rpcruab Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 Hello folks! I recently registered to shoot my first two sanctioned IDPA tournaments, (Lewistown Patriot Match and the 2012 Pennsylvania State IDPA Match), and was wondering how you folks prepared for such matches. I bought a 5.11 tactical vest and am ordering a comp-tac belt/holster/mag pouch tonight. I will be shooting ESP marksman with my Springfield XD(m) 5.25" if that matters. Any tips regarding practice/preparation up until the match dates? Are there specific drills you cover beforehand? Any tips regarding actually shooting in a larger tournament? Sorry for the "noob" questions, but alas, I am a "noob" Time to get all Rocky Balboa, and start punching raw meat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTSCMike Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 For me, the main thing is to treat a big match just like a small one. Don't shoot it differently than your normally would any other match. The venue (big match atmosphere and shooting with strangers) will bump you up a notch all by its self. When I had a big match coming up I sometimes went to the range to practice things that were making me struggle but mainly I would find and shoot as many local matches as possible. I would push myself in the local matches to find my "sweet spot" between speed and accuracy. At the big match I would focus on shooting accurately first and fast second. But try do do both. Lastly...be relaxed. Shooting all tensed up will mess with your game. Talk to the guys and gals in your squad and make new friends. Have fun and if you don't want to be disappointed, don't expect too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lc2hl Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I agree that a sanctioned match is probably not the place to push yourself. Lots of local matches and serious practice with a timer will help you out immensely. Let the cards land where they may. A couple of months ago, I was shooting a match while squaded with ESP and SSP Masters and Experts. I shot CDP ( the only one in the squad), and all match long I was beating myself up saying I am shooting too slow, mainly because of all of the reloads I was having to do while watching everyone else reload once, I was reloading twice on every stage. One of the guys on my squad (thanks Chris) talked me back down and told me to stay at my pace. I continued the rest of the match and was only beaten by 1 shooter by almost 4 seconds, and the next closest shooter behind me was ~20 seconds away. Shoot at your pace, don't buy into anyone else’s speed or hype, shoot your game and focus on that only. Enjoy the experience and the match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpcruab Posted August 14, 2012 Author Share Posted August 14, 2012 For me, the main thing is to treat a big match just like a small one. Don't shoot it differently than your normally would any other match. The venue (big match atmosphere and shooting with strangers) will bump you up a notch all by its self. When I had a big match coming up I sometimes went to the range to practice things that were making me struggle but mainly I would find and shoot as many local matches as possible. I would push myself in the local matches to find my "sweet spot" between speed and accuracy. At the big match I would focus on shooting accurately first and fast second. But try do do both. Lastly...be relaxed. Shooting all tensed up will mess with your game. Talk to the guys and gals in your squad and make new friends. Have fun and if you don't want to be disappointed, don't expect too much. I agree that a sanctioned match is probably not the place to push yourself. Lots of local matches and serious practice with a timer will help you out immensely. Let the cards land where they may. A couple of months ago, I was shooting a match while squaded with ESP and SSP Masters and Experts. I shot CDP ( the only one in the squad), and all match long I was beating myself up saying I am shooting too slow, mainly because of all of the reloads I was having to do while watching everyone else reload once, I was reloading twice on every stage. One of the guys on my squad (thanks Chris) talked me back down and told me to stay at my pace. I continued the rest of the match and was only beaten by 1 shooter by almost 4 seconds, and the next closest shooter behind me was ~20 seconds away. Shoot at your pace, don't buy into anyone else’s speed or hype, shoot your game and focus on that only. Enjoy the experience and the match. Thanks for the advice, folks! I am currently shooting at least one local match per week, and am thankful for that opportunity. Now I just have to relax and have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckeller Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 (edited) My advice is also, whatever your practice speed, shoot 90-95% of that ability and you will do fine. IDPA is not necessarily a game of pure speed, but who can get ZEROS in the least amount of time. Back off a hair, get your hits and you will do just fine. Do not beat yourself buy hitting NT's, getting procedurals, etc. But no matter what, always shoot your game!! For practice, always practice at 110% and shoot matches at 90-95%. Set up drills/scenarios that are way more difficult than what you will see at a match. Makes the matches look easy. That method always helped me improve. (Your welcome Mike ) Edited August 21, 2012 by ckeller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kali Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 While I normally push hard in