When learning to shoot for the first time, stop looking at the target after every shot to see where you hit.

Instead, focus on the correct execution of the fundamentals with each shot.

As a new shooter, you’re not going to know why you hit a certain shot. And when you can’t figure out why you’ll start to compensate for it.

For example, if you keep hitting 6 inches left of the bullseye, you’ll aim 6 inches right of it so you can hit it. That’s a band aid, not a cure, and can prove very costly in real life.

Take basketball for instance. No good basketball player who misses free-throws or 3 pointers to the left of the rim will start aiming to the right in order to sink some points.

No. They’ll go back to the fundamentals and work on fixing the problem. If they don’t, and when facing the next game deciding shot, they compensate by aiming right and miss right, that costs them the game.

However, with basketball, no one dies from such a mistake. If you aim right and miss right with a firearm, you may miss the attacker and hit an innocent bystander or give the attacker another chance to close the gap and get you.

Furthermore, if you have to use your firearm in self-defense, are you going to ask the attacker to stop after each shot so you can see if you hit him right where you wanted to? Do you think you’ll be hitting bullseyes at all?

Most of you will be in panic mode, shooting fast and at random. Under attack, your feedback will be whether the attacker stumbles and falls, turns and runs away, or is still coming at you.

You will have no time to think about your posture, grip, aim, or hitting bullseyes.

Stopping a deadly threat is all that matters at that moment and doing so effectively and lawfully.

So, when learning and practicing, especially in the early months of your development, focus on the proper form and feel when executing any drill. Accuracy will come naturally as form and feel improve.

Doing many repetitions with the proper FORM trains your muscle memory to perform in a consistent manner when the pressure is on.

And being able to FEEL what you’re doing when you have no time to think, see, or even hear is essential to being able to operate your firearm and get effective shots on target.

Muscle memory and feel.

Trying to learn how to develop these ought to be done with a certified instructor. It requires discipline and proper training and practice habits to get it right.

So, don’t make hitting bullseyes your priority until you understand and master the proper form and feel. Your life depends on it.