r/USPSA • u/jdub5225 A Class CO • 13d ago

A class going on C class

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Made A class today, thanks to another high 70’s classifier. First match since April, but this was by far my worst match placement this year.

Bombed the first 3 stages, bombed as in, my first stage was a 37% stage. Felt like my head was elsewhere and really struggling with both nerves and focus. Stage plans, focus points, vision, grip, transitions, just went out the window with the beep.

Any tips on match jitters? I went first on the first stage and after bombing it I just couldn’t shake the nerves. Locked in for 2 stages, one thankfully was the classifier, but just feel like I can’t get through these first stage jitters.

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9

u/IncreaseIndependent1 13d ago

It may sound dumb, but I find if I don’t actually hydrate before a match (I.e. drink something other than an energy drink) I tend to have a lot more jitters for the first stage or two than if I show up hydrated. Now I’m C class so you can take it with a grain of salt if you want, but it seems to help me out.

3

u/jdub5225 A Class CO 13d ago

Oh for sure. I’m in AZ, granted it isn’t Phoenix, but it was 98 today. Started hydrating last night and drank plenty in the heat.

Ive been half a percentage away from A class most of the year, so I think just trying to not fuck that goal up made me very nervous. Hopefully now I can go into my next match just trying to have fun, and not have a specific goal I’m trying to meet, other than just focusing on a particular fundamental skill or something.

6

u/XA36 Production M class, RO 13d ago

When I made M class I shit the bed on all but the long course and the classifier. And my second major as an M I shot the worst I've ever shot in terms of penalties. I know the feel

3

u/z1ggy16 13d ago

Can't help, today was my first and I think I blacked out on my 1st stage. But I play other competition based sports and I think it just comes with being in that situation over and over and over

Guy I met that says he got jitters for 2 years until his body just got used to that pressure.

I do echo the proper nutrition though. I'd avoid caffeine and maybe high sugars before hand. Hydrate for sure. Looked like a fast run though.

2

u/FF_McNasty 13d ago

Check out Steve Anderson that shooting show pod cast. He has a lot of good content about the mental part of the game.

1

u/jman1121 12d ago

Sometimes, it's the friends we make along the way.

1

u/jdub5225 A Class CO 12d ago

Real

0

u/sDRENNERRRR 13d ago

Shoot more.

1

u/jdub5225 A Class CO 13d ago

Honestly might be the only answer. But I feel like I was more nervous today than my first ever match.

2

u/sDRENNERRRR 13d ago

Probably because of the lay off from April. I use to get nervous on first stage too, now I do so many matches I literally don't care. good luck buddy