Build Solid Fundamentals: Shooting on the Move (@DroppingBrass)

by Super User

 

So for many of us city dwellers, we may not often get an opportunity to train for movement.  But like everything, movement is life.  Thus, always keep in mind that when working (shooting) on the flat static range, that those shots set you up to move.  Working at the flat range is great for marksmanship, recoil management, and getting that 2nd sight picture after you break a shot.  However, never forget, when you break that first shot(s), you will be getting of the 'X' and moving to your next point of cover.  Again, when static, we set ourselves up for movement.  This is why that good fighting stance is critical.  When you get the opportunity to train at a range where you can move, you want to make sure you are keeping that good fighting stance having our knees slightly bent, forward at the waste a little so we can move if we need to.  Balanced in all directions.  We let our knees act as shock absorbers over the ground we are covering.

We must learn how to trust our feet.  From moving forward to striking with the ball of our feet and rolling to our toes or if we are moving backwards from striking with our toes and rolling back to our heels.  As we all are aware, there is a huge difference in moving with your legs straight with your knees locked vs having a bend in your knees which enables a more stable shooting platform.

Think of the uneven ground in an outdoor environment or in our homes with toys, pets, uneven floor surfaces etc.  Having a good stance and employing this technique will aid you in moving smoothly through various environments and overtime will become second nature.

Also, make sure you are using your peripheral vision so you are prepared to react to changes in your environment, allies, or threats as they present themselves. 

What is the most ideal time to take a shot during the process?

You may have figured it out already.  It's when your foot is flattest on the ground or mid stride.  When your foot strikes is where you will see the most bounce in your sight or optic.  So you want to shoot AFTER your foot strikes the ground so you have the most stable shooting platform.  This occurs when your foot is flattest on the ground. 

You can see this illustrated in the picture above.  My foot has struck the ground and is now FIRMLY planted with my weight over my foot.  My red dot has come back where I want it from the initial contact of my foot striking the ground.  I have broken my shot at this exact moment as is confirmed by the brass ejecting at the same instant.

Try this next time you get to a range where you can move.

- DB