Skills Check: Square Dance

Tired of standing still at the range? Ready to add movement to your practice? Mastering the fundamentals of movement is a cornerstone of practical shooting, and this drill offers a simple-yet-effective way to sharpen this essential skill. Every step you take with a firearm impacts your balance, body mechanics and ability to deliver accurate shots. Success often hinges on precision, balance and small, purposeful movements.

The Square Drill reinforces these principles in a way that’s approachable for new shooters, yet rewarding for seasoned ones. Plus, it’s versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor ranges. This drill sharpens trigger discipline, enhances drawing and reholstering skills and builds confidence in controlled movement. Its adaptability ensures beginners can focus on building fundamentals, while experienced shooters refine advanced techniques.

Here’s the Drill
For this drill, you’ll need a B-8 bullseye target placed at a distance of 10 yards. In addition to standard concealed-carry gear, you will need a minimum of two magazines and 16 rounds of ammunition. Start with a loaded and holstered pistol, with your hands below your gun belt.

Position yourself in the lower left corner of the shooting lane.
Step 1: Draw, fire one round and reholster. Step forward,
Step 2: Draw, fire one round and reholster.
Side step to the right, Step 3: Draw, fire one round and reholster.
Step backward, Step 4: Draw, fire one round and reholster.
Repeat the above sequence in the counterclockwise direction, starting from the lower right corner of the shooting lane. Reload as needed. 

Position yourself in the lower left corner of the shooting lane.
Step 1: Draw, fire one round and maintain the gun at presentation with sights aligned on the target.
Step forward, Step 2: Align sights, fire one round and keep the gun on target.
Side step to the right, Step 3: Align sights, fire one round and keep the gun on target.
Step backward, Step 4: Align sights, fire one round and reholster. Run the above sequence both clockwise and counterclockwise (start in the lower right corner of the shooting lane).Reload as needed. 

The Square Drill offers many variations and options to consider. For newer shooters, draw the gun before stepping to focus on controlling the gun and your movements separately.

For experienced shooters, combine the draw with your step for a more dynamic movement. Work the trigger at the reset point while moving or as you align your sights for each shot. Pay particular attention to your trigger-finger discipline. When sights are aligned on target and stability is maintained, the finger may stay in contact with the trigger. If stability is compromised, remove the finger from the trigger until ready to fire.

Safety Notes:
To ensure safety and effectiveness while performing the Square Drill, always prioritize safety and accuracy over speed, moving only at a pace where you can maintain full control of your body and firearm. Avoid crossing your feet by using shuffle steps for forward and backward movement and side steps for lateral transitions. Stay attuned to your balance and physical condition, pausing immediately if you feel unsteady or fatigued to assess and adjust as needed.