Practical Pistol Show 101 - How many reps

Published on November 14, 2015
Duration: 23:45

This video discusses the optimal number of repetitions and drills for live-fire training sessions. Ben Stoeger and his guests, Tim, Matt, and Keith, explore the balance between sufficient practice and avoiding overtraining or excessive ammo expenditure. They emphasize focusing on quality over quantity, understanding individual limitations, and the importance of processing learned information effectively, suggesting a focus on 2-4 drills per session with a variable number of reps based on drill complexity and personal goals.

Quick Summary

For live fire training, aim for 2-4 drills per session to maximize information retention and reflection. The number of repetitions per drill varies: 4-5 for complex drills with reloads, and 10-15 for simpler static drills. Focus on consistent performance and average scores rather than hitting a specific 'magic number' or par time. Practice until performance degrades, and consider staging magazines for reload-specific drills.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Question Setup
  2. 00:53The Core Question: Reps vs. Time in Training
  3. 01:47Live Fire Training Challenges
  4. 02:01Reps Per Drill Discussion
  5. 03:10Drills Per Session Discussion
  6. 04:03Maximum Reps on a Single Drill
  7. 05:05Live Fire vs. Dry Fire Reps
  8. 05:57Practicing Until Performance Declines
  9. 06:39Focusing on One Drill Per Session
  10. 07:33Information Processing Limits
  11. 08:47The Science of Learning and Memory
  12. 09:39Quantity vs. Quality of Practice
  13. 10:56No Magic Number for Reps
  14. 11:10Regimenting Practice by Time or Goal
  15. 12:06Defining Practice Goals by Skill Deficit
  16. 12:54Repetitions Based on Round Count & Reset Time
  17. 13:11Defining Big vs. Small Drills
  18. 14:11Logical Breaks in Practice
  19. 15:06Pushing Beyond Comfortable Limits
  20. 15:37Focus on Average Score vs. Magic Number
  21. 16:51Optimal Number of Drills Per Day
  22. 17:19Repetitions Based on Drill Size
  23. 17:56Staging Magazines: When and Why
  24. 19:11Reload-Specific Drills vs. Stage Drills
  25. 20:05Sets and Repetitions in Practice
  26. 20:36Drill Examples: Dots vs. Bill Drills
  27. 20:48Identifying Logical Breaks for Decision Making
  28. 21:32The Importance of Not Forcing Practice When Fatigued
  29. 22:12Analogy: Book Chapters vs. Paragraphs for Retention
  30. 23:09Deep Retention Through Repetition and Sleep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended number of drills per live fire training session?

For live fire sessions, a general recommendation is to perform no more than 2-4 drills per session. This approach helps in retaining information effectively and allows for proper reflection on performance, preventing overtraining and maximizing learning from each drill.

How many repetitions should be done for a single drill in live fire training?

The number of repetitions per drill in live fire varies. For larger drills involving multiple positions and reloads, 4-5 repetitions might suffice. Smaller drills without movement or reloading could involve 10-15 repetitions. The key is to practice until performance degrades or becomes inconsistent, rather than aiming for a fixed number.

Should I focus on hitting a specific par time or number of reps in training?

It's generally more productive to focus on your average score, worst score, and the repeatability of your best scores rather than fixating on hitting a single 'magic number' or par time. This approach provides a better understanding of your overall skill level and areas for improvement.

When is it appropriate to stage magazines during live fire training?

Staging magazines is recommended for reload-oriented drills where the reload time is a critical measurement. This ensures consistency in the measured reload time. For general stage drills or practice, staging is less critical, and you can practice reloading from different positions on your belt.

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