Happy Easter, everyone! This week, I will be traveling to the non-gun-friendly state of California to visit family and enjoy some quality time together as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Given this situation, I plan to work on my dry-firing technique without my gun and equipment.

Specifically, I will focus on visualization techniques. Even if you are at home and can access your gun and equipment, visualization is a powerful training tool often underutilized and even unknown to many. Ironically, we always practice visualization—every time we recall something from the past or imagine what might happen in the future.

Here are some benefits of using visualization as an additional training tool:

1. You can imagine a dry fire session or competition and visualize performing it flawlessly.
2. You can visualize shooting a stage where you made a mistake or encountered something unexpected, allowing you to address those issues and train your mind to react under pressure.
3. It helps reinforce the techniques you are practicing.

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Monday – Wednesday – Friday

• Use the same initial hand position (e.g., hands relaxed at sides).

• Use the same initial hand position (e.g., hands relaxed at sides).
• Set a par time (second buzzer) between 1 and 1.30 seconds on your timer.

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• Surrender position (Hands above shoulders).
• Hands clasped over the head.
• Holding something with both hands.
• Imagine holding someone’s hand while your other hand is free.
• Both hands are on chest level.
• Holding the door handle as if you were going to open the door.
• Arms crossed.
• Hands on a lower surface, simulating you are looking for something.

IMPORTANT: I am sharing my training plan. I am not giving a shooting class.
Do you have questions? Please write them below.

Gabby owns the rights to the information on this page.

Its sale and/or distribution without Gabby’s consent constitutes an infringement of copyright laws.

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Monday – Wednesday – Friday

• 4 min – Aim at a target with your pistol, focusing on locking your wrist and enhancing grip strength by engaging your forearm muscles for at least 15 seconds. Do not press the trigger.
• 1 min – Rest

• 4 min – Aiming at the target, remove the slack from the trigger until you feel the “wall” (prepare the trigger) without fully pressing it. Maintain the grip and muscle engagement used in the previous drill. Do this multiple times!
• 1 min – Rest
• 4 min – Repeat
• 1 min – Rest

• 4 min – Prep the trigger three times without fully engaging it (get to the wall only). Then, complete a full trigger press on the fourth attempt while maintaining the firm grip and muscle engagement we practiced in the previous drill.
• 1 min – Rest
• 4 min – Repeat
• 1 min – Rest

• 4 min – Prep the trigger three times without fully pressing it. Then, complete a trigger press on the fourth attempt. Keep aiming for at least ten to ten-fifteen seconds after pressing the trigger, maintaining grip strength.

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No Holster Required

• 4 min – Prep the trigger three times without fully pressing it. Then, complete a trigger press on the fourth attempt. Maintain the grip and muscle engagement for 15 seconds after pressing the trigger. Focus on the target (red dot) or the front sight.
• 1 min – Rest

• 4 min – Analyze what needs to be done to keep the dot/sights from moving “too much” while pressing the trigger reasonably fast. Make corrections and take notes (e.g., more support hand pressure, less shooting hand pressure)
• 1 min – Rest
• 4 min – Repeat the previous exercise with corrections. Make notes.
• 1 min – Rest

• 4 min – Prep the trigger (finding the wall) multiple times while moving the gun to various positions and angles, ensuring that the sights remain aligned or that you can always maintain a visual of the dot. *Avoid fully pressing the trigger.*
• 1 min – Rest
• 4 min – Repeat
• 1 min – Rest

• 4 min – From the ready position, aim at the target and quickly acquire your dot or front sight. Immediately press the trigger when they are aligned with the target. Get used to rapidly acquiring the sights or dot in perfect coordination with the trigger press.

IMPORTANT: I am sharing my training plan. I am not giving a shooting class.
Do you have questions? Please write them below.

Gabby owns the rights to the information on this page.

Its sale and/or distribution without Gabby’s consent constitutes an infringement of copyright laws.

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Training Plan Development

This training plan may seem familiar because about two years ago, I started a six-week program to support my mental and physical recovery after ACL reconstruction surgery. The main difference now is that I kept that journey private, sharing it only with those who subscribed to my newsletters. Today, I’ve decided to make it public, aiming to help more people than the hundreds who signed up two years ago.

First, let me clarify: this is MY training plan, and I am sharing it with you. It is specifically tailored for competitive shooting, but most, if not all, of the principles apply to various practical shooting activities such as target practice and self-defense.

My training plan is designed to assist individuals at any skill level—whether they are beginners, intermediate, or advanced shooters—who feel they lack a structured routine to improve their shooting skills. Although I am not a new shooter, I have been busy completing my Master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology. Additionally, I have been working toward my certification as a Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) over the past few months. As a result, I feel I have lost my routine and likely many perishable skills. Thus, I want to refine my skills by meticulously polishing my technique.

What should you do during these upcoming days?

• Define what your goals are.
• Determine when and where you will dry-fire for at least 15 minutes daily.
• Gather the proper equipment, such as holsters, mag pouches, targets, and timers. The links take you to Primary Arms, where you can purchase everything you need for the training. BTW, I use the PACT Club timer.
• Start dry firing!! Commit to the process!

