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What is the Designated Target Drill?
Designated Target is an excellent drill for improving transitions of varying angle distances.
The unique benefit of this drill is the variety. Randomly changing up target types and transition distances forces you to transition to the target rather than transition based on memory.
The Designated Target drill is great for live fire or dry fire. It is highly moldable and can be used in virtually any target array. In fact, this drill is generally done with mixed target arrays. The specific distances below are intended to provide a consistent base for par time reference.
Drill Setup
- 5 Targets at 7 yards
- 1 target straight ahead
- 2 targets 2 yards to each side
- 2 targets 2 yards from the other two targets
You’re highly encouraged to set up randomized arrays with varying target types and target distances, both laterally between targets and distance from you to the target.
Drill Steps
- All targets get two shots each.
- At the beep, draw and engaged the target in front of you.
- Transition to and engage the first target on the right, then back to engage the center target.
- Transition to and engage the first target on the left, then back to engage the center target.
- Transition to and engage the second target on the right, then back to engage the center target.
- Transition to and engage the second target on the left, then back to engage the center target.
The idea is to transition through all of the targets while returning to the center target each time.
Drill Modifications
- Change up the target type and target difficulty between reps. Variety of transition helps ensure fast transitions for any transition, instead of the same distance transitions.
- This drill is often run with no trigger pull – great for diagnosing under travel or over travel.
- If training with a buddy, this drill can turn into a mental processing drill. When your sights are moving back to the center target, the training partner calls out left or right and you must transition onto the next un-engaged target on that side.
Drill Tips
Leading with the eyes to the next target is critical with any transitions. As this is a transition drill, moving your sights to the next target and bringing your sights to where your eyes are is important. Don’t lock your eyes to the sights. The sights need to lead ahead of the gun and let the sights come back into the center of vision.
Since this drill includes more targets than most other dry fire drills, confirming your sights and being completely honest with yourself in dry fire is extra important.
Drill Diagnostics
Changing up the target type can help ensure that you’re transitioning based on what you see instead of transitioning based on muscle memory.
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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 »
