Page 12 - Intro Booklet 210217

TARGET RIFLE AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN 29 143 527 851

COACHING BASICS – NATURAL POINT OF AIM

This is a phrase you will hear over and over – and for a good reason, as it forms the basis of accurate
shooting. It does require concentration and patience for good results!

Natural point of aim describes the precise point where a rifle is aiming once an athlete is in position and

completely relaxed. When an athlete first moves into position, relaxes and looks through the rear sight it
is highly unlikely that the rifle will be pointing precisely at the centre of the target. To correct this, there
are two options:

1) Use upper body muscles to move and then hold the aim of the rifle onto the target, or

2) Adjust the position until the rifle aim naturally points to the centre of the target. This may be a
case of shuffling feet, hips, elbow etc. to finely move the rifle around. This method may take
several attempts.
nd
If performed properly, the 2 option, whilst requiring more patience, will result in much more accurate
st
results. The use of force in the 1 option results in inconsistent shots, muscle tremors affecting the
stability of the hold and ultimately fatigue.

A shooter checking their natural point of aim before taking a shot (photo: abc.net.au)

Experienced athletes can be seen making tiny movements to correct their natural point of aim. They will
not take a shot until they are absolutely happy.

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Post Office Box 11144, Centenary Heights, QLD 4350
Telephone: 0411 322 926 Email: execofficer@tra.org.au Web www.tra.org.au
Registered office: Suite 505, 55 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022