What this training DOES NOT do:

• It does NOT focus on your individual shooting needs.

What this training DOES:

• The focus is on USPSA shooting skills, which is my primary sport, but the drills are also beneficial for other applications, such as self-defense and target shooting.
• The main objective is to establish a daily dry-firing routine.
• It does provide live-fire training.
• This approach emphasizes shooting technique details and helps improve and reinforce the foundational skills necessary to become a better shooter.

I call a dry firing time interval the G341 (Gabby’s three series of 4-minute drills and one-minute rest), 3x(4+1)—Oh! I love math, LOL. Thus, fifteen minutes is the minimum you will dry fire daily. Ideally, use this method in increments of fifteen minutes.

For instance, I am committing to dry fire for 30 minutes daily. However, I will adjust my dry fire session according to my schedule; I might only be able to dry fire for fifteen minutes some days, while I might be able to dedicate 45 minutes or more on other days. Does that make sense?

There are two reasons why you will benefit from using this method. First, it will keep you focused for four minutes at a time. It might seem like not much, but it will significantly benefit your training as you’ll avoid distractions you can attend to during your one-minute rest. Second, the G341 makes adjusting the dry firing drills to your schedule easy.

Now that you know you need at least fifteen minutes, I would like you to think about which days and times of the day you will practice. In fact, begin doing so today until I release the upcoming weekly training sessions.

Are you up for the challenge?

Do you have questions/comments? Write them in the comment section below!

Gabby Franco

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• Give every essential element of your performance the respect and dedication it deserves.
• Use the fundamental aspects of your performance as a motivational springboard to enhance your imagery practice.
• Visualize the more challenging elements of your performance with the confidence of a champion, as if nothing in the world could stop you from achieving greatness. This is the power of visualization.
• Lastly, consider incorporating one or two challenges or obstacles into your visualization and develop a plan to overcome these problems. Doing this will prepare you whenever you face difficulties along the way.

Have you ever experienced something like this during competitions? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

Enjoy, and I hope to see you at the range!

Gabby

Staying Focused in Competitive Shooting

Like in many other shooting sports, mental discipline is instrumental to USPSA.

Pre-Performance Routine

Consistency is one of the most critical elements in all competitive shooting sports.

The Ignorant and Fearful

…While I smiled and cherished the memories, I also experienced some conflicting thoughts.

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Staying in the Present Moment

Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about upcoming stages. Missed shots or a fumbled reload must be put in the past. Learn from them, but focus on the present moment and the actions you are about to perform.

Instead of worrying about the overall stage performance, think about the shots, movements, and transitions during the present stage. Successful competitors break the stage into manageable actions rather than overwhelming themselves with the big picture. You’ll maintain mental clarity, avoid unnecessary stress, and improve consistency by staying present.

Visualize Success

Mental imagery is a powerful tool for reinforcing positive outcomes and boosting confidence. Before your turn to run the stage, visualize yourself running through the course with precision, speed, and efficiency. This pre-performance rehearsal helps your brain create a mental blueprint for success.

Use your senses to feel your hands gripping the handgun firmly while applying a perfect trigger press to make a great shot. Imagine hitting and hearing fall every metallic target you engage. Visualization is a powerful yet underutilized tool instrumental during competitions. Thus, practice it continually to help your brain become accustomed to executing flawless runs, leading to a more confident and automatic performance under match conditions.

Let Go of the Outcome – Focus on the Process

Instead of focusing on outcome-driven elements like Hit factors and overall placement, focus on the execution components of your plan and the process. Shift your mindset from “I need to win” to “I will execute my plan, one short, a target, a movement at a time.” Give every element of your plan your full attention and best effort. Trust that by focusing on the execution process, the results will naturally follow.

This approach helps with mistake recovery. If something goes wrong—a bad hit, a slow reload, or an awkward transition—acknowledge it briefly but immediately refocus on executing the next movement as cleanly as possible. The best shooters don’t let mistakes linger in their minds; they reset and confidently move forward.

By training your mind to stay present, visualize success, and focus on execution rather than results, you’ll develop a rock-solid mental game that can withstand the pressures of competition.

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A pre-performance routine consists of deliberate, repeatable actions or mental steps. These actions prepare both the body and mind. They ensure your performance is influenced by focus, consistency, and confidence. A well-established pre-shot routine typically includes physical and mental components. The aim is to make each shot feel as similar as possible, regardless of external factors like pressure or distractions. Here’s a breakdown of its elements:

1. Physical Actions

• Getting into Position: Ensuring proper stance, grip, and sight alignment.
• Breathing: Take two to three deep breaths to relax and focus, then breathe evenly before you start.
• Adjusting Gear: Ensure your clothing, holster, or magazine is in the right place. Change the firearm’s settings, such as optic adjustments.

2. Mental Focus

• Visualizing the Shot: Focusing on the target and imagining a successful, smooth shot.
• Clearing the Mind: Take a moment to reset and push out any distractions or negative thoughts.
• Positive Affirmation or Internal Dialogue: Remind yourself of key shooting principles (e.g., “strong grip,” “smooth trigger pull”) or use a mental mantra.

