Trigger Control at Speed

Instill a smooth trigger pull, even when pushing speed.

What is the Trigger Control at Speed Drill?

Practical pistol shooting is all about finding the balance between speed and accuracy – doesn’t matter if it is defensive or competition pistol shooting. We need to be able to pull the trigger quickly but not disturb the sights.

Trigger Control at Speed is ask skill isolation drill working on getting a smooth trigger pull while still maintaining speed. And it is really that simple. Pull the trigger with speed, but maintain control.

A great dry fire drill to pair with this is the Trigger Reset at Speed Drill, especially if Trigger Control at Speed is getting easy.

How to Setup

Drill Setup

  • 1 Target at 7 yards
  • Start position: Sights on target, finger on side of the pistol frame
  • 2 shots required
How to Dry Fire

Drill Steps

  1. At the beep, pull the trigger as quickly as possible and engage the target with two shots
How to Mod

Drill Modifications

  • Don’t have any target on the wall at all – only watch the sights to see if they move.
  • Start at the low ready.
  • Use a far/difficult target. Headbox targets are great for this.

Video Explanation


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Video demo and explanation of Trigger Control at Speed

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Video demo and explanation of Trigger Control at Speed

Drill Tips

If you’re struggling with a smooth trigger pull, start by placing your finger so it is just touching the trigger without pulling it – and running the drill. Then move the finger just off the trigger and run the drill for a bit. Slowly move your finger further and further until it gets to the frame. Trigger Control at Speed is a drill that builds on itself.


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Drill Diagnostics

Pay close attention to the sights the moment the shot breaks. Do the sights dip? Yank down? A good trigger pull means the sights don’t bounce at all, even if pulling the trigger at max speed.


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Drill Environment

More Drill Modifications

Modifications to focus on: Conceal Carry

Modifications to focus on: General Modifications

Modifications to focus on: Movement

Modifications to focus on: Push Speed

  • Broaden what is considered “acceptable accuracy” - More info »
  • Decrease the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Increase the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Move targets closer - More info »
  • Put a black dot on the main point of aim on the target - More info »

Modifications to focus on: Tighten Accuracy

Modifications to focus on: Transitions

  • Decrease the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Don’t pull the trigger during transitions - More info »
  • Increase the distance laterally between targets - More info »
  • Transition from outside targets of an array and work inwards - More info »

Further Training with:

, ,

Trigger Reset at Speed

Improve trigger speed and quality for multiple shots.

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