practice for development, a week or two before a major match, I ease off and spend more time finding my match pace. You're not going to learn or ingrain anything new right before a big match, ie: cramming for an exam. If you've been diligent with your training the months before the major match, then all you need to do is to shoot to your current ability. Other people might beat you, but don't beat yourself by trying to shoot beyond what your capabilities are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1911 Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 (edited) Review the rule book prior to the match. The SOs will expect you to know the rules. You should know the difference between tactical priority and tactical sequence. You should know the rules of tactical priority when you are at cover and when you are in the open. Don't be surprised if the SO's are more strict with cover calls than at your regular club matches. Don't do an individual walk through or air gun. Thank the SO's when you leave their stage -- they are volunteering for the entire weekend. Edited August 22, 2012 by M1911 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimM Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 Not so much a shooting tip, but a suggestion that you have enough extra ammo to handle reshoots on any given stage. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
echase1 Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Just a couple of non-shooting suggestions... Get to the match a little early Make sure you have had a good night's sleep Eat a good breakfast Keep a positive mindset Listen carefully to each SO...they may offer interpretations that could be very usefule during the stage brief Stay Hydrated Meet the shooters in your squad Enjoy the match!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpcruab Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 WOW! Just came back to this thread and saw all the replies. Sorry I didn't respond, I just forgot about the thread and remembered to check now. Valuable tips! Thank you for the advice everyone, I appreciate it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RePete Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Just a couple of non-shooting suggestions... Get to the match a little early - about 45 mins to 1 hr will suffice. Make sure you have had a good night's sleep Eat a good breakfast - Not panckes or anything greasy or heavy. Keep a positive mindset Listen carefully to each SO...they may offer interpretations that could be very usefule during the stage brief Stay Hydrated - So true, I drank 18x500ml bottles of water plus 3 or 4 Gaterades and I was still dehydrated at a match I was working at. Meet the shooters in your squad Enjoy the match!! - You will. I'll see you at the Patriot, I'm working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waktasz Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I switch to Production from Limited and shoot a few matches with my IDPA gun to prepare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMB Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Just a couple of non-shooting suggestions... Get to the match a little early Make sure you have had a good night's sleep Eat a good breakfast Keep a positive mindset Listen carefully to each SO...they may offer interpretations that could be very usefule during the stage brief Stay Hydrated Meet the shooters in your squad Enjoy the match!! Great advice especially about listening to the SO's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reichebrown Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I too will be at the liberty match. Shoot a sanctioned match just like you shoot local matches. Make sure your equipment is all legal and that your ammo should make power factor. Know the rules and have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpcruab Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 Just a couple of non-shooting suggestions... Get to the match a little early - about 45 mins to 1 hr will suffice. Make sure you have had a good night's sleep Eat a good breakfast - Not panckes or anything greasy or heavy. Keep a positive mindset Listen carefully to each SO...they may offer interpretations that could be very usefule during the stage brief Stay Hydrated - So true, I drank 18x500ml bottles of water plus 3 or 4 Gaterades and I was still dehydrated at a match I was working at. Meet the shooters in your squad Enjoy the match!! - You will. I'll see you at the Patriot, I'm working. I too will be at the liberty match. Shoot a sanctioned match just like you shoot local matches. Make sure your equipment is all legal and that your ammo should make power factor. Know the rules and have fun. See you folks there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedseeker Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 I'll be there. Good luck and have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpcruab Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 Anyone shooting Sunday? I may be squaded with someone here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwhittin Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Lots of great suggestions! And a lot of them deal with the mental aspects rather than just techniques and equipment. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlouie87 Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Good advice. I have a first shoot this Sunday and I'll take these tips as well! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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