Winning happens when preparation, ability and planning come together. Two winning families, the Boones and the Robinsons, were asked how they prepare for the many matches they shoot on a weekly basis.

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“We have a basic routine to prepare for every match. Since we travel to all of them and are on the road a lot, it helps to stick to a routine.”

1. Clean all equipment (pistols, magazines, etc.) and recheck them a few days prior to the match. Load all magazines needed for the match so you don’t worry about rushing to load between stages. That in itself is a way to mentally prepare, as you will be more relaxed when you know your equipment is ready.
2. Dry-fire practice, live-fire practice and focus on beating your best score, not necessarily someone else’s score.
3. Stay hydrated and eat before the match.
4. Observe and mentally walk through the course. Rehearse each stage and visualize hitting each target with emphasis on smooth transitions, consistent recovery and doing the right thing every time.
5. Use a positive attitude. Say “I will win this” and build confidence with every stage.
6. When it’s time to shoot, focus on fundamentals and safety. If you need alone time, take it. Use breathing exercises to relax just before shooting.
7. Pre-plan your posture so you always stand and start the same way.
8. Set a goal but don’t linger on misses.
9. Have a routine for how you set up your magazines at the stage (if shooting multiple entries) so that you don’t have to fumble around.
10. Minimize distractions when it’s time to shoot. Finally, try to relax and have fun.

For more information, visit GSSFonline.com or call 770-437-4718.

This article was published in the GLOCK AUTOPISTOLS 2016 magazine. To see the rest of the issue, please visit Personaldefenseworld.com.