Have you ever wondered why your shots sometimes miss, even though you think you've done everything right? Often it's not down to the equipment or technique, but something very basic: your breathing. Breathing control is a crucial factor for accurate shooting, especially at long distances such as 300 metres. In this article, we will show you how to optimise your breathing and significantly improve your shooting performance.

Why is breathing control so important?

When shooting at 300 metres, even the slightest movement of your body can significantly affect your accuracy. Breathing plays a central role here, as it causes the chest and therefore the rifle to move. Uncontrolled breathing leads to undesirable vibrations that cause the shot to be distorted. Breathing control is one of the most fundamental skills you need to master as a shooter. It is the key to stability and precision.

The basics of breathing control

Breathing control starts with understanding your natural breathing rhythm. Here are the key steps to mastering your breathing:

• Utilise natural breathing space: After exhaling, there is a brief moment when your body is still. This is the ideal time to fire the shot. In this phase, the movement of the chest is minimal, which increases stability.
• Breathe deeply and evenly: Avoid shallow or irregular breaths. Deep, controlled breathing helps to relax the body and increase focus.
• Practice makes perfect: Regular training is essential to perfect your breathing control. Integrate breathing exercises into your shooting training to achieve better results.

Practical tips for shooting at 300m

Shooting at 300m requires not only good breath control, but also a stable posture and precise target acquisition. Here are some additional tips to help you:

• Stable shooting position: Make sure that your shooting position is comfortable and stable. Use a rest or shooting stand to ensure additional stability.
• Target acquisition: Take your time to accurately acquire the target. Use the scope to aim precisely and avoid rushing.
• Relaxation: Tension in the body can impair shooting accuracy. Make sure you relax your shoulders and arms before firing the shot.

The importance of breathing

Breathing influences the oxygen content in the body, blood circulation and concentration - all of which are crucial for shooting performance. Incorrect breathing can greatly reduce accuracy.

When aiming, breathing automatically becomes shallower and is briefly paused after two to three breaths (approx. 3-5 seconds). The shot is fired during this pause in breathing. The chest movement when breathing in and out is transferred to the weapon:

• Inhale: The weapon lowers slightly.
• Exhale: The weapon rises.

For maximum stability, the air should be exhaled completely and the breath should be held briefly during the shot.

Breath control and shot release

The breath can be held for a maximum of 8 seconds. If you are unable to release the shot during this time, you should breathe again. A controlled breathing rhythm supports precise shot release.

Breathing technique cycle:

• Breathe in and out calmly
• Breathe out all the air
• Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds
• Trigger shot
• Continue breathing normally

Coordination of breathing, goals and triggering

Accuracy requires perfect coordination between the perception of the target image and the controlled trigger pull. The brain processes sensory information from the eyes and fingers before controlling the muscles to release the shot.

Dry training - Practising without ammunition - is essential to automate these processes. It helps to internalise the target image, to feel the pressure point of the trigger and to develop a smooth trigger movement.

Shooting without time pressure:

• Gaze into the distance and relax your eyes
• Breathe calmly, exhale and hold your breath in a relaxed manner
• Feel the pressure point of the trigger
• Focus on the grain
• Press evenly until the trigger is at the stop (max. 5-6 sec.)
• If no shot is triggered, repeat the process

Firing under time pressure:

• Do not pull the trigger frantically, but squeeze it evenly
• After the shot, breathe in and out calmly, then immediately prepare for the next shot
• In competition conditions, each targeted shot is fired approximately every 5 seconds

The breathing space: your key to precision

An important aspect of breathing control is the so-called "breathing pause". This is the moment after exhaling when your body is completely still for a brief moment. Use this moment to take the shot. Here are some tips on how you can use the breathing pause effectively:

• Breathe consciously: Concentrate on each breath and avoid forcing yourself to breathe. A natural rhythm is more effective than an artificial one.
• Practise under real conditions: Train your breathing control not only while standing, but also in different positions and under stressful conditions.

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Breathing when shooting 300m - control leads to precision

The right Breathing plays a decisive role for Precise shootingespecially on 300 metres. If you use your breathing technique in a targeted manner, you can Keep calm, increase stability and reduce scattering circles.

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More tips for your training

In our Tips & Tricks category you will find further valuable instructions - from breathing techniques and targets to advanced shooting techniques. But you often get the best advice directly on the shooting range. Exchange ideas with experienced shooters, get tips and keep at it - because with every exercise you become more confident and accurate! 🎯💪

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