The Ball or Blank Drill

Published on September 6, 2017
Duration: 3:07

This video from Top Guns introduces the 'Ball or Blank Drill,' a progression from the 'Wall Drill,' designed to eliminate trigger jerking. The drill involves an instructor setting up a firearm with either a loaded or empty chamber, while the shooter performs a trigger press and focuses on their front sight. The instructor then evaluates the shot placement and sight movement to identify any flinching, aiming to improve trigger control and accuracy.

Quick Summary

The 'Ball or Blank Drill' is a firearm training exercise designed to eliminate trigger jerking. An instructor sets up a firearm with an unknown chamber status (loaded or empty), forcing the shooter to execute a controlled trigger press. Observing the front sight for movement reveals flinches, and consistent accuracy indicates improved trigger control.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Ball or Blank Drill
  2. 00:14Purpose: Eliminating Trigger Jerking
  3. 00:33Drill Setup: Loaded vs. Empty Chamber
  4. 00:44Observing the Front Sight for Flinc
  5. 01:01Shooter Safety and Handover
  6. 01:16Instructor Manipulates Firearm
  7. 01:28Demonstrating Proper Trigger Squeeze
  8. 01:37Front Sight Stability Analysis
  9. 01:43Second Drill Setup
  10. 02:07Reviewing Drill Results
  11. 02:12Recommended Practice Frequency
  12. 02:16Remedial Training for Flinching
  13. 02:26Progression from Wall Drill
  14. 02:36Contact Information for Top Guns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Ball or Blank Drill?

The primary goal of the Ball or Blank Drill is to eliminate trigger jerking and improve overall trigger control. By making the shooter uncertain if the chamber is loaded, they are forced to execute a smooth, consistent trigger press without flinching, which is crucial for accurate shooting.

How does the Ball or Blank Drill help identify trigger jerking?

The drill helps identify trigger jerking by having the instructor observe the shooter's front sight during the trigger press. If the front sight moves significantly, it indicates a flinch or jerk. The shooter's inability to know if the chamber is loaded forces them to focus on a controlled press, making any flinch more apparent.

What should a shooter do if they consistently flinch during the Ball or Blank Drill?

If a shooter consistently flinches and their shots land outside the black area of the target, they should engage in remedial training. This typically involves performing 10-15 slow-fire drills to reinforce proper trigger control and ensure they are not flinching with their trigger.

How often should the Ball or Blank Drill be practiced?

It is recommended to run the Ball or Blank Drill approximately 10 to 15 times per range session. Consistent practice is key to developing muscle memory for a smooth trigger press and overcoming the tendency to jerk the trigger.

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