Are You Practicing the Same Target Sequence Too Much?

Published on June 12, 2026
Duration: 10:44

This guide, based on insights from firearms instructor Joel Park, emphasizes the importance of varying target sequences and practicing focal depth changes to improve shooting proficiency. It suggests shooting a sequence 3-5 times to identify weaknesses, then either repeating or changing the sequence based on performance analysis. The guide highlights the value of dry fire for practicing visual focus and transitions between targets at different distances, ultimately aiming to reveal and correct bad shooting habits.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor Joel Park recommends shooting a target sequence 3-5 times to establish a baseline, then analyzing performance to decide whether to repeat or change the order. He emphasizes practicing focal depth changes, especially in dry fire, by shifting focus between targets at different distances to improve target acquisition and break bad habits.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Target Sequence Questions
  2. 00:21How Many Times to Shoot a Sequence
  3. 00:42Recommended Repetitions for a Sequence
  4. 00:55Analyzing Trends and Choosing Next Order
  5. 01:05Example: Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses
  6. 01:41Revealing Habits vs. Fixing Them
  7. 02:17The Accelerator Drill Example
  8. 02:57Rewiring Discipline and Patience
  9. 03:15Gathering Takeaways from Drills
  10. 03:33Importance of Switching Target Orders
  11. 03:47Needing Hundreds of Rounds for Takeaways
  12. 04:13Figuring Out What's Wrong
  13. 04:32Focal Depth Changes: Live Fire & Dry Fire
  14. 04:46Dry Fire Targets: Proximity Matters
  15. 04:57Benefits of Focal Depth Practice
  16. 05:05Visual Practice Without Firing
  17. 05:24Using Downtime for Visual Drills
  18. 05:55Conclusion: Adjusting Targets and Practice
  19. 06:20Outro and Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times should I shoot the same target sequence in firearms practice?

As a rule of thumb, shoot a target sequence at bare minimum three to five times. Then, analyze your performance to see what's happening. You might repeat the order or change it based on your findings. For a simple setup, four runs might be a good number.

What is the importance of focal depth changes in shooting practice?

Focal depth changes are crucial for improving shooting. Practicing transitions between targets at different distances, both live and dry fire, helps break the habit of just moving the gun left-to-right and improves your ability to focus on the target's depth.

How can dry fire practice improve my shooting beyond just drawing and dry firing?

Dry fire can be used to practice visual focus and focal depth changes. Simply looking at targets at varying distances, even without drawing, helps program your eyes to make the necessary adjustments and improves target acquisition speed and accuracy.

Should I always shoot the same target order in a practice session?

No, it's not helpful to shoot the entire practice session the same way. Varying your target order helps expose different habits and weaknesses. Shoot a sequence enough to get takeaways, then switch it up to ensure well-rounded training.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Joel Park

View all →