Pistol Skills Drills: 10-Shot Warm-Up Drill

Athletes always warm up before a workout or game, and shooters should do the same. This simple drill comes from Ken Hackathorn, and it preps your mind and body for whatever training you have planned for that day’s session.

Gear Concealment garment, holster, shot timer or someone to give you a start signal. Revolver shooters will need loose rounds or a speed strip to top off during the drill.

Drill Target is a USPSA type, although since you’ll be drawing four-inch circles for the head and chest, you could use just a backer. Ideally, this is done from the holster. If you’re able to draw at your facility, do so from concealment. At three yards, draw and fire one shot into the head. Move back to six yards; draw and shoot three rounds into the chest. Move back to nine yards; draw and shoot three rounds into the chest again. Do this twice for a total of 10 shots.

Goals This is a warm-up drill. Treat it as such. It’s a time to concentrate on fundamentals and to really focus on technique. Don’t dawdle, but shoot only as fast as you can hit those four-inch circles. Concentrate on a smooth, clean draw. Punch out, get a clear sight picture—laser focus to the front sight—and execute a proper trigger press with good follow-through. This drill isn’t hard, but you can get a lot out of it.