Breathing

??

this principle apply for all types of shooting :

I did a lot of free diving / Spearfishing in my day. So, I learned how to hold my breath for quite a while. That’s what I do when I shoot. I hold my breath.
To be honest, what is killing my accuracy is the beat of my heart. That’s off the bag or Bipod, forget freehand/standing. I shake like a leaf in Kansas. 

It's just like practicing sniping. Usually, I do what I was taught years ago, in the Marines. I usually breath in two or three large breaths, and then on the last one, you long exhale and hold....touch off the shot. The long exhale slows the heart rate for a few seconds, giving you time to touch off your shot, without the movement from your heart beating.

"crosman2016"It's just like practicing sniping. Usually, I do what I was taught years ago, in the Marines. I usually breath in two or three large breaths, and then on the last one, you long exhale and hold....touch off the shot. The long exhale slows the heart rate for a few seconds, giving you time to touch off your shot, without the movement from your heart beating.

Click to expand...

Gonna try that. Thanks. 

"crosman2016"It's just like practicing sniping. Usually, I do what I was taught years ago, in the Marines. I usually breath in two or three large breaths, and then on the last one, you long exhale and hold....touch off the shot. The long exhale slows the heart rate for a few seconds, giving you time to touch off your shot, without the movement from your heart beating.

Click to expand...

I do pretty much the same but on the long exhale of the last breath I only let out half then hold it. Was taught this by my grandfather who was in the Army (anti-aircraft gunner but they stuck an M1 in his hands for D Day). I've raced a couple biathlons (primitive biathlons - snowshoes and muzzeloaders) and that will get you focused on breathing and heart rate!

It takes muscle effort to breathe in and to hold your breath. At the bottom of the exhale is where you get the respiratory pause. No effort to hold your diaphragm steady for about 2-3 seconds.

Holding your breath leads to muscle fatigue, shaking and in a few seconds hypoxia sets in. You are starving your CPU for air, which compounds the effects of muscle strain. Shoot at the bottom of the breath, not the top.

I agree with Jim. You should be relaxed as possible when taking your shot so being at the end of your exhale is the best way to go if it works for you. Some shooters pause their exhale half way and snap fire but for most it's at the end.

I like to take one deep breath and settle into position on the exhale. then another 3/4 breath while getting on target. During the exhale I'm watching my sight picture for the pause. I let the first opportunity pass and let out the rest of my breath. I'll take in another slow shallow breath through my nose and slowly release it, the whole time ready to let off my shot. The pause happens again and in most cases it's a tick or two longer allowing me to recognize it, and pull the trigger at the right time.

This is how breath control works for me, shooting from the bench or off hand. It's certainly not the only, or best way to do it.