Drilling the Doubles

Published on May 9, 2026
Duration: 9:03

This video details the 'Doubles' marksmanship drill, focusing on shooting pairs of shots with an emphasis on aggressive trigger control and sight management. Instructor Ben Stoeger explains how to execute the drill at various distances, highlighting the importance of minimizing tension, focusing on the point of impact, and allowing the sight to return naturally. The drill aims to improve speed and accuracy by emulating close-range target engagement.

Quick Summary

The 'Doubles' shooting drill focuses on firing two rapid shots with aggressive trigger control and natural sight reset. Key to success is minimizing body tension, fixating on the point of aim, and trusting the sight's return, especially at longer distances where sight movement becomes more critical.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Marksmanship Fundamentals
  2. 00:07Introducing the Doubles Drill
  3. 00:17Drill Execution: Four Pairs
  4. 00:35Focus on Aggressive Trigger Pull
  5. 00:42Emulating Close-Range Engagement
  6. 00:52Sight Management: Bouncing Ball Analogy
  7. 01:12Demo and Visual Control
  8. 01:30Shooting Faster Than Reaction
  9. 02:02Acceleration and Input
  10. 02:12Pacing and Visual Feedback
  11. 02:17Common Tendency: Tracking Sight Off Target
  12. 02:36Fixate on the Sticker, Let Sight Fly
  13. 03:00Close Range Dynamics: Tension
  14. 03:15Shoot, React into Color, Manage Tension
  15. 03:39Minimizing Tension in Shoulders
  16. 03:53Fixating on a Small Spot
  17. 04:24Acclimation and Trigger Feel
  18. 04:45Emphasis on Reducing Tension
  19. 04:51Impact of Not Fixating on Sticker
  20. 05:08Skill Separation at Mid-Range
  21. 05:20Beginner Proficiency in Doubles Drill
  22. 05:3315-Yard Accuracy and Speed
  23. 05:45Integrating Precision and Speed
  24. 06:0110-Yard Line: Visual Discipline and Control
  25. 06:23Instruction: Go Faster
  26. 06:40Common Errors in Shooting
  27. 07:07Awareness of Shooting Conditions
  28. 07:15Sight Movement at 5 Yards vs. 15 Yards
  29. 07:52The Trick: Nothing Should Change
  30. 08:01Resisting the Urge to 'Help' the Sight
  31. 08:16The Trick: Same Process at All Distances
  32. 08:21Laser Focus on Bullet Impact
  33. 08:36Counteracting Gun Movement
  34. 08:41Minimizing Tension and Ignoring Noise
  35. 08:47Trigger Finger Only
  36. 08:53Avoiding Pressure Changes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Doubles' shooting drill?

The 'Doubles' shooting drill involves drawing a firearm and firing two rapid shots, focusing on aggressive trigger control and allowing the sight to naturally reset. The drill is repeated for a set number of pairs, typically four, to improve speed and accuracy, especially at close to mid-range distances.

How should I manage tension while shooting doubles?

Minimizing body tension is critical for the 'Doubles' drill. Focus on relaxing your shoulders and avoiding extraneous input. By fixating on a small point of aim and trusting the sight's natural return, you can reduce tension and improve shot consistency.

What is the key difference in shooting doubles at close versus longer distances?

At close distances (e.g., 5 yards), the focus is on aggressive trigger pull and 'flashing the color.' At longer distances (e.g., 15 yards), you need to track the sight back to the target and react, visualizing it as a bouncing ball, while still minimizing input and tension.

What are common mistakes to avoid during the doubles drill?

Common mistakes include putting excessive input on the gun, pushing rounds down, tracking the sight upwards, and changing grip pressures. These actions can cause shots to go high. The drill emphasizes resisting the urge to 'help' the sight return to the target.

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