shrinking as the lungs collapse. When you’ve finished exhaling, keep your left nostril closed.
7. Inhale through the right nostril. Fill your lungs.
8. Close the right nostril and open the left.
9. Breathe out slowly through the left nostril.
> Continue for 15 minutes. You may take a minute's rest after every five minutes of exercise.
> Perhaps this may sound strange, but it works! When your eyes are closed when performing the Pranayam your mental vision should be that of a "Target with a Perfect Score" - Keep this inner vision steady - You may find it difficult initially - but through practice you can achieve this.
> The end result will be when you stand before a target while shooting this vision will transpose itself at the target you are aiming - Your aim will automatically centre towards this image which will soon turn into reality - NIRVANA
Good Luck!
Briha

[tirpassion]

Dear jitu,
The goal has been set according to your standard. This means that I have understood that you have the capacity to achieve it knowing fully well what is preventing you to do so. I have at least some experience to judge, however small be it. Believe me!
Please recall that we are now talking of MENTAL POWER, the urge, the determination, the light & right dose of aggressive attitude needed to do it. There lies the mental game of surpassing oneself, raising your own self to the higher level to surmount the barrier which is quite often self imposed. Please refer to the Mental Training thread and the pages 3 to 7 of this thread. Read and re read. Feel the words while reading. You should find your blood boiling to achieve. YES, that is what is needed.
I will call you up today evening.

best regards
tirpassion

[jitu sati]

brihaji
i used to do pranayam in past. however never thought of keeping the tgt as focus. let me rededicate myself to pranayam and see how it helps me.
hey tir
nice talking to you. have started working for 60 holds and today (if lights r working) would do a 60 shot 9ring ex. will let u know the results

[brihacharan]

[quote="jitu sati"]brihaji
i used to do pranayam in past. however never thought of keeping the tgt as focus. let me rededicate myself to pranayam and see how it helps me.

> Hi Jitu,
> All the best - should work for you.
> I suggest that you do some light exercises to strengthen your shoulders, fore arm & lower back as these would help in your stance & also steady your hold over longer periods of time.
Briha

[jitu sati]

brihaji
any specific suggestions for the exercises. would really help to be scientifically directed to correct exercises by an expert.
tir
no luck. there was some major electrical issue in my range and it would be sorted out over the week end so hope to be back in prac by monday

[brihacharan]

[quote="jitu sati"]
brihaji
any specific suggestions for the exercises. would really help to be scientifically directed to correct exercises by an expert.

Hi Jitu,
> There are specific exercises - PM me your postal address - will courier the sketches of the exercises.
> In fact had sent these to AGN as well - probably he is following them.
Briha

[brihacharan]

[quote="jitu sati"]
brihaji
any specific suggestions for the exercises. would really help to be scientifically directed to correct exercises by an expert.

Hi Jitu,
> There are specific exercises - PM me your postal address - will courier the sketches of them.
> In fact had sent AGN these a week ago - he must be practicing these.
Briha

[jitu sati]

thx brihacharanji
i have pm my address to you. i will be really obliged if you could send me those sketches of ex for shoulder building.
hey tir
i will hopefully get the opportunity to try out the 60 shot 9 ring drill today

[brihacharan]

[quote="jitu sati"]
thx brihacharanji
i have pm my address to you. i will be really obliged if you could send me those sketches of ex for shoulder building.

Hi Jitu,
> Have couriered U these today
Briha

[airgun_novice]

[SNIP]
> In fact had sent AGN these a week ago - he must be practicing these.
Briha

Started on pranayam; in fact found that I could "drop" BP better when it shoots up. Also on some free hand ones. But awaiting personal demo (wink wink) to start on Yoga. Also walks - bich-bich mein (when it does not rain )

[airgun_novice]

What exactly is HOPE ? From the Geeks -> When Pandora opened the infamous (Pandora's) Box, she unleashed all the sorrow and evils upon the world. However when folks looked into the box after "everything" had flown out - there was still something inside - HOPE. Thus I feel Hope is a dual-edged sword. After all it was classified and enclosed among the evils but it chose not to fly with them. Men had to seek it out.

Methinks therefore, HOPE is thus
1. What we know we can't normally achieve; but can possibly achieve. Here it separates from fantasy.
2. Is a reason to push in the efforts to exceed current capabilities. Here it separates from limitations.
3. The Entity that bases itself on factual reality. Here it separates from inflation of ego.
4. The Entity that paves the path from 342 to 347 or from 347 to 365. Here it separates from being a temptress.
5. Like Shani-maharaj that tests you rigorously for the efforts put in with humility to match. Here it separates the shooter from being a hollow Fatalist or an over-confident jerk..

[airgun_novice]

Dear guruji et al,
While you and Brihji (on the tips thread) have elaborated on pranayam-shavasan one Q pops up. How does one become mentally stronger ? Would be great if the discussion could start on this one,if earlier topics have been covered.

[jitu sati]

hey agn
i am not an expert on mental strength but the experience of the last three competition, especially the disastrous one in jodhpur has certainly made me feel mentally stronger. i guess it is like forging iron. the mind seems to strengthen when one takes positives from an adverse experience and then prepares harder to face such challenges in future.
what do you say

[brihacharan]

hey agn
i am not an expert on mental strength but the experience of the last three competition, especially the disastrous one in jodhpur has certainly made me feel mentally stronger. i guess it is like forging iron. the mind seems to strengthen when one takes positives from an adverse experience and then prepares harder to face such challenges in future.
what do you say

Hi Guys,
> HOPE = Its a combination of expectation & desire. A desire for certain things to happen.
> Hope without any dedicated / committed input is equal to "Wishful Thinking". Hope should be backed by "Sincerity of Effort", amounts to a "Compulsion from Within" by channelizing positive energy towards this thought process.
> There is nothing wrong with HOPING provided one is Honest & Truthful in one's endeavors.
> Mental Strength can be developed - Attempting a task with genuine purpose & the will to succeed / win can toughen one's mind - The motto being "Winning is not Everything - It's the ONLY Thing". Very beautifully portrayed in the film Chariots of Fire.
> Failures should be analyzed - Learn from the mistakes & take care not to REPEAT them.
> Finally Think Positive - Act Positive -
> Remember "Success is not a Destination - Its an Ongoing journey".
> Enjoy the Journey
> BTW - Try this, it'll work - Look into the mirror, first thing in the morning - MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH YOUR IMAGE and say " TODAY I'M BETTER THAN WHAT I WAS YESTERDAY & TOMORROW I'LL BE BETTER THAN WHAT I'M TODAY!
Cheers
Briha