If you’re serious about carrying a firearm for self-defense, static target practice isn’t going to cut it. Sure, it’s fun to shoot perfect little holes in paper while standing perfectly still, but the real world doesn’t come with stationary targets and all the time in the world to line up your sights. Confidence comes from knowing that you can respond to whatever a bad situation throws your way—whether it’s movement, cover, or sheer chaos.
To help you level up your skills, we’ve rounded up five essential shooting drills that every armed woman should incorporate into her practice. These drills focus on accuracy, movement, and situational awareness—because let’s be honest, no one is politely standing still while you defend yourself.
Ready? Let’s move.
What it Builds: Speed, accuracy, and transitioning between targets.
This classic drill is a favorite for a reason: It simulates engaging multiple attackers while emphasizing quick target acquisition. Here’s how you do it:
Pro Tip: Focus on smooth transitions between targets, not just speed. Precision under pressure is key!
What it Builds: Movement, situational awareness, and shooting while changing positions.
Real life requires movement, and the Box Drill gets you off the X. It forces you to engage targets while moving in all directions, simulating defensive scenarios where you’re not standing still like a statue.
Pro Tip: Keep your feet moving and your muzzle downrange. Work on keeping your shots accurate while moving, even if it’s slower at first.
What it Builds: Critical decision-making under stress.
This is a lifesaving drill that teaches you to stop an immediate threat effectively. It combines precision and speed, and it’s perfect for defensive shooting practice.
Why it Works: Two shots to the chest are intended to stop the threat, but if your attacker is wearing body armor or isn’t immediately stopped, the headshot is your contingency plan. Practice this to build confidence in making accurate, decisive shots.
What it Builds: The ability to shoot effectively while protecting yourself.
If you’ve never practiced shooting from cover, this drill is a wake-up call. Using cover effectively could save your life, and this drill forces you to get comfortable shooting from awkward but realistic positions.
Pro Tip: Always hug the cover without crowding it—keep enough space to move and lean safely while keeping your gun out of view.
What it Builds: Confidence in shooting under low-visibility conditions.
Most defensive encounters happen in low light, yet few people train for it. Using a flashlight while shooting adds a new layer of complexity, but mastering it is non-negotiable if you want to be prepared.
Pro Tip: Train with both dominant and support-hand shooting while holding the flashlight—you don’t always get to use your strong hand in real life.
These five shooting drills aren’t just about punching holes in paper; they’re about building the real-world confidence you need to defend yourself and your loved ones. Don’t just practice what’s easy or comfortable—push yourself. Move, reload, adapt to low light, and shoot from unconventional positions.
And when you show up at the range, don’t be afraid to be the woman who sets up cones, barricades, and timers like you’re prepping for a SWAT drill. Let ‘em stare—because the confidence you’re building is worth every second.
Practice hard, train smart, and remember: Confidence isn’t given—it’s earned.
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