5 Tips for More Consistency in Competition — From Stance to Grip

In shooting sports, calmness, repeatability and precision decide success. Many shooters know the feeling: everything runs smoothly in training and the scores look good — but as soon as the word “start” is heard in competition, the body reacts and all the effort from training seems to vanish.

We spoke with experienced coaches and top shooters and compiled five practical tips for 10 m air pistol, helping you shoot calmer, more confidently and more precisely in competition. With a few targeted adjustments to technique, stance and equipment, consistency can be improved significantly. These recommendations are mainly aimed at shooters who want to strengthen the basics and see noticeable progress quickly with simple changes.

1. Stance — stability starts with your feet

A steady shot always begins with a stable stance. Only if you stand securely can you aim calmly. Even small imbalances can affect the sight picture. What matters:

Shoulder-width stance: Feet turned slightly inward, weight evenly distributed.

Legs & hips: knees slightly bent, do not lock, hips stable — prevents the upper body from swaying.

Torso: back straight, shoulders relaxed

Head & eyes: chin slightly down, eyes level with the target, neck relaxed.

💡 Practical tip:
Find your personal comfort zone. The perfect stance is not the same for every shooter. Experiment in training with small adjustments to feet, legs and torso until you find the position in which you aim most calmly and most controlled.

2. The grip — the link between shooter and pistol

The grip is the direct interface between body and pistol. It provides control, repeatability and feel. A perfectly fitting grip keeps hand and finger positions consistent — the foundation for constant hits. Our MESHPRO grips are designed exactly for that:

Pleasant feel & secure hold: The distinctive mesh structure provides a grippy surface and even pressure distribution across the whole palm.

More comfort: The open structure allows air to circulate — the hand stays dry and relaxed even during long matches.

Fit by choice: MESHPRO grips are available in standard sizes (XS–L, left- and right-handed) or can be individually tailored via a hand or grip scan.

Extensive customization: The grip configurator offers numerous options to adjust angle, surface texture, weight and other personal details.

💡 Practical tip:
A grip should feel natural so you can focus on aiming immediately — without readjusting or fiddling.

3. The trigger — the moment of truth

Most misses are not caused by poor aiming, but by an unclean trigger movement. A clean trigger press is characterized by continuous, even pressure, no jerking motion, no lateral pull, a clearly felt break and clean follow-through. Achieving this under competition pressure is the result of feel, control and consistent training — and it can be trained, even at home in dry-fire practice.

💡 Training ideas

Dry-fire: Hold the sight picture and operate the trigger so the front sight does not move (works at home).

Feel the break: Train to recognize the exact moment of the trigger break — only then release the shot. This improves precision and prevents the shot from “pulling.”

Mental training: Link the trigger moment to calm breathing — “breathe, hold, press.”

4. Breathing — calm through rhythm

Breathing strongly affects sight stability. Even small irregularities make the front sight wobble. How it works:

1. Take a deep breath.
2. Exhale — while moving into the sight picture.
3. Fire during the short breath pause (2–3 seconds).

💡 Training tip:
The 3-7-4 method keeps you calm: inhale 3 seconds, hold 7 seconds, exhale 4 seconds. This deliberate breathing lowers the pulse — ideal for staying calm in competition.

5. Routine — consistency is no accident

Consistency in competition is not random; it is the result of clear routines. A repeatable sequence gives the body security and the mind calm.

Build a fixed routine:

• Always set up your stance the same way
• Always close your hand on the grip the same way
• Always use the same breathing phase when aiming
• Always follow through the same after the shot

💡 Practical tip:
Write down your routine step by step and repeat it consistently. Over time it will run automatically — and you can focus entirely on aiming.

Conclusion: Technique meets confidence

Consistency comes when technique, mental strength and equipment work together. Those who train stance, grip, trigger, breathing and routine consistently make the step from a good shooter to a stable competitor.

Got ideas or experiences to share? Let us know in the comments!

Learn more about ergonomic, 3D‑printed pistol grips from MESHPRO here or in our shop.