3. Consistency

• The power of a pre-shot routine lies in its consistency. Shooters build muscle memory and increase mental focus by performing the same sequence before every shot. It can be simple. This includes checking your stance, aligning the sights, and taking a controlled breath. It can also be more complex, depending on the discipline.

Some of its benefits include:

1. Improved Focus and Mental Clarity
   A pre-shot routine helps shooters clear their minds and concentrate on the task, reducing distractions. It creates a mental “reset,” allowing the shooter to focus on the technique and other critical elements of the competition.
   
2. Consistency and Muscle Memory
   Repeating the same routine before every stage helps reinforce consistency. It ensures that key actions—like grip, stance, and breathing—become second nature, leading to more reliable performance over time.
3. Stress Reduction Under Pressure
   High-pressure situations can lead to rushed decisions and mistakes. A routine, such as breathing deeply, provides a calming sequence of familiar actions. It helps you stay composed. This practice allows you to confidently execute your stage plan.

A pre-shot routine can enhance performance, build confidence, and improve outcomes in any shooting discipline.

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A few years ago, I went to one of my local gun ranges to participate in a steel match. It was summer, and at 10 a.m., the temperature was close to 100 degrees—It was a very hot day!

My first stage went well; I felt confident and was shooting accurately. However, as I prepared to move from one position to another on the second stage, I felt a sharp kick on my calf. At first, I thought the Range Officer (RO) had kicked me, and I lost my concentration as a result, leading to several missed shots at the steel plates.

Reality hit me hard when I attempted to move to the next shooting position. I realized that the RO hadn’t kicked me at all; I had torn a muscle in my calf and could barely walk.

A part of me wanted to focus on the negative aspects of my situation. I considered packing up my gear and leaving the range. I was in pain, unable to walk properly, and likely to finish last in the match. Being competitive, I felt like if I couldn’t perform well, I shouldn’t even be competing.

But then, the tough Gabby mindset kicked in. I asked myself, “Are you going to quit like a wimp without even trying?” Yes, I was in pain, but could I remain focused despite the challenge? This was an unprecedented learning experience that I could turn into a positive one. Although one leg was injured, my other leg, arms, and hands were still healthy. I could stay in the fight.

So, I completed four more stages, concentrating on the fundamentals, trying to block out the pain, and encouraging myself to do my best. Finishing last became irrelevant to me. All I wanted was to maintain my focus through that difficult situation and take satisfaction in knowing that I had given it my all.

The post Building A Strong Mindset appeared first on Gabby Franco.

Do you have small hands and have issues with shooting some handguns?

Being tall or short doesn’t hinder anyone from enjoying themselves at the range while shooting various handguns. However, individuals with small hands may face some challenges.

This post is specifically for those of you who have small hands and sometimes find it challenging to select the right firearm. A “perfect” handgun doesn’t exist, as most handguns are not explicitly designed for people with smaller hands. That said, specific models, like the Walther PPQ and the Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, offer interchangeable inserts to help accommodate different hand sizes.

Are those of us with small hands limited to certain firearms? What if, like me, you love shooting and own different sizes of handguns?

For instance, I have been shooting competitively for years with a 2011 pistol known for its large frame. My current handgun is a Walther PPQ Q5 Steel Frame with a larger frame than the polymer PPQ models.

It is essential to choose a handgun that fits your personal preferences and the specific activity you plan to use it for. However, achieving the perfect balance can be challenging. To improve my skills and perform well, I take the following steps:

1. Dry fire is a must:
   While everyone needs to dry fire to get used to their guns and equipment, I dry fire almost daily to ensure I grip the pistol the same way. While someone with an average hand size might feel uncomfortable with a lousy grip, they would most likely be able to pull the trigger. In my case, a bad grip can be catastrophic because I might not reach the trigger.
   
2. Index with your trigger finger first to find the ideal grip.
   Place your finger on the trigger of your unloaded firearm, and then wrap your hand around the pistol. This technique is somewhat like a reverse grip for holding a gun. Alternatively, you can grip the handgun first, then adjust your hand position until your finger rests in the ideal trigger spot. It is important to note that when shooting a medium or large-frame firearm, the web of my hand or my trigger finger will be in the correct position, but not both at the same time. In this instance, I prefer the latter.
   
3. Do not touch the frame of the pistol.
   Touching the pistol frame means your finger is fully extended, which can prevent a comfortable and smooth movement. Instead, maintain a natural curvature to achieve a smooth trigger pull without compromising your grip too much.
   
4. Grip Strenght
   Having small hands makes it challenging to grip the pistol as firmly as I would like. To address this, I focus on training to improve my grip strength. During dry firing practice, I grip the firearm firmly with my support hand and keep my joints locked for better control.

Having small hands does not prevent you from shooting different sizes of handguns and enjoying the experience. Remember to follow these four tips:

• Dry fire to practice your aim.
• Keep your trigger finger in the optimal position.
• Avoid touching the frame with your trigger finger.
• Maintain a firm grip with your support hand and ensure your wrist is locked.

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please share it with your friends and subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss the new episode I have ready for you next month.

I would love to hear your opinion. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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