Members can run saved par times.
Get All Access TrainingPrimary Skills:
What is the Bar Hop Drill?
Choppy movement and bounding steps make shooting on the move quite difficult. While there are varying ideas on the nuances of how to shoot on the move, the one thing that stays true is that movement should be fluid.
The Bar Hop drill is a fantastic drill from Ben Stoeger as it forces smooth movement in order to execute.
It’s extremely simple in concept, but can be challenging to execute.
Drill Setup
- 2 targets at 10 yards with a single fault line next to you
- Start position: gun loaded and holstered, wrists below belt
- 16 shots required, 8 shots per string
Drill Steps
- At the beep, draw the gun and engage the two targets with two shots each
- Step over the fault line
- Engage the same two targets with two shots each
- Reset for the next string, starting where you finished
- At the beep, draw the gun and engage the two targets with two shots each
- Step over the fault line in the opposite direction of the first string
- Engage the same two targets with two shots each
Drill Modifications
- If you’re struggling to make the shots sound like continual fire, try moving the targets closer.
- If it’s easy to maintain the continual fire, try making the targets partial targets or moving them farther.
Drill Tips
The goal of this drill is to keep shooting continually while moving. If the drill is run in live fire, it should sound like one continual string of fire even though it’s two targets that are engaged twice.
Treat the upper body and the lower body as two separate entities. The torso should stay completely focused on maintaining that ideal shooting stance while the legs smoothly step over the fault line.
Start stepping over the line while you’re engaging the second target. This will allow you to pick up your trailing foot and keep shooting so the shots remain continual.
Drill Diagnostics
At the end of the drill, check your feet. Your stance should be solid and wide when you’ve finished moving. Don’t hop the fault line and end up with your feet close together in an unstable stance.
Keep those feet stepping softly so the body moves smoothly. Bouncing sights will send shots flying where you don’t want them to go.
Drill Author
Ben Stoeger
Ben Stoeger is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world shooting matches and teaching classes
Don't know what drills to run to meet your goals?
Try out a virtual training call to talk with Brian about shooting goals, training methods, and drills to best meet those goals.
Drill Environment
More Drill Modifications
Modifications to focus on: Conceal Carry
- Add walls to lean around - More info »
- Move through a door - More info »
- Start drills with something in your hand - More info »
- Start from a seated position - More info »
- Turn the lights out and use a flashlight - More info »
- Use a variety of your daily wear clothing - More info »
