Shooting accuracy can be improved with better breathing techniques.
Hunting and shooting have long been American pastimes. Whether done for survival or as a challenging hobby, hunting with a gun requires high levels of concentration and eye-hand coordination. Breathing is a key component to hunting; it can directly affect how well you shoot. The National Rifle Association issues several breathing techniques and styles to help you improve your shooting.
Slow Your Breathing
Hunting can cause an adrenaline rush, as the act of hunting down and finally finding a target can breed excitement. Although hunters may have a tendency to breathe faster, this will increase the heart rate, which ultimately results in an increase in muscle movement. By slowing down your breathing, remaining calm and slowing the heart rate, muscles will loosen and relax. This relieves tension and prevents you from causing minor shakes to the gun, allowing a more accurate shot.
Timing
Basic timing is a key to accuracy. During hunting and while preparing to shoot, there are many concerns going through the mind of a hunter, including the ability to time the shot with the breathing. The better the two are correlated, the better and more accurate the shot will be. Timing the shot until the second that the breath is on the decline and held will help to reduce the movement of the firearm, whether you are using a rifle or a small gun.
Breathing Down Technique
A more advanced form of timing is called the "breathing down" technique, which has been used for years by successful hunters. This technique involves taking three to four breaths in a shorter and slower fashion, ultimately reducing the cardiopulmonary rate. The goal is to continuously lower the rate, until it relaxes the body enough to avoid any muscle movement and tension. Ultimately, it leads to a point where the breath is almost held; at that time, the shooter has roughly eight seconds to pull the trigger prior to oxygen depletion having a physical effect, such as fatigue, muscle tremors or blurred vision.
Tags: accurate shot, breathing techniques, heart rate, more accurate, more accurate shot, muscle movement