Breathing control techniques

[1Luv4SF]

I've read and heard alot of conflicting statements on the proper way to control your breathing when slow firing for accuracy. What's the best way? I've been taught to breathe in, out then in again and wait between heart beats and take the shot. Also, should I hold the crosshairs on target or lead the crosshairs to the target?

[glock_this]

"and wait between heart beats and take the shot"

I have "heard" this in movies before, and I am an elite to semiprofessional athlete who is in tune to his body as anyone can be, and I have no idea how the heck one takes a shot "between heart beats"? You can't feel or hear heart beats, can you imagine if you could, you would go insane.

So really.. what does that even mean?

[Kala]

"and wait between heart beats and take the shot"

I have "heard" this in movies before, and I am an elite to semiprofessional athlete who is in tune to his body as anyone can be, and I have no idea how the heck one takes a shot "between heart beats"? You can't feel or hear heart beats, can you imagine if you could, you would go insane.

So really.. what does that even mean?

I think it means that you slow your heart beat down (yes, you can slow your own heartbeat with breathing exercises).

[glock_this]

I think it means that you slow your heart beat down (yes, you can slow your own heartbeat with breathing exercises).

I am very familiar with slowing ones heart rate - I have to control heart rate in every race I do and even use monitors to help do so - BUT that is different then trying to "wait between heart beats and take the shot"

[Iggy]

Just fire at the bottom of your breathing cycle. The idea is to be consistent, half a breath is not consistent, holding your breath is not consistent.

If you run a mile or if you are at a compete rest, the bottom of your breath is the bottom of your breath.

[EvolutionGSR]

When i sit really still and concentrate, i can feel the heart pumps. It is very very faint.

Edit - but honestly id concentrate on other accuracy techniques first before trying to get this one down.

[glock_this]

Just fire at the bottom of your breathing cycle.

Now we are on track, this makes more sense than trying to do this "heart beat" thing. So fire as you breath out, not in and towards the end of the exhale.

[peterhodges]

"and wait between heart beats and take the shot"

I have "heard" this in movies before, and I am an elite to semiprofessional athlete who is in tune to his body as anyone can be, and I have no idea how the heck one takes a shot "between heart beats"? You can't feel or hear heart beats, can you imagine if you could, you would go insane.

So really.. what does that even mean?

Often, I can clearly see the reticule move relative to the target in pattern with my heartbeat. The idea is to then time the trigger release with the "crosshairs" crossing the target.

[glock_this]

Often, I can clearly see the reticule move relative to the target in pattern with my heartbeat. The idea is to then time the trigger release with the "crosshairs" crossing the target.

Hmmm.. certainly this would be relative to what your shooting and what position your in - prone, standing, pistol, rifle. I'll have to gives this some consideration because it seems if your able to have your pulse rate translate down your arms and into the weapon to see it in your reticle, it seems your pulse is pretty active, no?

The timing to release clearly is the goal.

[Uxi]

My training was: "breathe in, breathe out, hold it, and squeeeeeeze the trigger." lol at heartbeat

[brando]

This is typically an issue that is over complicated by explanation and instruction. Breathing has a rhythm, whether you're breathing hard or softly, and the expansion of your chest while breathing affects your aim. The trick is to apply this rhythm to the timing of breaking the shot. That's it in a nutshell.

Some people break the shot at the top of their inhale, others half-way through their exhale - it honestly doesn't matter which you do as long as it's easy, comfortable for you and most importantly: works.

[21SF]

My training was: "breathe in, breathe out, hold it, and squeeeeeeze the trigger." lol at heartbeat

Me too pretty much, inhale deeply exhale slowly take shot at bottom of breath almost holding breath.

[popeye4]

I believe David Tubb recommends breathing in, exhale, breathe in, exhale to a comfortable point, hold your breath and break the shot. You can also control your vertical NPA by where you hold your breath. You just have to do it the same on each shot. Since he shoots better than I do, I'll follow his advice....

[MrPlink]

first thing I do is exhale as much as possible and hold my breath for quite a while, then on the inhale I do it very slowly, and exhale at the same speed, and just keep the pattern going.

[1lostinspace]

I've read and heard alot of conflicting statements on the proper way to control your breathing when slow firing for accuracy. What's the best way? I've been taught to breathe in, out then in again and wait between heart beats and take the shot. Also, should I hold the crosshairs on target or lead the crosshairs to the target?

3 deep breaths exhale and when your breath is out start to squeeze....

That's how snipers are taught