If youโre serious about carrying a firearm for self-defense, static target practice isnโt going to cut it. Sure, itโs fun to shoot perfect little holes in paper while standing perfectly still, but the real world doesnโt 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 wayโwhether itโs movement, cover, or sheer chaos.
To help you level up your skills, weโve rounded up five essential shooting drills that every armed woman should incorporate into her practice. These drills focus on accuracy, movement, and situational awarenessโbecause letโs be honest, no one is politely standing still while you defend yourself.
Ready? Letโs move.
1. The El Presidente Drill – designed by Colonel Jeff Cooper
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. Hereโs how you do it:
- Set up three targets in a straight line, spaced about 3 feet apart.
- Start with your back to the targets at 10 yards. Your gun is holstered, hands up, and facing away.
- On the timer (or a friend yelling โgo!โ), turn around, draw, and shoot two rounds into each targetโleft to right.
- Reload, and then shoot two more rounds into each targetโright to left.
Pro Tip: Focus on smooth transitions between targets, not just speed. Precision under pressure is key!
2. The Box Drill
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 youโre not standing still like a statue.
- Mark out a square with cones or tape, about 5 yards by 5 yards. Place a target in front of the square between the two front cones.
- Start at one corner of the square. On the buzzer, move to the next corner while shooting two rounds at the target.
- Move sideways, forward, and backwardโfiring two shots from each corner.
Pro Tip: Keep your feet moving and your muzzle downrange. Work on keeping your shots accurate while moving, even if itโs slower at first.
3. The Failure-to-Stop Drill (Mozambique Drill)
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 itโs perfect for defensive shooting practice.
- Place a target at 7 yards with a defined head and chest zone.
- On the buzzer, draw and fire two shots to the chest followed by one shot to the head.
Why it Works: Two shots to the chest are intended to stop the threat, but if your attacker is wearing body armor or isnโt immediately stopped, the headshot is your contingency plan. Practice this to build confidence in making accurate, decisive shots.
4. Shooting from Cover Drill
What it Builds: The ability to shoot effectively while protecting yourself.
If youโve 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.
- Set up a barrier (like a barrel or barricade) 5-7 yards from your target.
- Practice shooting two to three rounds from:
- Standing, around the side of cover (left and right sides).
- Kneeling, around the side of cover.
- Squatting or prone (from the ground).
Pro Tip: Always hug the cover without crowding itโkeep enough space to move and lean safely while keeping your gun out of view.
5. Low-Light Flashlight Drill
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.
- At dusk or in a dark range bay, place your target 7 yards away.
- Use your handheld or weapon-mounted flashlight to illuminate the target while drawing and firing two accurate shots.
- Practice turning the light on and off quickly to avoid giving away your position.
Pro Tip: Train with both dominant and support-hand shooting while holding the flashlightโyou donโt always get to use your strong hand in real life.
Final Thoughts: Practice Like Itโs Real
These five shooting drills arenโt just about punching holes in paper; theyโre about building the real-world confidence you need to defend yourself and your loved ones. Donโt just practice whatโs easy or comfortableโpush yourself. Move, reload, adapt to low light, and shoot from unconventional positions.
And when you show up at the range, donโt be afraid to be the woman who sets up cones, barricades, and timers like youโre prepping for a SWAT drill. Let โem stareโbecause the confidence youโre building is worth every second.
Practice hard, train smart, and remember: Confidence isnโt givenโitโs earned.
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