Paige-Chan’s First Outdoor USPSA Stage: A Big Step Forward

By Paige “Paige-Chan” Huynh

(USPSA Shooter, Content Creator)

Today marked a major milestone in my shooting journey: my very first outdoor USPSA stage.

The weather was perfect, but the course was anything but simple. No-shoots were placed strategically throughout the stage, walls created tight entry angles, and the layout required careful footwork and fast decision-making. It was the most complex environment I’ve faced so far, and I felt the nerves immediately during the walkthrough.

As I worked through the stage plan, I focused on identifying sightlines, understanding target positions, and minimizing unnecessary movement. Even so, I caught myself second-guessing and almost engaging the wrong target, a reminder of how important mental clarity is under pressure.

Halfway through my practice, Grand Master DeShaun Jenkins stepped in and offered valuable, practical advice that immediately changed the way I approached the stage. He coached me on:

• moving with more confidence between targets,

• smoothing out my transitions,

• and simplifying my stage plan to avoid overthinking.

• 
  

With those adjustments, my run improved noticeably. I cut my time, tightened my accuracy, and walked off the stage with a much better understanding of what outdoor matches demand.

Takeaways for Future Training

• Move with purpose between shooting positions.

• Trust the dot, don’t hesitate when the sight picture is there.

• Keep stage plans simple to prevent mental overload under the timer.

This first outdoor run was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I’m excited for the next stage, the next match, and the next opportunity to grow.

— Paige-Chan