Master Target / Trap Shooting with Your Mind

By Craig Townsend, Clinical Hypnotherapst & Founder of NeuroFrequency Programming™

The steady hand, the sharp eye, deep focus, and the calm mind...

No matter whether you're a shooter grappling with competition nerves, or a skilled marksman aiming to elevate your technique and outcomes - whether you use a rifle, air rifle, pistol, handgun, or even a crossbow...

Mental training delivers your best performances when it counts most, under competition pressure.

It's the silent edge that takes you to the next level. Mental training delivers your best performances when it counts most, under competition pressure.

At the highest level, mental strength is the only major factor which truly separates you from your competitors, as skills and ability are all extremely high.

It can give you the crucial edge in terms of confidence, consistency, focus, resilience, and a calm mindset.

This is why I teach the same mind techniques that Jerry Miculek, Gary Anderson, Kim Rhode, Niccolo Campriani and other legends have used throughout their careers - because they work.

Trap Shooting mental training / hypnosis

Being a mental trainer, I worked with many competitors over the years looking to improve their inner game - once they realised the mind was the vital X factor they were missing. They increasingly needed help with common issues such as flinching, hesitation to pull the trigger (upon getting the perfect sight picture), or issues related to sighting the target, rhythmic breathing, mastering their routine, or blocking out other shooters during their routine.

🎯 Mastering Visualization

Along with a full range of mental skills, I teach athletes the correct way to visualize and mentally rehearse their shots at competition events - entirely in their mind.

Used correctly, visualization allows you to pre-program your shot routine into your muscle memory. This boosts belief, sharpens confidence, and makes you feel noticeably calmer under pressure.

Why? Because in your mind, you’ve already shot your routines many times before the event - which makes you feel desensitized to the pressure. The environment feels familiar, and your body knows what to do.

Visualization reinforces your routine and highest-level technique with surprising efficiency - allowing you to master new skills faster than ever before.

Once you become skilled at this process - and I provide a wide range of guided imagery types further below - you’ll add an entirely new dimension to your performance, whether it's rifle, pistol, or trap shooting.

You can mentally rehearse every aspect of your routine - from stance and breathing to trigger control and follow-through. This builds precise muscle memory for flawless execution in real competition.

This method creates greater consistency from day to day - both in your routines, and your performance level - as it provides a stronger inner template for your routine to work from.

Once you are equipped with both strong physical shooting skills plus mental toughness, you become a true force to be reckoned with at any level of competition. It's the silent edge which champions have used for generations, which sets you apart from the rest.

Champions Do Things Differently

"Visualization fuels the fire within, igniting the pursuit of excellence."
Jerry Miculek

"Visualization is the bridge that connects dreams to reality in the realm of sports."
Niccolo Campriani

"In the realm of sports, the battle is fought within."
Gary Anderson

"If meditation was a sport, it would be shooting."
Niccolo Campriani

"The mental aspect of shooting is often underestimated. It's about controlling your mind, staying calm, and executing each shot with precision."
Kim Rhode

Implementing & Mastering These Techniques at Home

For generations, athletes have relied on powerful techniques like visualization to gain a competitive edge. Now, with advancements in modern technology, these techniques have become even more sophisticated

I will outline some examples for you shortly, which you can practice at home (as effective do-it-yourself programs are what most people are asking for).

I have outlined the various options below to cater to different levels, so you can choose the best path you'd like to explore..

Training Options - For Different Standards, Levels & Skill Sets

Depending upon your level of experience and expertise, there are two distinct approaches to mental preparation - as below:

Accelerated Techniques

Achieve results in 4–6 weeks that might otherwise take up to 12 months with traditional training.

If you prefer to skip the long hard manual work of mental training (which I also outline further below), then the easiest step to accelerate your progress is to get the fast-track audio program below – developed from decades of coaching elite athletes, combining neuroscience with hypnotic techniques. Just $29.

These audios embed everything straight into your subconscious, so no manual repetition is needed.

Fast-Tracking Your Results

Mind Training for Shooting

by Craig Townsend (Dip. Clin. Hyp)

MP3 Download $29.95

Incl. $60 Bonuses: Sleep Subliminal
Gamma Brainwave Motivational

1 Year Unconditional Warranty

More Info →

Trap Shooting Program also available

Or for the ultimate in personalized training...

