AIDS TO SHOOTING 453 



der, drive a nail, or write a letter with the left hand, 

 but cannot use the right hand efficiently. Now, with 

 the average right-handed man, shooting from the right 

 shoulder, the gun is supported, and, more important 

 still, is guided by the left hand ; yet, as the man is unac- 

 customed to performing tasks with that hand, he has 

 far less control over its movements than he has over 

 the right hand. If he swings his gun to try to point 

 it at a certain object, he is likely to swing it too far, 

 or not far enough, or above or below the object. 



It becomes important, then, for the man who is train- 

 ing himself to shoot well to endeavor to strengthen 

 and to train the left arm so that he may have it con- 

 stantly more and more under control, and thus may 

 make it do more exactly the things which he wishes. 

 Such strengthening and training may be begun by the 

 use of dumbbells or the swinging of Indian clubs, 

 which will give strength to the muscles, and then by 

 the performance of simple tasks with the left hand, 

 which will teach it to respond better to its owner's 

 will. 



Professional shooters, who are among the very best 

 shots in the country, find it necessary to the perform- 

 ance of their work that they should keep themselves 

 in the very best physical condition. Many of them 

 practice constantly at gymnasium work, including 

 dumbbells and Indian clubs, are careful about their 

 eating and drinking, and are, in fact, trained athletes. 

 In order to do the work for which they are paid they 

 must be in good physical condition, and if they are 



