Originally posted by JASmith
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OK -- here we go with memory and how it functions. I am of the view that memory consists of pictures that we store much like a computer. The difference is that when faced with unique situations, humans will take parts of various pictures (memories) and combine them in a manner that presents a solution. We then execute the picture we created in our working memory while at the same time continually adapting that picture in order to achieve some sort of goal.
When it comes to a decision about emphasis on the physical act of position over sight picture -- ask yourself what will be burned into memory more clearly and permanently -- the actual sight picture or your perception of a good position? And, what dictates your position -- making the body assume a stance where you can easily see the sight picture you know is right or getting into what you perceive as a good position -- until you try to gain that sight picture?
When we start guys out on the NMC, we sand bag them in at 200 and have them shoot until they shoot ten consecutive 10's on a standard NRA 200 yard center. This is before we get into position issues. One iteration is not enough for someone to be convinced they can bring that same picture back into working memory but if done at the beginning of training for four or five consecutive training days, that seems enough for them to be able to recognize the difference between a 10 and an 9 for example.
This is not a new training concept. The logic is simple. What two things must be trained to shoot well? Train the eyes to see a 10 for example and the finger to move. Position won't be perfect and when guys get into trouble is when their position is not good and thus distracts their attention from what they must do to perform -- pull the trigger when their eyes see good.
I have had some good success with Soldiers who have big problems zeroing by focusing them solely on maintaining a 'perfect' sight picture through the entire shot to re-indexing. It sounds simple and it is because those same Soldiers who are having such problems are most likely trying to attend to several things at the periphery of their conscious at one time. By reducing these distractions and focusing them on the one thing they know they can do, you see very positive results. The reason they know they can maintain a good sight picture is because that sight picture is a picture, not a concept such as 'hold hard' or 'smooth and fast'.
One thing for sure is that if a person knows they must maintain that picture in their head through an entire shot, they will regulate themselves in a manner that will allow it to happen far more often than not. And what is better for their individual progression is that they will know immediately if they let their attention shift from that focus.
Some will say that I forgot the trigger pull. Not at all. They know they have to pull the trigger and will do so, particularly if you make them maintain a time standard. In this specific case, five shots in 30 seconds. I will not tell them how to pull the trigger as they don't know smooth and fast from rough and slow. Push it into the subconscious by forcing their conscious on sight picture and sight picture alone.
So, I am a believer in drilling them on what a good sight picture looks like before getting into detail on position. Not that we won't work on position. We will but initially my emphasis is on ingraining a good sight picture into their memory.
LR1955
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