When not to use a timer

Published on June 3, 2026
Duration: 5:57

This video explains when not to use a shooting timer, emphasizing its potential to be counterproductive during new skill acquisition and when addressing specific training issues. Instructor Ben Stoeger advises focusing on feel and visual feedback initially, introducing the timer only after a foundational understanding is established. He highlights how timer fixation can lead to accuracy degradation and common errors like 'drag off' during target transitions, suggesting its removal can aid in correcting these problems.

Quick Summary

When learning new shooting skills or fixing specific training problems, it's often best to avoid using a shooting timer. Over-reliance on timers can lead to a fixation on speed over accuracy, causing errors like 'drag off' where the eyes leave the target prematurely, negatively impacting shot placement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Timer Use in Shooting
  2. 00:25Reasons to Avoid the Timer
  3. 01:12Learning New Skills Without a Timer
  4. 02:07Fixing Training Problems: The Timer's Downside
  5. 02:30The 'Drag Off' Error and Timer Fixation
  6. 04:33Discipline Tests and De-emphasizing Time
  7. 05:33Conclusion: When Timers Aren't Helpful

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it advisable to avoid using a shooting timer during practice?

It's advisable to avoid a shooting timer when learning a completely new skill, as the focus should be on feel and correct mechanics rather than speed. Timers can also be counterproductive when trying to fix specific training problems, as the fixation on time can distract from the actual issue.

How can a shooting timer negatively impact accuracy?

A shooting timer can negatively impact accuracy by causing shooters to prioritize speed over precision. This fixation can lead to common errors like 'drag off,' where the eyes leave the target prematurely, causing the gun to follow, resulting in misses or reduced shot placement quality.

What is the 'drag off' error in shooting, and how can removing the timer help?

The 'drag off' error occurs when a shooter's eyes leave the target too soon, pulling the gun off target with them. Removing the timer allows the shooter to focus solely on maintaining visual contact with the target and ensuring accurate gun tracking, which is crucial for correcting this specific mistake.

Are shooting timers always necessary for competitive shooting or qualifications?

Not always. While timers are common in competition and qualifications, their primary role in some scenarios, like police quals, is to ensure a certain pace or prevent delays, not necessarily to achieve the absolute fastest time. The focus can shift to executing the skill correctly within a set par time.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Ben Stoeger

View all →