The only way you will ever get better at competing on the national level is to also shoot more matches on the national level. Resorting to only shooting local matches will cap you and plateau you faster than anything. There are a lot of shooters out there destroying their home courses but can’t break upper mid pack when they leave and go somewhere else.
Attitude is everything. And this forum honestly is one of the most toxic places for shooting sports. It’s one thing to not shoot national level matches because you can’t afford it. But most ppl it seems who decide to only shoot single day local matches do it because they hate failure and don’t want to actually press themselves. To each their own.
Besides. If your spending x dollars to shoot mid pack at a 2 day match, It’s not going to support the top ten guys. Your really just supporting the match director and venue. Almost all pay outs don’t exist anymore outside of AG cup qualifier matches and that money only comes from those who sign up for that specific match.
There is a lot to learn at a 2 day match. Especially one in the mountains or the wind. Get in with an experienced squad and you will learn some new techniques and have the most fun.
Fastest way to grow is also checking your ego at the door.
I definitely agree with some of this.
PRS is certainly a sport where a relatively small amount of dedication and practice will get you to the top of the sport. The top PRS shooters are not stronger than you or I, smarter than you or I, more athletic than you or I, etc. It's very achievable to be a top performer with relatively little work (in comparison to most other sports). Look at Allison Zane, she's a newcomer to the sport that's absolutely killing it.
However, I would also argue that most people don't participate in this sport/activity/hobby with the intent of becoming a top shooter. Everyone wants to shoot better, no doubt. But its not a priority for most. I would say most attend matches to challenge themselves as a shooter, make friends and have fun. For some, that return on investment is hard to justify for 2 day national matches. They are very expensive between travel, lodging, match fees, ammo costs, food, etc., and are very time consuming.
And certainly, those that do wish to participate in the sport need to start with no ego and no expectations. The learning curve is steep at first, but easily surmountable with the right attitude & intent.