http://centermassgroup.com/2011/09/the-fifth-habit-of-highly-effective-shooters/
Years ago I remember being taught what many of you were also taught in regards to breathing as a marksmanship fundamental…to hold your breath. At the time it made sense. I was being told this by an instructor who shot better than me and who was running the course of instruction I was attending. I was in the military at the time and being taught by some of the best shooters in the world. Specifically I was told to, “Shoot during the Natural Respiratory Pause.” I did this for many years as a SEAL Sniper and never found any reason to question what I had learned.
Originally Posted By BillyDoubleU:
http://centermassgroup.com/2011/09/the-fifth-habit-of-highly-effective-shooters/
Years ago I remember being taught what many of you were also taught in regards to breathing as a marksmanship fundamental…to hold your breath. At the time it made sense. I was being told this by an instructor who shot better than me and who was running the course of instruction I was attending. I was in the military at the time and being taught by some of the best shooters in the world. Specifically I was told to, "Shoot during the Natural Respiratory Pause.” I did this for many years as a SEAL Sniper and never found any reason to question what I had learned.
Breathe, Relax, Aim, Stop, Squeeze, Follow Through
Stopping FOR A SECOND or so at your Natural Respiratory Pause to shoot, doesn't equal you holding your breath... unless you are suffering from COPD.
The "AIM" part is making sure you have Natural point of Aim (side to side adjustment). You stop exhaling (your up and then down adjustment) when your front sight post is at your proper hold. (6 o'clock, or center mass, your choice...)
Stopping FOR A SECOND or so at your Natural Respiratory Pause to shoot, doesn't equal you holding your breath
I agree and the author of the article seems to mix the two together:
If you’re taking that long-range shot, go ahead and shoot during your natural respiratory pause, but if not give your brain and your eyes some oxygen to let them do their jobs.
He's also talking about too different types of shooting, long range precision shooting and shoot-and-scoot combat shooting.
In long range shooting many shooters will hold their breath too long instead of just a pause and it does have a negative effect on accuracy, you really see it during + 200m off hand shots.
Originally Posted By Seabee_Mech:
Stopping FOR A SECOND or so at your Natural Respiratory Pause to shoot, doesn't equal you holding your breath
I agree and the author of the article seems to mix the two together:
If you’re taking that long-range shot, go ahead and shoot during your natural respiratory pause, but if not give your brain and your eyes some oxygen to let them do their jobs.
He's also talking about too different types of shooting, long range precision shooting and shoot-and-scoot combat shooting.
I
n long range shooting many shooters will hold their breath too long instead of just a pause and it does have a negative effect on accuracy, you really see it during + 200m off hand shots.
Agreed!
IMO that "shoot at the respiratory pause" stuff is fine for bench shooting, or shooting when you are not moving. Try chasing someone for about two blocks and then used that method... it doesn't work very well. In that case I usually take a deep breath and hold it while I am shooting. Two different styles of shooting, two different breathing methods.
