FNP 250 : The Science of Winning: Mental Management with Steve Anderson

Firearms Nation Podcast

Over the past ten years, Steve Anderson, a USPSA Grand Master and the host of “That Shooting Show,” has observed several notable trends and developments among his students as he teaches mental management in practical shooting:

• Increased Focus on Mental Skills: Anderson has noted a significant shift in how shooters perceive the importance of the mental game in shooting sports. More students are now recognizing that mental preparation can be as crucial as physical skills. He emphasizes concepts like match mode versus speed or accuracy modes, which are often discussed on his podcast and in his classes.

• Application of Mental Management Systems: Being certified in Lanny Bassham’s “Mental Management Systems,” Anderson applies these principles to shooting, helping students understand how mental preparation can lead to better performance. This includes teaching shooters how to manage their thoughts after practice or matches to reinforce positive outcomes rather than dwell on negatives, which is a recurring theme in his teachings.

• Transformation in Student Performance: Anderson has seen students who, after attending his mental management seminars or classes, experience significant improvements in their competitive performance. His students often report going from average performers to winning major competitions or achieving higher classifications like Grandmaster after adopting these mental strategies. The feedback from students highlights the practical application of his teachings, with some even attributing their competitive successes directly to these mental techniques.

• Ongoing Learning and Adaptation: The community of practical shooters is dynamic, with continuous learning being a key aspect. Anderson sees that his students are not just taking one class; many return for repeated sessions or explore different facets of the mental game, indicating a deep commitment to mastering this aspect of shooting. This ongoing engagement has also led to a culture where shooters share and learn from each other’s experiences, further fueled by Anderson’s podcast episodes.
• Mental Game as a Competitive Edge: There’s a growing understanding among competitors that mastering the mental aspects can provide a substantial edge over others who might focus solely on physical skills. Anderson’s teachings have helped demystify how mental preparation can lead to consistency under pressure, which is vital in practical shooting sports.

Steve Anderson’s work has not only influenced individual shooters but has also contributed to a broader cultural shift in how mental management is approached in shooting sports, making it a cornerstone of competitive training.