Standing still and shooting is not the way to go
Training with firearms is more than just practicing at a stationary target; it's about preparing for real-world scenarios that are unpredictable and dynamic. While you never want it to happen, you always should want to be prepared. When faced with a tactical situation or self-defense scenario, the environment is typically high-stress, chaotic, and full of movement. Therefore, training to move while using your firearm is crucial.
Movement training not only enhances your tactical proficiency but also significantly increases your chances of survival in an actual confrontation. Let's take a look at how important it is.
Reasons to Move While Firearms Training
Realistic Scenario Preparation
In a real-life encounter, both the defender and the threat are likely to be in motion. Standing still makes you an easy target, and real-world situations rarely allow for a static stance. Movement training helps you develop the ability to shoot accurately while on the move and to use your surroundings to your advantage. This type of training builds muscle memory and reflexes that are essential when every second counts.
For instance, imagine a scenario where you are ambushed in a parking lot. The attacker may not give you the luxury of a straight-on confrontation. You might need to move laterally between vehicles, retreat to gain cover, or advance to close the distance. Training to shoot while moving helps you remain effective and responsive under such unpredictable circumstances.
Stress Adaptation
High-stress environments can severely impact your ability to function effectively. The adrenaline rush and fear can lead to tunnel vision, impaired motor skills, and delayed reactions, which can affect things like drawing from your holster. Training under stress conditions, including movement drills, helps you adapt to these physiological responses. By incorporating movement into your training regimen, you learn to manage stress, maintain focus, and make sound decisions quickly.
Stress inoculation through movement training is essential. When your body is accustomed to performing under duress, you're less likely to freeze or make poor decisions in an actual encounter. This kind of preparation helps ensure that your training translates into real-world effectiveness.
Enhanced Tactical Skills
Movement training enhances your tactical skills by teaching you to engage targets while avoiding incoming fire. Techniques such as forward movement, backward/retreating movement, lateral movement, and quick entries and exits are essential for maintaining an offensive and defensive edge. These skills are crucial for navigating through different environments, whether it's a home, urban setting, or open terrain.
For example, moving laterally while engaging a target allows you to present a moving target, which is harder for an adversary to hit. Retreating movement helps you create distance between yourself and the threat, giving you more time to assess the situation and respond appropriately. Quick entries and exits are vital for efficiently moving through doorways and other choke points, minimizing exposure to potential threats.
Safety and Adaptability
One of the key benefits of movement training is learning how to handle your firearm safely while in motion. This includes proper trigger discipline, muzzle awareness, and safe reloading practices. Additionally, movement training helps you become more adaptable, enabling you to adjust to various scenarios and environments efficiently. This adaptability is vital for both law enforcement officers and civilians who may face unexpected threats.
Preparing for Unconventional Shooting Positions
In addition to movement, it’s crucial to train for shooting from unconventional positions. Real-world engagements are rarely straightforward, and you may find yourself needing to shoot from awkward or non-traditional stances. This could include shooting while lying on your back, crouching behind low cover, or even firing from unusual angles.
Consider a home invasion scenario. You might need to engage a target from behind a bed or furniture. This requires you to adopt a low, stable shooting position, which is very different from the standard stances practiced at a range. Training for these unconventional positions ensures that you can maintain accuracy and control, no matter the circumstances.
The Best Courses for Moving With Firearms
For those looking to develop their movement skills with a pistol, the Pistol Movement Course from Tactical Human Performance is an excellent choice. This one-day firearms class begins with a brief overview of practical pistol shooting fundamentals before diving into movement drills.
Participants will explore and solve various target arrays and stages using different movement techniques. The movements are designed to be dynamic and at least mildly athletic, but all athletic skill levels are welcome. The goal is for students to leave with a base understanding of these techniques to continue their personal training.
For those looking to expand their rifle shooting skills, Tactical Human Performance also offers a course on shooting from unconventional positions. This class covers both fundamental and performance applications of rifle shooting and requires a foundation of safe weapon handling.
Practical Application of These Courses
In many defensive scenarios, you might find yourself needing to shoot from positions you wouldn’t normally practice at a range. For example, during a carjacking, you might need to fire from inside your vehicle, requiring you to shoot one-handed or from a seated position. In a home defense situation, you might have to shoot from a prone position to utilize low cover effectively.
Training for these unconventional positions helps you understand how your body and firearm react in these stances. You’ll learn to stabilize your weapon, maintain accuracy, and manage recoil, all while dealing with the physical constraints of the position. This training ensures that you can effectively engage targets, no matter the scenario.
Importance of Flexibility and Physical Conditioning
Flexibility and physical conditioning play a significant role in your ability to shoot from unconventional positions. Engaging in regular physical training can enhance your performance in these scenarios. Exercises that improve core strength, flexibility, and overall fitness will help you maintain stability and control when shooting from awkward angles or positions.
Conclusion
Incorporating movement and unconventional position training into your firearms practice is essential for realistic, effective preparation for real-world scenarios. Whether you're enhancing your pistol skills with the Pistol Movement Course or expanding your rifle capabilities with the Unconventional Positions Course from Tactical Human Performance, you'll gain valuable skills that improve your tactical proficiency and overall safety.
By training to move and adapt, you prepare yourself for the dynamic, high-stress environments where every decision matters.
Take a look at the courses from Tactical Human Performance and be sure to follow them on Instagram!
Comments