The next-level training is to check out NeuroFrequency Programming - a system of customized theta-level Theta brainwaves (4–8Hz): Unlocks heightened creativity, mental clarity, and subconscious alignment - ideal for accelerated learning, focus, and peak performance. mental training recordings, personalized to your exact needs, training, schedule, mindset, and competition challenges - to deal with confidence, focus, resilience, and overcoming nerves or lack of belief. For this, see 'Elite Mental Training' below.

Elite Mental Training with Neuroscience

Train the 92% Your
Competitors Ignore

Your Body's Ready. Is Your Subconscious?
Custom Recordings that Rewire Champions.

Explore Elite Program →

Of course, if time is not an issue, you can always begin by doing the exercises manually - and if you are not satisfied, you can always progress to the next level - combining these and other techniques simultaneously, to accelerate results (see below).

And so for those committed to dedicating time to regular practice and reinforcement, I have provided a selection of options and info below you can work through, and explore further. (if you have further questions - simply drop me an email)

1. Embedding Positive Core Beliefs

This exercise, called a contemplation, embeds powerful new core beliefs within your subconscious, as these enormously influence performance.

Your beliefs - weak or strong - ultimately determine your results - and how far your potential can develop. They are the dominating force - more powerful than motivation, talent, ability, fitness, power, etc.

These are your 5 Core Beliefs list to instill, below. Focus on each point in the list for 30 seconds daily, thinking of positive thoughts related to the topic and reasons why it's true for you.

Do this until the reasons are true for you.

1. My focus remains deep and unwavering.

2. My process remains consistent even under pressure.

3. I remain within my calm inner world, unaffected by externals, during performance.

4. I adapt easily to all conditions.

5. My aim is precise, my focus unwavering, and my shots consistently hit the mark, with every squeeze of the trigger.

2. Visualization Exercises (Target)

(trap further below)

Needless to say, the initial and primary visualization should be of yourself competing at your absolute peak of your performance - with as much, or as little, detail as you wish - while imagining experiencing great confidence and inner power while you are performing.

Do this each day, while in a relaxed state (directly before or after sleep are excellent times), and ensuring you use all your senses - ie. ensure the images are vivid, realistic, present-tense, positive, and without any external distractions.

While the results wont be as quick as using the audio recordings, slowly but surely this will bring about improvements, so be patient. As you progress in your development, consider integrating the following aspects to enhance your mind's capacity to visualize flawless performance.

As there are literally hundreds of different ways you can use imagery for various different purposes, I have included some options you can experiment with later on.

But for now, keep to the basics, and make sure you practice regularly.

* A Perfect Shot - your stance, grip, aim, trigger squeeze, and follow-through. This can help you establish a mental blueprint for success and improve your muscle memory.

* Calming Scene - in a peaceful, relaxing environment, such as a beach, forest, or mountain range. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your focus and concentration.

* Achieving Your Goal - hitting the target with perfect accuracy, scoring high, or winning a competition.

* Overcoming Challenges - overcoming obstacles, such as fatigue, distractions, or adverse weather conditions, and hitting your target regardless. This improves your mental toughness and resilience.

* Imagine Your Shooting Routine - Visualize your entire shooting routine, from selecting your equipment to analyzing your performance. This reinforces a consistent and effective routine.

* Your Target - Picture your target in your mind's eye, with all its details, such as shape, color, and size. This can help your focus on the target and improve aim and accuracy.

* Picture Your Breathing - taking slow, deep breaths, and exhaling slowly and steadily, to regulate your breathing and reduce anxiety and stress.

* Relaxing Your Muscles - your muscles relaxing, from your forehead down to your toes.

* Imagine Shooting from Different Positions - shooting from different positions, such as standing, kneeling, or prone. This can help you improve your versatility and adaptability.

* Focus on Your Breathing - taking slow, deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling calmly and steadily.

* Picture the Perfect Shot - taking the perfect shot, hitting the bullseye with ease and confidence. Focus on the details of your stance, grip, aim, and release, and visualize each step of the process with precision and clarity.

* Different Shooting Scenarios - in different shooting situations, such as shooting from a prone position, shooting at moving targets, or shooting with a different firearm. This can help you improve your adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

* Handling Distractions - shooting while dealing with distractions, such as noise, movement, or discomfort, staying calm, focused, and in control, and using visualization techniques to block out distractions and maintain your concentration.

* Imagine Your Shot Placement - Picture where you want your shot to land, and visualize the trajectory and impact of the bullet. Focus on your aim, breathing, and trigger control, and use mental imagery to guide your shot to its intended target.

