Stance tips

[decon117]

Thanks for posting these videos. Could you make some videos that give some tips on rifle shooting? (different grips, stances and positions, all the good stuff)

[ipsilont7]

Call a cease fire, and re-do the video

[4my4mykaren]

very useful! thank you so much!!

[file83]

3:07 silencer?

[bobbert890]

when i shoot people stair at me

[sotemot]

This really is an eye opener to a newbie. Thanks.

[eproxy100]

Hi coach. I'm shooting with my elbows bent, knees bent, and my body leaning forward but the recoil still rocks my body back. Is it possible that my elbows are too tense even when they're not straightened out?

[qbeck11]

Thanks for the tips ^^

A bit hard to hear at some parts but it's easy to fill in the blanks

[boopboopbellybutton]

I lol'd at 0:53

[chios1958]

Coach, Thank you for the information. Your tips have greatly improved my accuracy. Thanks for taking the time to put these on youtube.

[greiver179]

Isnt the rigid stance safer? Like if you relax to much the gun recoil may make the gun hit you face..like all those videos with people getting hit by the backside of the gun?

Srry newb only shoot once in my life

[shootingcoach]

@greiver179 Absolutely not! When things like that happen, the person shooting or the person teaching them how to shoot is a moron. The key word is "neutrality", you exert that same amount of force that the gun does.

[greiver179]

@shootingcoach What do you do when you don't know how strong the force against you is going to be? Should i apply bit more power to my elbows while relaxing withthe rest of my body?

[Justin28082]

1:33 into the video a bullet ricocheted. Just wondering if anyone heard that.

[Blody1337]

Nice videos keep up the fire. 

[spacecadet980]

Great... however I do have a question. the natural/neutral stance may be the prefered, but your body is wide open. Your core is wide open. this makes it easier for someone that maybe return shots a better chance of you being hit in a vital area.

I can see for compition, it may be advantage, but I do question about it in a real life shot situation.

Can you explain a little further?

Thanks

[shootingcoach]

This stance isbetter in every situation. With a Weaver stance, you are in a "stance". That means that you shoot with your body in a certain position. With a natural/neutral stance, it doesn't matter what position your body (feet, legs, hips, etc.) is in you are still shooting the same way. That is when a stance becomes not a stance which I only cover in personal instruction. While some may argue that blading your body to the target is better, there is no empirical evidence to support it.

[shootingcoach]

@spacecadet980 Furthermore, for those who wear body armor it is definitely worse to turn your weakly protected side to the target when you have all that wonderful armor in the front. Additionally, statistically the person who hits their target first wins more than 75% of the time. Therefore it is of paramount importance that you use a method that first and foremost enables you to hit the target quickly under all conditions. What is better than the way your body wants to work naturally?

[shootingcoach]

Lastly, in many civilian shootings, you will more than likely be firing one handed. So again, your method and training should take that into account.

[Primal67060]

@shootingcoach Thats right! Because if your seeking someone, say in your home, you may have to open door's requiring the other hand and if someone happens to be on the other side in an instant stress fire situation you won't have time to react and place the other hand back on the gun for a full two handed control.

[OCofthe3]

@spacecadet980 You never want to have your side to an armed opponent. If you take a bullet in your side, it has a much higher chance of hitting multiple vital organs with one shot. Think about it, if you have your side toward your opponent and you take a bullet near your arm pit, its going to go though both lungs and your heart. If your facing your opponent and you take one at the same height, maybe one lung could get hit.

[Bobster986]

If I was Arnold Swartzanagger, I would be promoting legislation to have you gun rights removed all together! Great video! Keep up the good work!

[cbtengineersparkie]

Something interesting I found about this video (as a very inexperienced shooter) is that when I very first shot a pistol I had that whole side stance movie thing going. Then I went to the range with my local police station and they showed me your stance there. My accuracy was immediately improved. I thought that it was the fact that I was able to put more muscle behind. After watching the video in retrospect I can see that it was my body's ability to absorb and control the recoil much better.

[MrTopgun5150]

What you are showing here will almost always short cycle a poly frame pistol then your screwed.

[shootingcoach]

@MrTopgun5150 Don't know where you get your info from, but that is absolutely untrue. I shoot all different models of Glocks, XDs and every other handgun the same way. There are no issues with short cycling. Short cycling is caused by improper grip. it has nothing to do with stance.

