Anatomy of a Practice Session

Published on August 17, 2023
Duration: 6:58

This video details a USPSA-style practice session focused on movement and shooting drills, emphasizing the importance of varied training cycles and aggressive shooting to improve speed and control. Ben Stoeger, a seasoned competitive shooter, demonstrates how to set up mini stages with cones and targets, alternate between multiple firearms to manage heat, and analyze performance across different shooting paces. The session involves approximately 550 rounds of ammunition, highlighting a commitment to high-volume, focused training.

Quick Summary

Competitive shooter Ben Stoeger's USPSA-style practice involves setting up dynamic mini-stages with cones and targets, emphasizing movement and aggressive shooting. He alternates between multiple firearms to manage heat and practices varied paces, from controlled to 'push pace,' to identify and overcome performance barriers.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to Practice Sessions
  2. 00:11Stoeger's Unique Practice Approach
  3. 00:33Daily Practice Variability
  4. 00:51Training Cycle Adjustments
  5. 01:16This Week's Training Focus: USPSA Style
  6. 01:46Setting Up USPSA-Style Stages
  7. 02:23Benefits of Movement and Shooting Drills
  8. 02:36Rifle Practice: Heat Management
  9. 03:03Rifle Session Details (Rounds, Time)
  10. 03:24Three Shooting Paces Explained
  11. 04:08Rifle Shooting Challenges: Tensing Up
  12. 04:31Switching to Handgun Practice
  13. 04:36Handgun Choice: CZ vs. Glock
  14. 04:51Handgun Session Details (Ammunition)
  15. 05:09Aggressive Handgun Stage Shooting
  16. 05:35Pistol vs. Rifle Pace Comparison
  17. 05:59Total Rounds and Session Duration
  18. 06:11Target Pasting Strategy
  19. 06:48Conclusion: What a Practice Session Looks Like

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ben Stoeger structure his USPSA-style practice sessions?

Ben Stoeger structures his USPSA-style practice sessions by setting up dynamic mini-stages using cones and targets. He emphasizes movement between positions and shooting aggressively, often alternating between multiple firearms to manage heat and maintain training intensity.

What are the key shooting paces Ben Stoeger practices?

Ben Stoeger practices three key shooting paces: 'as fast as I can get the rounds out of the gun onto the target,' a 'controlled pace,' and a 'push pace' where he shoots faster than he is comfortable to identify and work through limitations.

How does Ben Stoeger manage firearm heat during rifle practice?

During rifle practice, Ben Stoeger uses at least two rifles and alternates between them after firing 2-3 magazines. This allows the handguards to cool down, enabling him to continue shooting without needing gloves.

What is Ben Stoeger's strategy for target accountability during practice?

Ben Stoeger ensures target accountability by frequently restoring partial targets, like head boxes, to clearly see shot placement. For non-partial targets, he pastes all shots outside the A-zone, providing sufficient accountability while speeding up the session.

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