Shooting Drill to Fix Bad Habits | Flinching | Tactical Rifleman

Published on February 16, 2018
Duration: 8:36

This video introduces the Ball and Dummy drill to diagnose and correct flinching, a common issue where shooters anticipate recoil by jerking the trigger. By using a mix of live and dummy rounds, instructors can identify the flinch. The Alternating Ball and Dummy drill then helps retrain the shooter's muscle memory by allowing them to practice a smooth trigger pull with known dummy rounds, ultimately improving accuracy with live fire.

Quick Summary

The Ball and Dummy drill diagnoses trigger flinch by mixing live and dummy rounds. When a dummy round is fired, the shooter's anticipation of recoil causes a visible flinch. The Alternating Ball and Dummy drill then uses known dummy rounds to retrain a smooth trigger press, helping shooters overcome this common accuracy issue.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Identifying the Low-Left Shot
  2. 01:05The Ball and Dummy Drill Explained
  3. 03:37Causes and Fixes for Flinching
  4. 05:15Alternating 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 is a diagnostic technique used to identify trigger flinching. An instructor randomly loads either a live round ('ball') or a dummy round into the firearm's magazine without the shooter's knowledge. When a dummy round is fired, the shooter's flinch becomes apparent as they anticipate recoil.

How can I fix my trigger flinch?

To fix flinching, use the Alternating Ball and Dummy drill. You'll be told when a dummy round is loaded, allowing you to focus on a smooth trigger press without anticipating recoil. This helps retrain your subconscious to associate the trigger pull with a steady action, improving accuracy.

Why do shooters flinch when firing a gun?

Flinching is often a subconscious reaction to the perceived threat of recoil and muzzle blast. The sudden noise and pressure hitting the shooter's face can cause them to involuntarily jerk the trigger or dip the muzzle, leading to inaccurate shots, typically low and to the left.

What is the purpose of dummy rounds in shooting drills?

Dummy rounds are inert training aids used in drills like the Ball and Dummy. They allow shooters to practice the physical act of pulling the trigger without the firearm discharging. This is crucial for diagnosing and correcting habits like flinching, as the shooter can experience the trigger press without the consequence of recoil.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Tactical Rifleman

View all →