[MrTopgun5150]

@shootingcoach I didn't say anything about your "stance". All that is, is that cop shoot crap so they don't catch a bullet up the armpit. It's not comfortable and nobody likes it. So i'm gonna give you what everybody on YT used to give me when I gave advice. "Stance and caliber and weapon choice DONT MATTER, it's whatever makes you comfortable" I don't believe that crap either, but I stopped giving advise, just make vids of shooting now. TG

[shootingcoach]

@MrTopgun5150 You are certainly free to give whatever advice you want just as I am free to heed or ignore it. But, I can assure you that your original contention about poly framed pistols is untrue. All of the top shooters in the world (Leatham, Enos, Jarrett, etc) all use the same method without any problem. While one can say that there isn't one right way to do something, it is also true that there is a best way. This is the most efficient method to employ a firearm.

[MrTopgun5150]

@shootingcoach Just do your thing man.

[SHaywoodarmy]

I have been attempting this stance and receiving flak from my buddies who all swear by the weaver. If nothing else, using this stance has caused me to practice more and do more dry firing so that I make sure that I shoot better than they do. It's hard to make fun of my stance when I hit all my targets quicker than the weaverites.

[flemingjim1953]

Never mind Coach, I've found your site, it told me... I'm waaay back east in PA. Thanks but sorry, I can't drive that far for training unless I take several days vacation.

[flemingjim1953]

Coach I've got to ask you a question, sort of professional/personal...

It looks like, from the background, you're out west somewhere. Are you a professional trainer, if so where is your training academy? As in what state...?

[bigrynoMY]

nice tip! I have two bad knees now and can't explode to a different position as before. the natural stance works best also in shooting on the move, as long as both feet are on the ground, you'll have stability.

[mMAmericanSpiritMm]

OK! just watched all of your vids and am very impressed! its easy to tell you are a pro. I can't wait to start practicing all of these tips/drills.

[aroguegurklis]

Is what you're referring to as a "natural stance" the same thing as the so-called isosceles stance, or are there differences between the two? Thanks for the video.

[bigdrm8404]

Way to keep shooting while he's trying to make an instructional video assholes in the back

[jfinfan830]

are you aware of any shooting schools in CT. I have been shooting since i was 8 and am now 20 but there is always room for improvement

[raptorman2666]

What your calling a "natural" stance, looks a lot like a "weaver" stance. Which is good , however you also give the perp a larger target if he has a firearm. Thats why the "tight" stance or "tactical type" is also used, yeah it hinders your movement slightly, but you're a smaller target from the side. Either has its benefits and disadvantages. Good video tho.

[shootingcoach]

@raptorman2666

Actually the Weaver is quite different. Weaver uses isometric tension (ie push-pull). It is not as efficient as a natural stance. Actually, the most advanced schools have gotten away from blading toward the target. It exposes the area that is vulnerable in your body armor and offers only disadvantages, not advantages.

[MrAsundstrom]

@raptorman2666 I am an ER nurse, and alot of gunshot wounds to the peripheral area involve damage to multiple organs, however; if you square off to the target, and face the threat, then any wound you receive will damage fewer organs.

[Mr2wings]

excellent advise. 

[m16mang]

Hello from Dakine425! :D

[s8nv2]

I use a weaver because it feels a lot more natural to me than any other stance. The whole issue of recoil pushing your upper body back isn't an issue with me. The only time it really happens is when I'm shooting something heavier caliber/gauge such as a 12ga slug. I notice my upper body being pushed back sometimes. But I just have to keep a little more weight forward. Keep in mind I'm not the largest guy out their either 5'8 - and closer to 150lbs since my accident.

[shootingcoach]

@s8nv2

Actually it does push your body back. It happens very quickly. If the Weaver stance were so good, all of the top shooters in the world would be using it. None do. They all use some variation of this stance. Ask any fighter if the body performs better when relaxed or tense. Tension is the enemy of fluidity and the Weaver stance relies on tension. Just because something feels natural doesn't mean it is the best way.

[s8nv2]

@shootingcoach I'd agree with you to a certain degree. At the same time we're all built different as far body types, weight, height, overall strength, etc. To say a shooting stance is "correct" is completely closed minded. I'm not saying you are closed minded per-say, I'm saying in general. I've know plenty of shooters that do things that don't translate to what everyone else does, but it *works* for them.

