Nerve drugs, better shooting through chemistry?

[Grelber]

One of the shooters at a local match is a head shrink of some sort.

I asked him about 1st stage jitters yesterday. I expected to get some traditional advice (think positive, mentally rehearse not acting like such a big *****, I'm not at work now just leave me alone, etc.). What he did say was that sometimes you can get your Doctor to prescribe a drug that is used for jitters control by some public performers and by some folks who have problems with speaking due to voice tremors. Supposed to have about a 3 - 4 hour duration and not to impair performance.

I'm more inclined to suffer from a problem than to actually do something to fix it, but the drug thing was interesting. Do shooters sometimes use it ?

 

[BJones]

I agree, I will just suffer with the jitters. I think the jitters are sometimes a good thing, it keeps us on our toes. I have heard some of the top shooters say that they still get the jitters every once and a while.

 

[jbombelli]

They're called beta blockers, and some musicians use them. Personally, although this won't fly in the shooting world, I usually down a shot of tequila before I hit the stage. That's what my doctor recommended. Lol.

 

[Grelber]

Personally, although this won't fly in the shooting world, I usually down a shot of tequila before I hit the stage.

Booze does not get fair credit as a performance drug. With billiards there always seemed to be a magic amount of beer consumption that would maximize your game, staying right on that fine peak was a challenge though.

 

[Bosshoss]

IMO the best way to deal with the jitters is to not go to the match at all and come up with a lame excuse like insomnia or something like that.











Missed you at the match yesterday

 

[Bigtanker]

Booze does not get fair credit as a performance drug. With billiards there always seemed to be a magic amount of beer consumption that would maximize your game, staying right on that fine peak was a challenge though.

Same with bowling and golf, at least for me.

Personally I'd avoid anything to "help" while shooting. Usually once the frist round is fired, I'm good. Granted I've only shot a handful of competitions.

 

[rvb]

nerves = adrenaline = good in practical shooting.

-rvb

 

[rhino]

Learning to cope with "the jitters" is one of the many benefits of shooting competition.

 

[jakemartens]

I used to just be too hung over to worry about it
now I just set my expectations real low, like don't trip

 

[Grelber]

Missed you at the match yesterday

Hated not going, it is supposed to be muggy and miserable tomorrow & I am looking forward to going to Lewisport (Owensboro to the city boys) tomorrow just to help with set up, this stuff is an afliction.

 

[kevinsr98]

I used to just be too hung over to worry about it
now I just set my expectations real low, like don't trip

This! Low expectations equals no nerves. The lower the expectations the more often I meet them. Screw all the positive self image BS....

 

[WyldeShot]

I was actually thinking about this. I just shot in my first match. I kind of like the jitters. Made be feel alive.

 

[downrange72]

This! Low expectations equals no nerves. The lower the expectations the more often I meet them. Screw all the positive self image BS....

I agree. You actually have to believe the hokey crap for it to work

 

[igotdiesel2]

It's funny, I shot Friday night steel this past week and wrecked the first stage. While I was sitting there I thought "If I had a beer before I shot like I used to do when I bowled, I wonder if I would have done better?" I would never do that, but it got me thinking. I'm glad I saw this post tonight. -Jason

 

[rhino]

I must have the lowest expectations of anyone in the game since the only jitters I ever feel during a match are whether or not I'm going to make it to the bathroom in time.

 

[Leo]

I agree, I will just suffer with the jitters. I think the jitters are sometimes a good thing, it keeps us on our toes. I have heard some of the top shooters say that they still get the jitters every once and a while.

Beta blockers have a side effect of fatigue and definately slow you decision process and your reflexes. That might be ok for conventional bullseye, but that is not what you want for action pistol events. They also affect your short term memory, can you tolerate more procedural violations?

A famous Bullseye shooter from Illinois, who was a national champion several times, carried a thermos with his beverage spiked with alcohol was run off several ranges towards the end of his carrer. His need for a "little" help to steady his nerves got so out of hand even a casual observer could tell he was under the influence.

It is better to just continue to train to deal with the stresses of a match, you will be able to control the jitters and function fully on your own. Do not underestimate the value of being fit, especially in the cardio vascular area.

 

[cobber]

I must have the lowest expectations of anyone in the game since the only jitters I ever feel during a match are whether or not I'm going to make it to the bathroom in time.

You are the Borg of shooting sports.

 

[Grelber]

. Do not underestimate the value of being fit, especially in the cardio vascular area.

So far I have dropped 27 lbs this year & picked up on exercise.

Seems to really allow me to shake harder.

 

[rhino]

You are the Borg of shooting sports.

Some of my subroutines and objects need a little maintenance.

 

[Leo]

So far I have dropped 27 lbs this year & picked up on exercise.

Seems to really allow me to shake harder.

Laughing with you, not at you. I appreciate your pain.