So you want to get serious about paintball. First and foremost, don't bother reading this if you don't have that mind set. For those of you who want to get better at your game and your team to get better as a whole, remember this. Your team is not practicing in a vacuum. Every time you think you're satisfied or have done enough for the day, there is always another team that will quickly remind you that they are just as hungry as you are. So let’s get to work! These drills are all about gun control which every member of a team needs. Consistent gun control and sweet-spotting are rudimentary skills that all the pros have.
First Ball Consistency Drill: "The rudiments of accurate sweet-spotting. These are first-ball accuracy and repeatable performance. What does that mean? It's like this: if you are not on target from the first ball you shoot, odds are you ain't hitting anybody with the next 20, and if you don't practice the same way you are required to do it in competition, you're wasting your time." --Paul Richards, Miami Raiders. You can make use of street utility cones or milk jugs; which ever you can get your hands on. Place them strategically to simulate an intersection of a shooting lane and running lane. For example, shooting the back corner lane or snake lane, begin the drill in the same starting position you will use in competition. For the newbies out there, in X-Ball its gun barrel below the waist and touching the net. On the breaking go-call move into your first step position, aim and shoot "one" ball. Remember this is a break out move, so quickness is of the essence. Much like a Wild West gun slinging, you don't take the time to aim and breath like a sniper. This motion should become natural and fluid. Next, watch where your ball hits. If you are off target, adjust and shoot again (this is gun control). Take note of your barrel elevation and position. Repeat this exercise until you begin to see consistency. Your goal is to see first ball on target consistency. Are you paying attention to the angle and elevation of your barrel? Once this is achieved, then go to a quick burst of paint. Try 3-10 shots and make sure your rope remains on target. Repeat the process for each likely lane on both sides of the field.
Drill time: Minimum 15 minutes
Repetitions: Until you get it right. Your shoulders will ache and you'll cramp up. Keep changing positions so you don't learn bad habits. It also checks that you don't need 20 attempts before you can hit the target first ball. You have to be on target from the whistle, not late in the last period.
Off field exercises: You can improve your endurance for the consistency drill through the use of weight training. Using a single dumbbell, hold the weight in your break-out gun hand and position yourself just as if you were doing the real-life consistency drill. Make your motions “slow” and fluid, stop and hold each position. Position one; being as if you are touching the net with your barrel, position two: being your firing position. Remember not to swing the weight. We’re not looking for quickness using the weights, but simply to build your shoulder muscles. Weight training in this manner will build your shoulders endurance and slow twitch muscles. Leave the real consistency drill to build your fast twitch.
If you really want to get creative, try doing this exercise with your marker and a cheap laser mount. This way, when you're in your firing position, you are forced to pay close attention to barrel elevation and angle which will improve your consistency without wasting any paint.
More to come...
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