Tracking targets through vision barriers

Published on October 28, 2025
Duration: 6:46

This drill, favored by Ben Stoeger, focuses on tracking targets through vision barriers, a critical skill for CQB and USPSA competition. It emphasizes moving and shooting, maintaining gun mount, and developing spatial awareness while hunting for targets as they become available. The drill simulates scenarios where targets appear and disappear behind obstacles, requiring shooters to quickly acquire and engage them.

Quick Summary

Ben Stoeger's target tracking drill through vision barriers is essential for CQB and USPSA, teaching shooters to track targets as they appear and disappear. Key techniques include moving eyes ahead of the gun, maintaining a mounted firearm, and developing spatial awareness while navigating obstacles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Drill
  2. 00:49Why This Drill is Important (CQB & USPSA)
  3. 01:32The 'Hunting' Mindset for Targets
  4. 01:58Key Performance Aspects: Draw and Movement
  5. 02:18Eyes Moving Before the Gun
  6. 02:38Maintaining Gun Mount and Scanning
  7. 02:51Avoiding Obstacle Distractions & Spatial Awareness
  8. 03:32Common Errors and Target Engagement Issues
  9. 04:06Visualizing Target Transitions
  10. 04:25The Danger of 'Casino Style Shooting'
  11. 04:56Drill Variations
  12. 05:42Walk Through and Walk Back Variation
  13. 05:56Increasing Repetitions and Difficulty
  14. 06:10Drill Flow and Range Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary benefit of the target tracking drill through vision barriers?

This drill is crucial for developing the ability to track targets that appear and disappear behind obstacles, a vital skill for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and competitive shooting disciplines like USPSA.

What is the recommended technique for moving between targets in this drill?

The technique involves moving your eyes to scan for the next target before your gun has finished engaging the current one, ensuring continuous movement and efficient target acquisition.

What common mistakes should shooters avoid during this drill?

Shooters should avoid getting 'sucked into the barrels' or obstacles, pushing the gun towards the next target without visual confirmation, and stopping movement to engage targets.

How does this drill relate to practical shooting scenarios?

It directly simulates scenarios where threats are obscured by cover or other individuals, requiring shooters to hunt for targets as they become available while maintaining situational awareness.

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