How To Structure Your Training Day Like A USPSA GM | ft. Brantley Merriam

Published on April 12, 2025
Duration: 40:34

This video outlines a structured approach to firearm training, emphasizing the importance of dry-fire practice for building fundamental skills before live fire. It details three distinct training categories: Fundamentals, Skill/Drill, and Pre-Match/Stage practice, each with specific drills and focus areas. The instruction, delivered by a USPSA Grandmaster, highlights how to maximize range time efficiency and develop consistency and accuracy under pressure.

Quick Summary

Structure your firearm training like a USPSA Grandmaster by prioritizing dry-fire practice for fundamentals (draws, reloads) 5-6 times weekly. Divide live-fire sessions into Fundamentals, Skill/Drill, and Pre-Match practice, focusing on isolated skills and stage simulation for consistency and accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Limited Range Access & Maximizing Practice
  2. 00:37Pre-Range Preparation: Dry Fire and Gear Check
  3. 02:09Three Types of Practice Sessions
  4. 02:22Category 1: Fundamentals Practice
  5. 04:30Drill: Trigger Control at Speed
  6. 07:09Drill: One Shot Return
  7. 09:11Drill: The Doubles Drill
  8. 12:53Category 2: Skill/Drill Practice
  9. 14:13Drill Example: MXAD (Aggressive Shooting & Throttle Control)
  10. 17:33Skill Focus: Grip Consistency at Distance (25 Yards)
  11. 21:43Skill Focus: Target Transitions & Gun Handling
  12. 27:42Category 3: Pre-Match/Stage Practice
  13. 31:33Evaluating Pre-Match Stage Performance
  14. 35:34Handling Mistakes During Stage Runs
  15. 37:55Overall Training Philosophy & Dry Fire Importance

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I practice dry fire for firearm training?

It's highly recommended to practice dry fire 5-6 times a week, aiming for over 1000 repetitions of fundamental skills like draws and reloads. This builds muscle memory and saves ammunition compared to live fire.

What are the three main types of firearm training sessions?

The three categories are Fundamentals Practice (focusing on grip, vision, trigger control), Skill/Drill Practice (isolating specific skills like target transitions), and Pre-Match/Stage Practice (simulating competition stages for consistency and pressure).

What is the purpose of the 'Trigger Control at Speed' drill?

This drill helps identify issues with your grip or trigger input by presenting to a target on a buzzer and smashing the trigger, then observing sight movement during the pull to ensure the gun remains stable.

Why is practicing at 25 yards important for pistol shooting?

Shooting at 25 yards improves grip consistency and recoil control, making closer distances (like 10-15 yards) feel significantly easier. It also helps maintain a solid grip under pressure.

How should I approach mistakes during competition stage practice?

When practicing stages, mistakes are learning opportunities. Focus on continuing the stage process, executing fundamentals, and analyzing what went wrong to improve for the next run, rather than getting discouraged.

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