Tip #29: Progressive visualization for a stage
Updated 11.01.08

In IPSC shooting we get to shoot the stage for real only once. This is a basic requirement of our sport, that hails from the practical days of IPSC - you face a challenge, and you have one shot to resolve it, and that is how you are scored.

Much is written about the importance of shooting subconsciously, and rightfully so. IPSC is too complicated a game to consciously think your way through it step by step. Your shooting has to be subconscious, or it will never be really good. To this end we practice our skills again and again - after all, repetition is what build subconscious skills.

But then, how can we possibly run through the stage subconsciously if we cannot do repetitions, if we must shoot it only once?
The answer is - VISUALIZATION. You have to shoot the stage in your mind many times before you shoot it for real, in a way, building your subconscious route through the stage, so that when you come to shoot it for real, you do not have to think about where the targets are, or where you are heading next. This is critically important for having an excellent performance. And this visualization should be done progressively.

Internal or external visualization?
There are two ways to visualize yourself perform: External is the point of view of a camera, as if someone was recording your shooting from a spectators view point. Internal is visualizing the stage as you will see if through YOUR eyes, as you shoot, from behind the gun sights. Internal visualization is certainly the better option for stage preparation, because after all, you are preparing for a performance, and you want to do your repetitions in a realistic manner, as you will later see them for real.

Progressive visualization
 Progressive visualization is about the steps that we take as we prepare. All these steps should be taken after you have had the chance to walk the stage and see where all the targets are.
Step 1: visualize in slow motion, while standing behind the tape and looking at the stage. Having the stage in front of you helps you keep your visualization correct as you memorize the stage layout and target positions.
Step 2: real time visualization while looking at the stage. You keep your eyes open and on the stage, and increase the speed of your mental run through the stage until you are doing it in real time. With practice you will reach a point where you can accurately predict your time on the stage using this method, which is handy for factor calculations prior to shooting.
Step 3: Close your eyes, or turn away from the stage and try to run through the stage in slow motion "seeing" everything in your mind.
Step 4: Increase the speed of your mental visualization, without looking, until you can run it through at real time.

Only when you can run through the stage in your mind, at real speed with your eyes closed, not looking at the stage - are you truly ready to shoot.

How many repetitions does this take? Well, that greatly depends on the shooter, and on the complexity of the stage. A simple stage may require only 5 or 8 mental repetitions for an experienced shooter to prepare him. But I can recall complicated stages which I rehearsed 50 times or more before shooting them!

Don't be lazy! Doing good preparation is critical in our sport. Good luck.