* Picture Your Follow-Through - maintaining your form and focus after each shot, following through with your arm and continuing to breathe calmly and steadily.

* Overcoming Mistakes - making mistakes, such as missing a shot or losing your focus, and then regaining your composure and getting back on track. Use mental imagery to learn from your mistakes and stay positive and resilient.

* In Competition - shooting in competition, surrounded by other shooters, judges, and spectators, staying calm, focused, and confident, and using visualization techniques to block out distractions and perform at your best.

* Imagine Different Weather and Lighting Conditions - shooting in different weather and lighting conditions, such as rain, wind, or low light - adapting to the conditions and making the necessary adjustments to your stance, grip, and aim.

* Achieving Your Goals - achieving your target shooting goals, whether it's winning a competition, improving your accuracy, or mastering a new technique.

2. Trap Visualization Tips

* Imagine the perfect shot - taking the perfect shot with every detail in place, from the correct stance to the perfect lead on the target.

* your success - hitting every target with ease and confidence, seeing the clays break into pieces in your mind.

* hitting the target - hitting the target, with a clear image of the clay breaking into pieces.

* Performing the shot sequence - performing the entire shot sequence, from calling the target to following through after the shot.

* Focus - maintaining your focus throughout the entire shot, with no distractions or disruptions.

* Imagine your shot's trajectory - Visualize the trajectory of your shot from the moment it leaves the barrel until it hits the target, with perfect accuracy.

* Making correct adjustments - making the correct adjustments in your stance, aim, or follow-through, depending on the shot outcome.

* Overcoming obstacles - overcoming any obstacles or challenges that might arise during the shot, such as wind or rain.

* Imagine your breathing pattern - breathing calmly and steadily, with each breath taken at the right time during the shot sequence.

* Your mental state - in a positive and confident mental state, with no anxiety, stress, or distractions.

* Performing in competition - competing at the highest level, hitting every target with ease and confidence, and winning the competition.

* Imagine the perfect timing - shooting the target with the perfect timing, with every shot fired at the right moment.

* Your gun mount - mounting your gun smoothly and correctly, with every movement precise and fluid.

* Taking the right lead - taking the right lead on the target, with every shot hitting the mark.

* Focus on your breathing - pay attention to your breathing, taking deep breaths in and out to help calm your nerves and keep you focused.

* Shooting different angles - shooting targets from various angles and heights. This helps improve your ability to adjust your aim and shoot accurately, no matter where the target is coming from.

* Sound of the gun going off - improves your timing and can also help you get acclimatized to loud noise.

* See the target as clearly as possible - Visualize the target as vividly and clearly as you can in your mind. Imagine the shape, size, color, and texture of the target, as well as its trajectory.

* Executing a perfect shot - shooting the target perfectly every time. See yourself in a relaxed and confident state, with good form and technique.

3. Affirmations for 'Target' Performance
(Trap further below)

You can also manually recite a mantra over and over again silently in your mind, which is a manual auditory method which can be targeted towards specific uses - plus work great to drown out nagging negative thoughts during performance.

Note: Ensure you use a great deal more repetition to create the necessary reinforcement, seeing these will be recited at the conscious, rather than subconscious, level. A manual way to get around this can be reciting mantras in the shower, which relaxes the mind and body.

Some examples below.. ensure the statements are positive, present-tense, and with no hidden or reverse negatives.

* "I trust my training and ability." - maintains focus to perform to the best of your ability during competition.

* "I am calm and composed under pressure." - make better decisions and execute shots more effectively.

* "I am fully present in the moment." - tunes out distractions.

* "I trust my instincts and intuition." - for better decisions in the moment and acting with greater confidence.

* "I am in control" - Being in control of your thoughts and emotions holds your focus0 and avoids becoming overwhelmed by stress or anxiety.

3. Affirmations for 'Trap'

* "I am confident in my abilities and trust my training." - helps build self-confidence and trust in preparation for competition.

* "I am in control of mind and body." - the importance of mental and physical control.

* "I am focused and present in the moment." - staying present and focused on the task at hand during competition.

* "I take my time to shoot accurately." - taking the necessary time to aim and shoot accurately, instead of rushing shots.

Listen...

* Audio – “The Power of Visualization & Belief”
Craig Townsend explains how these transform performance.

Click the “Play” symbol to start the audio.