Four general rules apply to correct shooting positions. They are skeletal support, muscular relaxation
(for rifle shooting) or muscular isotension (for pistol shooting), total body kinesetics, and natural point
of aim.
Skeletal Support
Skeletal support simply means that the shooting position must utilize the skeletal of the body to
stabilize the shooter and the weapon. A good example of skeletal support is to study a three legged
stool. Three legs arranged in a triangle are always stable regardless of the surface. I often see police
officers stand heel-to-toe when firing in the barricade position during police pistol combat (PPC). Officers
utilize the heel-to-toe position when testing for intoxication. This position is obviously less stable
than standing with the feet at shoulder width apart and forming a triangle with the barricade. Therefore,
a triangle stance (feet shoulder width apart and shooting hand pressed against the barricade) is more
stable and employs skeletal support more efficiently.
Muscular Isotension
Muscular relaxation is employed when firing a rifle with a sling. A handgun does not utilize a sling;
therefore, muscular isotension is utilized when firing a handgun. Muscular isotension simply means:
(1) the more muscle groups which are employed, the more stable the position, and (2) all muscles work
in tandem. For example, the triceps muscles straighten the arms and the biceps muscles bend the arms.
The arm has more strength and is more stable when holding a handgun if both muscle groups work
in unison.
Total Body Kinesetics
The study of the movement of the human body is called kinesetics. Total body kinesetics simply
means that the entire body works together as an integral unit. If one portion of the body is not functioning
properly, this can effect a completely separate portion of the body. The simplest way to understand
total body kinesetics is to have a horsefly bit you on the neck when you are about to shoot. Unless
properly trained, the brain immediately shifts to the pain rather than focusing on front sight, trigger
squeeze, follow through, etc. Total body kinesetics means that if you are not employing every technique
properly, you will not hit your intended target.
Natural Point of Aim
Once the shot has been fired, the weapon has recoiled, and the body has recovered from the recoil,
the sights of the weapon should be again aligned on the target. If the sights are aligned to the right or
left of the target, the shooter has failed to employ a natural point of aim. Natural point of aim is where
the body wants to return naturally after the shot has fired. If the sights are not aligned - do not muscle
the weapon back on target. Simply reposition your entire body so that following subsequent shots the
sights will naturally align with the target.
Bullseye shooters utilize natural point of aim by closing their eyes, raising their shooting arm
and finding the natural point where the muscles of the arm are not pulling right or left. The shooter
then opens his eyes and looks where the sights are pointed. The shooter repositions his entire body by
shifting his rear foot - right or left - until the sights are naturally aligned with the target.
The Pyramid Concept
Shooters should also incorporate what is known as the pyramid concept. A pyramid has a wide base
and a narrow top. The top is directly centered over the base. While shooting maintain a stable (wide)
stance and a balanced center of gravity. This is accomplished by remembering - nose over navel. Keep
your nose centered over your navel and you will be more stable. In other words, do not cant or tip your
head to the side. Do not thrust your head forward, thus requiring your posterior to counterbalance by
thrusting rearward. By utilizing the pyramid concept a shooter brings the weapon up to his eye with
his head vertical.
(for rifle shooting) or muscular isotension (for pistol shooting), total body kinesetics, and natural point
of aim.
Skeletal Support
Skeletal support simply means that the shooting position must utilize the skeletal of the body to
stabilize the shooter and the weapon. A good example of skeletal support is to study a three legged
stool. Three legs arranged in a triangle are always stable regardless of the surface. I often see police
officers stand heel-to-toe when firing in the barricade position during police pistol combat (PPC). Officers
utilize the heel-to-toe position when testing for intoxication. This position is obviously less stable
than standing with the feet at shoulder width apart and forming a triangle with the barricade. Therefore,
a triangle stance (feet shoulder width apart and shooting hand pressed against the barricade) is more
stable and employs skeletal support more efficiently.
Muscular Isotension
Muscular relaxation is employed when firing a rifle with a sling. A handgun does not utilize a sling;
therefore, muscular isotension is utilized when firing a handgun. Muscular isotension simply means:
(1) the more muscle groups which are employed, the more stable the position, and (2) all muscles work
in tandem. For example, the triceps muscles straighten the arms and the biceps muscles bend the arms.
The arm has more strength and is more stable when holding a handgun if both muscle groups work
in unison.
Total Body Kinesetics
The study of the movement of the human body is called kinesetics. Total body kinesetics simply
means that the entire body works together as an integral unit. If one portion of the body is not functioning
properly, this can effect a completely separate portion of the body. The simplest way to understand
total body kinesetics is to have a horsefly bit you on the neck when you are about to shoot. Unless
properly trained, the brain immediately shifts to the pain rather than focusing on front sight, trigger
squeeze, follow through, etc. Total body kinesetics means that if you are not employing every technique
properly, you will not hit your intended target.
Natural Point of Aim
Once the shot has been fired, the weapon has recoiled, and the body has recovered from the recoil,
the sights of the weapon should be again aligned on the target. If the sights are aligned to the right or
left of the target, the shooter has failed to employ a natural point of aim. Natural point of aim is where
the body wants to return naturally after the shot has fired. If the sights are not aligned - do not muscle
the weapon back on target. Simply reposition your entire body so that following subsequent shots the
sights will naturally align with the target.
Bullseye shooters utilize natural point of aim by closing their eyes, raising their shooting arm
and finding the natural point where the muscles of the arm are not pulling right or left. The shooter
then opens his eyes and looks where the sights are pointed. The shooter repositions his entire body by
shifting his rear foot - right or left - until the sights are naturally aligned with the target.
The Pyramid Concept
Shooters should also incorporate what is known as the pyramid concept. A pyramid has a wide base
and a narrow top. The top is directly centered over the base. While shooting maintain a stable (wide)
stance and a balanced center of gravity. This is accomplished by remembering - nose over navel. Keep
your nose centered over your navel and you will be more stable. In other words, do not cant or tip your
head to the side. Do not thrust your head forward, thus requiring your posterior to counterbalance by
thrusting rearward. By utilizing the pyramid concept a shooter brings the weapon up to his eye with
his head vertical.