DISTRACTIONS
by Roger W. Breternitz | Trapshooting USA

What Really Causes a Miss?
It’s not always bad form or physical fatigue — sometimes, it’s just a stray thought.
One moment you’re in the zone… and the next, you’re wondering how close you are to winning — and that’s when you drop a bird.

The Hidden Enemy of Consistency
Distractions come in many forms:
Thinking about your score
Overanalyzing your mount
Noticing shell casings underfoot
Letting your conscious mind override your training

Legend has it that Arnold Reigger, a legendary shooter from the 1940s–50s, once walked straight across a pile of empty hulls — never even noticed them — and shot a perfect round.
When asked if the casings bothered him, he replied:
“What shell casings?”

Mental Stamina Is the Edge
The shooters who win? They’re the ones who let nothing — and no one — break their focus. It’s called being “tournament tough.”
Don’t overthink. Don’t count your winnings.
Just lock in, trust your training, and break the next target.

Final Takeaway
“Don’t think. Just do.”
Train the mind like you train the body — and the results will follow.
Mental toughness isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.

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