astephenson Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 The skill level of shooters in my IDPA club (actually several clubs, but many of the same shooters) has been improving quite a bit lately. It seems like over half of the folks I shoot with have Expert or higher classifications in at least one division- many in multiple divisions. Those that aren't will probably be soon, whether by classifier or match bump. To say the least it keeps me on my toes and motivates me to practice more...and everyone else is pretty motivated, too. It's alot of fun seeing everyone improve and trying to keep up with them to stay competitive. The cool part- we're all great friends and everyone is extremely encouraging. I hope everyone is able to find a group to shoot with that's as great a bunch of folks as the ones I'm able to shoot with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 I agree 100%. Nobody likes to be the worst shooter of the bunch. That's why I thank god for new shooters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildWest N AZ Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 I agree 100%. Nobody likes to be the worst shooter of the bunch. That's why I thank god for new shooters! LoL..... I agree I love shooting with my GM open buds the advice they give is great and has helped me be a better shooter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyOne Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Shooting with people better than you, raises the bar for you, makes you think "If they can do it, so can I". I used to play pool alot, but never got any better until I played someone better than me. I find that to be true of shooting as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DyNo! Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 (edited) And on the other side of that - if you're the best shooter in a bunch, it is challenging to set the bar without having someone else to be the guinea pig. I also always try to shoot with people who shoot better than me. Edited September 13, 2010 by DyNo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuyC Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I would love to practice with better shooters than me. I like to shoot with the open guys at a match, it pushes me shoot faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calishootr Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 at a sectional championship yrs ago, my shootin partner and I were 'tossed in' with a super squad full of GM's and M's, we were only B class shooters at the time, but looked at it this way, if we could hang with the big boys and run within a few seconds of their times and have decent hits...hey goodthings might happen??? as it turned out we were correct in our assumption, we both finished 1 an 2 in b class I heard it yrs ago that if you hang with a certain skill level crowd you will rise no higher than the crowd, which is fine ifthat is your thing, butf orthose who want to excell to the maximum oftheir abilities??? need to look beyond the comfort zone/squad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiG Lady Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 During the time I did happen to engage in competition, the "better-than-me" shooters not only taught me indirectly through example, they were generous with their tips and chat about how they accomplished what they did on whichever target array--or about some technique they used. It was amazing the constant stream of coaching I received. Indeed, it gradually improved my shooting skills because I LISTENED to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartmann Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I heard it yrs ago that if you hang with a certain skill level crowd you will rise no higher than the crowd, which is fine ifthat is your thing, butf orthose who want to excell to the maximum oftheir abilities??? need to look beyond the comfort zone/squad Recently I heard a similar concept explained as, "You are the average of the five people you hang around with most." Interesting to ponder that, for both shooting and non-shooting aspects of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris iliff Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I love to shoot with better shooters. I always learn something. Best squad to date put me with Flexmoney, Keen, Micah, Budewitz, and Metts at the Michigan Section. If I recall correctly, most won their division overall. I, on the other hand, just tried to keep up. Fun stuff and great learning. Mentally, it took me a couple stages to get over the wow factor. Wish that was my regular squad weekly!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I heard it yrs ago that if you hang with a certain skill level crowd you will rise no higher than the crowd, which is fine ifthat is your thing, butf orthose who want to excell to the maximum oftheir abilities??? need to look beyond the comfort zone/squad Recently I heard a similar concept explained as, "You are the average of the five people you hang around with most." Interesting to ponder that, for both shooting and non-shooting aspects of life. This is troubling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlamoShooter Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 shooting with better shooters is something that happens at every match I go to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Ryder Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I agree 100%. Nobody likes to be the worst shooter of the bunch. That's why I thank god for new shooters! Last place! I hate finishing in the middle of the pack or lower. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Ryder Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 It definitely helps me to shoot with a few Grand Masters. I try to observe and repeat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oak hill Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I agree. It always helps to learn new things, especially from someone who can not only tell you what to do, but can actually do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayJayJay Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 I hate comming in last ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaster113 Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 shooting with better shooters fires up the competitive instinct. plus you can gain insight on how they break down stages, reloads, etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick417 Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 shooting with better shooters is something that happens at every match I go to HaHa. That is exactly what I was thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMETALMANN Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I agree. I shoot sporting clays with my uncle-in-law he has so much good advice my scores skyrocket! As I shoot without him I often start to slip. He's almost like a drug addiction, when I have a bad day, I'll call him to come shooting, and invariably his advice and perception of the field and my action, helps me get back in the game. I just wish I could shoot more, so his advice would stick. I seem to lose the advice with large stretches in time. Oh well, more excuse to hang with the family! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Those who have bounced around a bit will notice that most clubs tend toward one or two divisions. Some places, the majority shoot Open. Other places Limited and Production seem to be the favorite. I recently moved to an area with one of these clubs. While I prefer to shoot Open, I'm half considering going back to Lim, just so I have a few better shooters to compete with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundwave Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Definitely believe shooting with great shooters will make you better. I also believe hanging out with ugly people makes me more handsome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooter57 Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 It's not only in shooting to play with better shooters but any sport playing with the best players will make you better in that sport. you may still suck but you will suck better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steel1212 Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 That works both ways. When I started shooting I shot with a group of masters and went through the ranks to where I'm at now. Now when I go to matches I don't want to be beat by lower class shooters so it keeps me pushing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zerwas Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 I would love to practice with better shooters than me. I like to shoot with the open guys at a match, it pushes me shoot faster. The wanting to shoot faster part is the dangerous area you don't really want to visit. The better shooters can and sometimes (depending on who "they" are ) will give the other shooters little tips during a given course of fire that could help them streamline their plan. Shooting faster is not necessarily a good thing. Being more efficient IS a good thing, and THAT is what a much better shooter can do for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee B Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 I hope everyone is able to find a group to shoot with that's as great a bunch of folks as the ones I'm able to shoot with. Indeed. It's nice to have good folks to shoot with who encourage, instruct and push you to be better. That's what I like about the matches and clubs around the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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