Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Episode 031: Mental Game
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Ricky Marshall Jr.
Release Date: June 9, 2023

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 031 of "Trap Talk From The Back Fence," hosts Zach Nannini and Ricky Marshall Jr. delve deep into the mental aspects of trapshooting, sharing personal experiences, strategies, and insights to help shooters enhance their performance under pressure. The episode also includes a debrief of the recent Missouri State Shoot, providing listeners with valuable takeaways and practical tips.

Debrief of the Missouri State Shoot

The conversation kicks off with a review of the Missouri State Shoot, highlighting the significant increase in attendance and favorable weather conditions that contributed to its success.

• Attendance Growth:
  • Zach mentions, “Last year we made a five by about 30 people. Barely. This year we had an additional... 250 over that number” (04:31).
• Weather Impact:
  • Zach notes, “We had fantastic weather the whole time” (05:00), which is crucial as the Missouri State Shoot is notorious for unpredictable weather.
• Youth Participation:
  • The shift in dates to accommodate high school graduations resulted in a substantial increase in youth participation: “We actually had 212 more kids on Saturday singles than we did the year before” (05:56).

Zach also discusses event scheduling and management, emphasizing the importance of maximizing pointable events to attract more participants and streamline the shoot’s operations.

Understanding the Mental Game in Trapshooting

The core of the episode revolves around the mental strategies essential for excelling in trapshooting. Both hosts share their approaches to maintaining focus, managing pressure, and developing a winning mindset.

Zach’s Mental Challenges and Overcoming Them

Zach opens up about his personal struggles during the state shoot:

• Pressure and Overthinking:
  • Zach explains, “When you're getting cautious... you look more at the beads... you get soft with your move” (14:40).
• Turning the Tide with Offensive Mindset:
  • After a rough start, Zach describes a pivotal shift: “I just attacked every single target... I went on full offensive” (17:16), which significantly improved his performance.

Ricky’s Approach to Staying Calm and Focused

Ricky provides his perspective on handling high-pressure situations:

• Mental Focus:
  • Ricky emphasizes, “You gotta be shooting one target at a time” (35:02), highlighting the importance of concentrating solely on the current target without being distracted by the overall score.
• Self-Talk Techniques:
  • He shares his method of positive self-talk: “I tell myself, see the target” (27:16), which helps in maintaining focus and reducing anxiety.

Key Strategies Discussed

1. One Target at a Time:
   Both hosts stress the importance of focusing on each target individually rather than the cumulative score. Ricky states, “It's always one target at a time” (31:26), ensuring shooters remain present and avoid getting overwhelmed.

2. Consistent Pre-Shot Routine:
   Establishing a consistent pre-shot routine is crucial for maintaining performance under pressure. Zach shares his step-by-step process:

   • Feet Positioning: “Step one are my feet... they don't move until you broke your five” (29:14).
   • Mounting the Gun: Ensuring the gun is properly mounted before proceeding: “Once I know my gun's mounted correctly, that's the next step” (29:45).

3. Positive Self-Talk and Visualization:
   Developing a positive internal dialogue aids in boosting confidence and performance. Zach advises, “You have to believe that” (40:05), while Ricky adds, “See the target” (24:42) as a mantra to stay focused.

4. Managing Physical Indicators of Stress:
   Recognizing and controlling physical signs of stress, such as increased heart rate and shaky hands, is essential. Ricky recalls advice from Britt Robinson: “If you don't get nervous, you don't get butterflies, your hands don't get sweaty, quit” (20:54).

Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

The hosts share personal stories that illustrate their mental strategies in action, providing relatable examples for listeners.

• Ricky’s Induction and Overcoming Nerves:
  Reflecting on his induction into the B.S. Hall of Fame, Ricky recounts, “My right foot, I was shaking so bad, my right leg was on the last five” (22:08), and how he overcame it by focusing on one target at a time.

• Zach’s Birthday Shoot and Paradigm Shift:
  Zach discusses a shoot that coincided with his birthday, leading to a critical mindset change: “I choose to attack every single target... I went on full offensive” (17:16), which turned the shoot around for him.

Strategies for Maintaining Consistency

Both hosts emphasize the importance of consistency in shooting routines to achieve reliable results.

• Process Over Outcome:
  Zach highlights, “Process really helps. Once I get the gun to here, I'm trying to mount that gun exactly the same as the last time” (25:46), underscoring the need to focus on the shooting process rather than the end result.

• Routine and Repetition:
  Ricky points out, “You always want... you have to stay with it” (42:20), advocating for repetitive practice to build muscle memory and confidence.

Encouraging Humility and Team Spirit

The hosts discuss the balance between confidence and humility in competitive shooting.

• Acknowledging Fellow Shooters:
  Even after winning events, both Zach and Ricky acknowledge the skills of their peers: “That doesn't take anything away from Ricky Marshall” (41:09), promoting a respectful and supportive shooting community.

• Team Support and Fun:
  Emphasizing the importance of camaraderie, Ricky states, “We just want to have a good time” (44:52), highlighting that maintaining a positive team environment is key to long-term success and enjoyment in the sport.

Audience Engagement and Closing Thoughts

In the episode's finale, the hosts encourage listeners to engage by sending in questions for future episodes, aiming to address specific concerns and provide tailored advice.

• Call for Listener Interaction:
  Ricky invites, “Send in those questions and we'll be more than happy to answer them” (46:30), fostering a community-driven approach to the podcast.

• Upcoming Events and Travel Plans:
  Zach mentions his attendance at the US Open, while Ricky continues his activities in Vernal, Utah, signaling more insightful discussions and diverse topics in future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• “You're not shooting against... you do your job, you can't lose” – Zach (16:28)
• “See the target” – Ricky (27:16)
• “One target at a time” – Ricky (31:26)
• “If you don't get nervous, you don't get butterflies” – Ricky (20:54)
• “You have to believe that” – Zach (40:05)

Conclusion

Episode 031 of "Trap Talk From The Back Fence" provides a comprehensive exploration of the mental strategies essential for trapshooting success. Through personal anecdotes, practical tips, and expert insights, hosts Zach Nannini and Ricky Marshall Jr. equip listeners with the tools to enhance their focus, manage pressure, and maintain consistency in their shooting performance. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the sport, this episode offers valuable lessons to elevate your game.

Thank you for listening to "Trap Talk From The Back Fence." Stay tuned for more episodes packed with expert advice, engaging discussions, and the latest in trapshooting!