HERE'S YOUR PADDLE. UPSTREAM OR DOWN?

September 2009 Shooting Tip

Seriously now, take about 10 long seconds and do this. Slow down and think about what it feels like to paddle a canoe upstream. Against the current. Go ahead. Please. I'll wait. 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, 4.........................

OK, it's nice to be on the water and the view is beautiful but if you're going to make it back to the cabin before dark, the paddling takes some work. Right?

Let's do the exercise again. This time paddling downstream. No worries, just go with the flow............................ The cabin is about 5 miles from where you sit, paddle's at your feet, just gliding, no worries, no falls in sight. Much better,........yes?

Which one best describes how you feel in the box on tournament day? 1 or 2?

What goes on in your life outside of the box has a lot to do with what goes on inside the box. Yes, I've shot well when I was having a bad day. But I always shot better when I was having a great day.

If the match is on Saturday, think about starting to get ready on Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Friday night or Saturday morning. What can you get off your to-do list - today? What finished chore will make Mom or the Missus happy? When they're happy................ Same goes for your boss at work.

Your frame of mind at 9 AM on Saturday morning will no doubt play a role in how you approach your first field. Feel good about what's coming? Or are you harried and stressed? Upstream or down?

 You'll shoot better if it's downstream. If it's possible, don't leave that frame of mind to chance. See you downstream.