[shootingcoach]

@s8nv2

Works for me is a copout. It can be used to justify anything. Again, to a man the top practical shooters in the world use this stance. There is reason for that. While it is correct to say that there is more than one way to do things, it is incorrect to say that there isn't one best way. I would bet that non of the plenty of shooters you mention are world class shooters either.

[jpaulatienza]

thanks so much. ive learned a lot from your videos... Im a new gun owner from the philippines... mabuhay

[jpaulatienza]

thanks so much. ive learned a lot from your videos... Im a new gun owner from the philippines... mabuhay

[darkangel2327]

Your techniques make sense.

[Kooly1]

I'm glad I saw this video. At the range I was shooting with arms straight out flat. My arms get tired extremely fast and I feel the recoil a lot. Thanks for the video, good tips.

[clg315]

thanks a lot. i have been doing the rigid hard stance for so many competitions. so maybe this is the reason why i have not improve in my scores. i will have to do the natural/neutral stance the next time i compete.

[Trebor998]

Great tips Coach!

[wannabeserpento99]

but if u move and shoot its easier to use the first stance thing, right???

[SHUNT311]

60/40 push pull method provides more stability, I have used all and to me once you get use to the push pull it is the most accreate. I also would like to say I do not lock my strong arm, I bend my elbow while using this method. Everyones different.

[shootingcoach]

The best at what they do do it for a reason. If you look at all of the top shooters in the world, they use a variation of this method. That's because it's the most efficient way. Saying "everyone is different" is just a way to rationalize not changing. If the old push-pull method was better, all the top shooters would be using it, none do.

[SHUNT311]

Ya, I see its many flaws now after watching your videos. Im gonna use your method If you dont mind. Its alot more efficient. I have seen alot of so called experts trying to explain stances and you are by far as real as they come. You make alot of good points. I am gonna hit the range soon to use what you have taught me. Im dead sure it will prove to be the best choice. Thank you

[AcesEights762]

i like to do "after action" drills. in these drills you train yourself to scan for additional targets after you have finished shooting. Usually it goes left to right with muzzle-eyes (or sights-eyes) then a quick glance over each shoulder. This will get your eyes moving and awareness up. You can do many variations depending on your situation. It should become part of your process every time you shoot. This will make you safer, alert, and more effective.

[gwynn1975]

@AcesEights762

But that wasn't the point of this video was it? All Coach is talking about is the stance.. he never even fired shot, so why would he scan "after" a shot? Lets stay on topic

[Guyya93]

ive used the push/pull method for so long that it feels natural to me now lol

[SHUNT311]

to me the best way to go, helps control muzzle climb better. 40/60 push pull.

[Guyya93]

yea it definately helps lol and it also helpes the sights to stay steadier.... but if theres too much push/pull then the gun wobbles too much and you cant hit crap.... you gotta find a happy medium

[SHUNT311]

Your right, Im more of a long arm shooter but damn good with a handgun. I know this will improve me in many ways. Coach is the best, I learned alot from these videos.

[VasiliVikos]

Hey Coach,

I was at the range with a Glock 17 and I found that when I took a "relaxed" arm stance, the gun would jam. When I kept a ridget arm stance and I found it didn't jam. Any tips?

[shootingcoach]

Yes: keep your wrists firm and your elbows relaxed.

[navman88]

@shootingcoach I was under the impression that that was caused by the wrist being limp or relaxed? I've heard about glocks doing that fortunately never witnessed it.

[rickg156]

i find the ridget stance is acurrate

[Chad3098]

looks like 29 plams

[bennjill]

I've got a question too. I understand gunsite teaches shooters to use the weaver stance. Their reasoning is that it incorporates more body muscle than an isosceles stance. They say isosceles works great for guys with a lot of upper body strength. What do you think? I've only recieved NRA training, and I wasn't taught to push with one pull with one for a weaver stance. I personally am more comfortable and have more dynamic body movement in a weaver but am more accurate in isosceles.

[shootingcoach]

I think the video explains what I think about the Weaver stance rather well. I originally learned to shoot Weaver then changed. This isn't really an isoceles stance either though. It is a natural neutral stance. Like so many other things, look at what the best do. Every one of the top shooters use some variation of this, not Weaver.

