Top 5 Mistakes New Shooters Make—and How to Fix Them

Top 5 Mistakes New Shooters Make—and How to Fix Them

If you’re new to shooting, odds are you’re excited—but also a little frustrated. Maybe your groupings are inconsistent. Perhaps you flinch right before the shot breaks. Maybe the guy in the next lane seems to be drilling perfect bulls-eyes while you’re chewing paper all over the place.

We get it.

At In Focus Training, we’ve seen it all. These issues aren’t just normal—they’re fixable. But to improve, you need to understand why it’s happening. Whether you’re training for personal protection, concealed carry, or just recreational shooting, here are the five most common mistakes new shooters make—and what to do about them.

Mistake #1: Poor Grip Control

A weak or improper grip is the #1 reason new shooters struggle with accuracy and recoil management. Too loose, and the gun moves around unpredictably. Too tight in the wrong places, and your hand placement creates tension that pulls your shots off target.

Fix It:

• Use a thumbs-forward grip for semi-autos.
• Lock your dominant hand high on the backstrap.
• Let your support hand wrap tightly around your shooting hand with full contact on the grip panel.
• Avoid “teacupping” (resting the gun on your support hand like a saucer).

Mistake #2: Anticipating Recoil (Flinching)

New shooters often jerk the trigger or “push” the gun down in anticipation of recoil. This results in low, erratic shots and kills accuracy.

Fix It:

• Practice dry-firing to learn trigger break without recoil.
• Focus on slow, deliberate presses—not quick pulls.
• Use snap caps for live-fire drills that catch you flinching mid-string.

Mistake #3: Improper Stance

If your foundation is unstable, your accuracy will suffer—especially during rapid fire or when recovering between shots.

Fix It:

• Stand in an athletic “fighter’s stance” with knees slightly bent.
• Lean forward slightly with weight on the balls of your feet.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and avoid leaning back.

A solid stance helps absorb recoil, maintain balance, and keep your muzzle on target.

Mistake #4: Slapping the Trigger

Many new shooters slap the trigger instead of pressing it straight to the rear. This movement jerks the gun, often causing left- or right-side impacts (depending on dominant hand).

Fix It:

• Use the center pad of your index finger.
• Apply smooth, even pressure straight back.
• Try shooting from reset instead of fully letting off after each shot.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Sight Alignment

People focus too much on the target and ignore their front sight. Without proper sight alignment, even good fundamentals will fail.

Fix It:

• Focus your eye on the front sight, not the target.
• Align the front sight perfectly between the rear sight notches.
• Keep sight picture steady throughout the trigger press.

Real Progress Requires Real Coaching

At the end of the day, you can watch all the YouTube videos you want—but nothing beats hands-on, guided instruction. Whether you’re struggling with groupings, consistency, or just need someone to break it down in simple terms, In Focus Training has your back.

We offer beginner-friendly courses and private sessions designed to meet you where you’re at. With certified, DPS-approved instruction, you’ll leave our training more confident, accurate, and equipped.

Call to Action

🔥 Ready to stop guessing and start improving?
👉 Book a session with In Focus Training and take your shooting skills from shaky to solid.

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“The instructor Anthony Taylor was the BEST. I learned and received so much information. I recommend everyone to attend. Not only did I learn but I had Fun as well!!!! In Focus Training LLC is the way to go.“