Shooting Drill to Fix Bad Habits | Flinching | Tactical Rifleman

Published on February 16, 2018
Duration: 8:36

This guide details the 'Ball and Dummy' drill, a technique used by retired USSF instructor Karl to diagnose and correct firearm flinching. By mixing live and dummy rounds, or by informing the shooter of dummy rounds, this drill helps shooters overcome recoil anticipation and develop a stable trigger press. The method emphasizes understanding shooter psychology and mechanics for effective live-fire correction.

Quick Summary

The 'Ball and Dummy' drill is a key technique for diagnosing firearm flinching. By mixing live and dummy rounds, instructors can identify involuntary muzzle dips caused by recoil anticipation. For correction, the 'Alternating Ball and Dummy' drill informs the shooter of dummy rounds, enabling them to practice a steady trigger press and overcome the flinch.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Identifying the Low-Left Shot
  2. 01:05The Ball and Dummy Drill
  3. 03:37The Cause of Flinching
  4. 05:15The Alternating Ball and Dummy Drill
  5. 07:43Summary and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Ball and Dummy' drill for shooting?

The 'Ball and Dummy' drill involves loading a magazine with a mix of live and dummy rounds without the shooter's knowledge. When a dummy round is fired, the shooter's involuntary muzzle dip reveals a flinch, aiding diagnosis.

How can I fix my firearm flinch?

To fix flinching, use the 'Alternating Ball and Dummy' drill. By informing the shooter when a dummy round is chambered, they can practice a steady trigger press without anticipating recoil, retraining the subconscious habit.

Why do shooters flinch?

Flinching is typically a psychological reaction to the anticipated shockwave and muzzle blast of a firearm. This subconscious anticipation causes the shooter to jerk the trigger or dip the muzzle before the shot is fired.

What is the purpose of dummy rounds in shooting drills?

Dummy rounds are inert training aids used to diagnose and correct shooting flaws like flinching. They allow instructors to observe a shooter's reaction to a trigger pull without the consequence of live fire, facilitating muscle memory correction.

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