In the archives of The First Shot, the CMP’s Online Magazine, SGT Walter E. Craig from the USAMU discusses the importance of physical conditioning for competitive competitors and High Power competitors. It is strange that fitness training is not a topic often discussed in the shooting sports media. We tend to focus on hardware or the esoteric aspects of cartridge reloading. Physical fitness is important, especially for High Power shooters. Craig recommends: 1) weight training for the Skeletal muscle system; 2) exercises that build endurance and stamina, and 3) cardiovascular conditioning to allow the shooter remain relaxed and with a controlled pulse. SGT Craig explains that an individual would not participate in a long-distance race without spending many hours conditioning their body. The same conditioning philosophy should be applied to [shooting]. Physical conditioning will improve your shooting skills and result in a better performance[.] A physical training program for individuals is designed to condition the shooter’s muscles, heart and lungs, increasing his ability to control the body and rifle over long periods of time. CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE FITNESS TRAINING ARTICLE. >> SGT Craig recommends “some sort of holding drill…to develop the muscles needed to hold a rifle for an extended period of time.” For those who have range access, Craig suggests a blind-standing exercise: “This involves dry-firing a round, followed by a live-firing of one round at a standard SR 200-yard target. If you only have access to a 100 yard range, smaller targets will also work. Start the exercise by setting a timer for 50 minutes. Plot a call without looking at actual impact in a databook after firing one round of dry fire, followed by one live round. Continue the dry-fire/live-fire sequence for 20 rounds. Plot after each round. Compare the data book with the target after firing. If your zero and location are solid, then the plots should look like the target. As you gain experience and refine your zero, the groups will move towards the center.
Position shooters can reach their full potential with fitness training and holding drills. John Whidden, a 6-time U.S. National Long Range Champion. Training for Older Gunners
Tom Alves wrote a great article entitled A Suggested Approach to Training for Older Shooters. This article discusses low-impact training techniques for older shooters. Tom explains that many of the articles about position shooting in books and the one above are geared more towards the younger generation of shooters. You’ll see a lot of people in their 30s and older at high-power matches these days. A training program should take into account the fact that many people in this age range have broken bones and worn out joints. While jogging over a long period of time for heart and lung condition may be recommended for younger people, it may not be appropriate for older people.
