conditioning for prone shooting?

[T.Rhodes]

Thanks - that does look good. I'm new to F-class - only shot a few opens & T/R's. Currently use Harris swivel bi-pod and rear squeeze bag for T/R.

 

[rap36case]

I am 70 as well. This is not an instant answer but it will certainly help. I go to a PILATES/YOGA class at least once a week most weeks. I also do upper body strength training about twice a week with emphasis on the back rotator cuff muscles. Those include rearward flies, rowing and interval training on a stationary bicycle. The interval training has reduced my blood pressure and resting pulse significantly. Since I have asthma it also helps keep my breathing capacity up. Frequent SB prone practice will help you work up a position and setting up your SB gun and Palma gun to be as similar as possible will make your SB practice very transferrable to your Palma efforts. I wrote an article about physical training for older shooters a few years back and I expect you can still find it on 6mmBr. com. The rear flies are particularly important so you don't develop tendonitis in your support shoulder. Acute tendonitis can result in requiring surgery on the tendons on the backside of the shoulder/rotator cuff. I hope the above gives you some useful information.
Tom Alves
PS: Hydration is very important during a match. Without sufficient moisture your electrolytes can get out of balance. Lack of moisture will degrade your durability and thicken the aqueous fluid that feeds your eyes.

Just curious what your set up looks like for prone?

 

[seymour fish]

Thanks - that does look good. I'm new to F-class - only shot a few opens & T/R's. Currently use Harris swivel bi-pod and rear squeeze bag for T/R.

HeadSpace, that Harris has got to go. Flex-pod is a great inexpensive option

 

[rap36case]

HeadSpace, that Harris has got to go. Flex-pod is a great inexpensive option

I realize my difficulty with prone is due to a very short Harris bipod. Thank you for the recommend on the F-class bipod. The 10" model should be sufficient for my prone position. I have seen someone competitors using a lab jack under their rear bag. Is there a limit to the height of the rear bag?

 

[T.Rhodes]

I went shooting this afternoon and used a higher set on my bi-pod as the video by MarkandSam afterwork recommended. It helped a lot...best group was .4moa at 100yards with my 223. I plan to watch more of their videos.

A lot of the tips were similar to what Todd Hodnett says in the art of the precision rifle dvd.

 

[seymour fish]

I realize my difficulty with prone is due to a very short Harris bipod. Thank you for the recommend on the F-class bipod. The 10" model should be sufficient for my prone position. I have seen someone competitors using a lab jack under their rear bag. Is there a limit to the height of the rear bag?

Depending on your firing point, you may need " shims" under your bag as previously mentioned. Low tech solution is 1" thick hardwood with skateboard tape top and bottom. Three of them should cover it

 

[TikkaSporter]

This helps me to at least not have headaches the next day:

I've shot a couple matches with the guy that made this video. Super nice guy. Physical therapist to the 'rich and famous'.

Other than that; taller bipod with a taller rear bag, higher cheek rest position to where you can rest your head on the stock (had to use a stock pack with some fill under it on my rifle), and lots of dry fire practice.

 

[Nature Boy]

I have the exact same problems several of you have expressed shooting prone. Looking forward to trying some of these techniques

 

[rap36case]

Depending on your firing point, you may need " shims" under your bag as previously mentioned. Low tech solution is 1" thick hardwood with skateboard tape top and bottom. Three of them should cover it

I have bought a lab jack for the rear bag and a larger Harris bipod. This seems to have solved the problem. I also do physical therapy to prevent head forward posture, strengthen neck muscles and increase range of motion.