Normalizing Great Play

There is always alot of discussion about getting to the next level and getting the most out of practice in general. With that in mind I wanted to share something that has worked for me with some success and may work to help others improve their competitive game.

Im not sure how much value this will have to a league shooter but it may be modified in some way. Perhaps the extreme jump in caliber of competition will induce even faster results.

I had an idea that playing to the level of my competition was stunting my development. With that in mind I quit league and playing local blind draws etc. Instead I played against DVDs of the world championships, and dramatically increasing my solo practice time.

Basically, I assume the role of one of the shooters in the DVD. You will not be able to play every game to completion as the assumed role shooter may outshoot both you and the other competitor. In this case, I normally just skip ahead to the next game in the match. Although, sometimes I will credit the player with what I think he would likely shoot in that scenerio.

I keep score by games rather then matches or sets, because not all games will be eligible for a win/loss. Normally I will play approximately 20 games in a session, keeping track of my win/loss record.

What this has done is change my perception of usual scores. No longer is it normal to see alot of 45's and 60's. Rather scores of 100 and 140 are the standard fare. In addition, the greatest improvement I have seen is in my finishing. No longer can I subconsiously expect to get 6darts at a double.

I have to think these principles can improve everyones game. The concept of normalizing your ideal game has strength. Over time you will simply come to expect 15darters rather then hope for them. It builds confidence, increases mental stamina, and improves consistency. Plus what other game and you compete against the worlds best with even this degree of accuracy, at home, and any time you like?

The man who thinks he can and the man that thinks he cant are both correct.