Linda Ryan - Secrets of my Shooting

When did you start shooting?
I started shooting when I was 14 years old, having grown up around pistol clubs. I followed my parents into the sport.

With Sport Pistol & Womens Air being your main events, what brand of pistols do you use?
For Sport and Standard Pistol I use a Hammerli 280. I have always used a Hammerli but started with a 208 before moving to the 280.
For Air I have always used a Walther, most recently an LP201, but have just changed over to a Feinwerkbau P34 junior.

What do you consider to be the most important training drill for WSP / WA?
Technically - I hate to say it but dry firing - for holding and trigger technique. Most boring thing around really, but it does give you the base you need to perform with live fire.
Mentally - learning to say 'no' to a shot. I feel there is possibly more discipline in not releasing a shot, than letting a shot break - if all elements of the shot are not at their best.

What percentage would be live fire versus dry fire?
Only as a rough guestimate, I would say 40/60 - at least that is what I aim for.

What do you say to yourself as you're shooting?
I talk my way through a match, and in particular, through a shot. I talk step-by-step through my shot routine. It helps keep me focused and my mind occupied with the right stuff.

You would have a shot sequence? You go through the same routine for each shot?
I do go through the same routine for each shot to the best of my ability. I think that enables you to optimize your chances of a well-executed shot. You do need to spend some time on getting that routine correct for you though, and it usually is massaged a bit from time to time.

How do you keep concentration between shots?
Generally I don't. I take a break, mentally, because it's an impossible task to be totally concentrated on one thing for a very long time (eg, 5 mins precision series). I let thoughts travel round and through my mind but upon commencement of my shot routine for the next shot, it's all business. It's the trick of being able to tune in quickly.

What's the hardest thing about international competitions?
For me - the long flights, jet lag and getting sick when I get home (which usually happens). I really do enjoy competing internationally and the challenges it presents. It's a true test of how well I am training and how well I am able to apply my knowledge and experience.

How do you know when to sit down or when to back off from taking a shot during a match and refocus?
About sitting down - basically, the instant I think that I want a break (eg, in air pistol). The moment the thought enters my mind, I take the break, otherwise, I have the question in my mind and it sometimes detracts from my ability to focus on the shot routine.
About backing off from a shot - I aim to execute the perfect shot every time I raise the pistol. My strategy is that if there is something that distracts me, be that external or even an internal thought outside of my routine, I cancel the shot. I am not always disciplined enough to do it every time but I'm working on it.

What's one thing you wished you learned earlier in your shooting career?
The importance of a shot routine. It enables you to narrow down many variables, even eliminating some, it's a secure place to go mentally (a comfort zone) and it allows you to maintain a certain level of mental discipline.