Can mental training help to improve shooting accuracy?

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of two mental training strategies separately and combined on subjects’ shooting performance following an endurance march. Further, the study examined the suitability of a ten‐session training programme for the police force. On Trial 1, following a three hour march, 44 subjects shot 25 rounds. Subjects were then randomly assigned to four groups (biofeedback, relaxation, combined biofeedback and relaxation and control). After two weeks of mental training, subjects performed both tasks again on Trial 2. A repeated two‐way ANOVA indicated a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in shooting accuracy by the combined group. Suitability for this mental training programme was strongly supported by the experimental groups (71 per cent to 80 per cent). Subjects were generally better able to relax and focus. They were also more aware of their body and their physiological control. Results are discussed in light of potential benefits for cognitive strategies in precision tasks following endurance activities.

The real risks during deadly police shootouts

“…Additional training methods may also increase officer accuracy. It has been suggested that officers who performed mental training regimens, along with firearms training, were significantly more accurate in their shooting than those who only performed single training or no training (Couture et al, 1999). It is also recommended that the next innovative stage of training would be teaching officers ‘pattern recognition’ on how to read evolving threats and intervene or control them before they become deadly for the officer.…”

Hitting the Target (or Not): Comparing Characteristics of Fatal, Injurious, and Noninjurious Police Shootings

“…Although the study was conducted as part of training and not in real-life shooting situations, the results indicated that the addition of night sights to firearms increased police officers'shooting accuracy in four different lighting conditions (Copay & Charles, 2001). 6 Couture et al (1999) examined the impact of two mental training strategies separately and combined on police officer shooting accuracy. Again, in a training situation, officers receiving the combined mental training regimen were significantly more accurate in their shooting than officers getting the single training and no training (Couture et al, 1999).…”

“…6 Couture et al (1999) examined the impact of two mental training strategies separately and combined on police officer shooting accuracy. Again, in a training situation, officers receiving the combined mental training regimen were significantly more accurate in their shooting than officers getting the single training and no training (Couture et al, 1999).…”

The effects of shooting knowledge and anxiety on the self-confidence of marine soldier students

“…This is in accordance with the previous research report, namely by Copay [12], saying that the marksmanship learned in the training place was significantly influential on shooting performance. With the research subject, the police members concluded that mental training showed a significant increase in the accuracy of shootings [13].Likewise, research conducted byMaleki, Sanei, and Borhani [14] reports that military training has a significant positive effect on personalities, such as self-confidence, perfectionism, good ability, teamwork, and responsibility. Whereas the results of Kennedy's research,Kennedy and Sibley [15] say that military training serves to build a military base including noble behavior and self-confidence.…”