Developing routines for seemingly mundane tasks can pay off big on the firing line. Preparation Level 2, for instance, involves getting into position and mounting the rifle.

It should be clear to those who have been following this column for any length of time that I believe preparation is a key to success in competition. While it's also clear to anyone who has fired a shot in competition that meticulous training and event preparation cannot overcome the greater and immediate need to execute the shot at hand, it is preparation that determines the result of that shot.

I think, and act, in terms of three different stages or levels during competition. Essentially, my focus changes. Each shift is still related to preparation: I prepare to shoot a 10.

The first mode, which I call Level 1, is a checklist. This is firing point setup, conditions analysis, rifle adjustments, personal gear, sight settings and so on. Here is where a majority of mistakes are prevented.

Efficiency comes with practice and effort. Determine sequences and chores to be done in an expeditious manner. Something like marking spotting scope positions on the scope stand saves time, as does loading ammo boxes the night before and preparing the rifle for the first event.

This Level 1 phase continues into the string at the start of each round. Level 1 is checking time, checking conditions, checking the number of rounds. In windy conditions it's making a decision about when to mount up for the next shot.

It's also checking to make sure nothing needs an adjustment--including hat and glasses--and also natural point of aim. This level is detached from any aspect of firing the rifle. The last step in this phase is loading the rifle.

Level 2 moves to the immediate concentration of attention solely on making ready for the shot. That means putting my rifle mount-up sequence into action. As I set the rifle into my shoulder, I am not thinking about having 14 minutes left or adding the click of right wind. Level 2 is the purely systematic routine of getting my position in play.

Level 2 is critical to standing-position performance, although there are equally critical elements in this stage that apply to all other events. Shooting slow-fire prone, for instance, I am keenly aware of the consistency of positioning the rifle in my shoulder and all elements of my position, and I always confirm natural point of aim, adjusting as needed.

Rapid-fire sitting is totally an exercise in position consistency. Level 2 in this event is rising and returning on mark, mounting the rifle and establishing (and reestablishing) natural alignment. Repetition is consistency, and each and every move I make or step I take is the same, every time.

Level 2 is easily generated in anyone's routine, and the important point to grasp is the need for developing a habit of consistency and determining the sequence or process to follow.

This next level, Level 3, is my use of visualization in firing each standing shot. This is a routine I follow on every offhand shot, live- or dry-fired, I see the shot first in my mind and then trigger the shot on the target.