[RhythmSec88]

great video!! i was reading the comments..what does LE stand for?

[xmustanguyx]

Law Enforcement.

[101heaters101]

LAW ENFORCEMENT

[DaOneAndOnly3]

Professionals know how to do things best because they practice and practice. Just as someone would shoot a basketball the way an NBA player would, someone shooting would use the same method as Military and LE operators.

[combatl1]

PPS. Would be great if you could comment on the stances seen in this short youtube video. watch?v=55zawUndP50 Ill get back to my armchair assessment of other videos now, thanks.

[combatl1]

PS. I can be relaxed and let the recoil return the sights to target from weaver without problem, so why do you equate weaver to being rigid? I can be rigid from isosceles too, if I tense all my mussels and choose to shoot that way.

[shootingcoach]

Not if you're using a correct Weaver stance. The Weaver stance employs isometric tension (pull w/one hand, push w/the other). You can't push or pull with relaxed arms. Again, that is why this is called a "natural" stance, not isosceles.

[combatl1]

Relaxed natural stance. Got ya.

[combatl1]

. I think each shooter can be given solid ideas but must ultimately find his or her own form within a wider frame work than just the isosceles stance. Different courses for different horses and all that. I think if you were to look at SF or swat training in kill house training, they will use isosceles and weaver and variations in between, depending on what ever they are confronted with at the time and whatever works for them in the best and fastest way at the time.

[shootingcoach]

While there isn't only one way, there is a best way. If you look at the best shooters, they all use some variation of this. Thousands of LE agencies and all of the SPECOPS units have paid big bucks to learn these techniques. That's because they realize that this is the most effective technique.

[combatl1]

I think that basics and fundamentals cant be compromised, but like a golf swing, there is no absolute right or wrong way you do what works for you. You may disagree, but that is my opinion.

[combatl1]

In combat you should be fully aware of 360 degrees around you at all times (and the isosceles wouldnt feel as solid or comfortable as the weaver or modified weaver to me). You try to demonstrate that you can more easily go to 90 degrees with the isosceles better than weaver, but I can go to 180 and back in less than a second from weaver, pivoting on the balls of my feet or heels, depending on direction and terrain, and feel far more comfortable and solid doing so.

[shootingcoach]

It's simple physics, you can pivot at the waist faster than you can move your feet regardless of what stance you use.

[combatl1]

You cant pivot at the waist 180 degres to check behind you with out moving your legs iether I think you missed my point.

[combatl1]

Good videos, and well explained, but I too dont like your insisting on the isosceles stance as being the best. I concur with what kingnereli has basically said. You and others may have found that it is the best and fastest competition stance, but combat stance? Perhaps it is even the best LE stance, because generally speaking, in LE circumstances, you have to deal with what (who) is directly in front of you.

[shootingcoach]

First, it isn't an "isosceles" stance. Secondly, the stance that allows you to engage the target in the quickest most efficient manner is the best stance. Your body works best when it is relaxed. Besides, fast is fast regardless of whether it is in "combat" or competition. You obviously have little LE experience if you make the assumption that you only have to deal with what is directly in front of you.

[combatl1]

Correct, I have little LE experience, but I did not and do not make that assumption I said generally speaking meaning, I think that 'most' of the times an LE officer would have to draw a pistol, he or she would be concerned mainly (practically only), with the target in front and not overly concerned about dangers from the flanks or behind. Do you disagree with that statement?

[kingnereli]

Isosceles is good for competition but is not a good combat stance. It is more important to not get shot then to shoot the bad guy. You also make the false assumption that you must be unnecessarily tense in a weaver or modified weaver stance. You should make the clarification that you are talking about competition shooting.

[shootingcoach]

A natural, relaxed stance is the best regardless of the setting. To claim otherwise is akin to saying that be able to hit the target in the quickest, most efficient manner is not desirable in "combat". I make the "assumption" about the Weaver stance because I was taught it by him and his contemporaries.

[adepsa]

boxing stance, yeah!

[RusselBertrand]

do these stance tips go for revolvers as well?

[telliottmb]

yes

[DaOneAndOnly3]

Pardon me, I didn't realize MrMonkeyLint stated the exact same thing. Better to hear it from more than one person I guess.

[Glass232499]

I don't disagree but you would admit that a natural stance provides 2 times the target area for return fire?

[DaOneAndOnly3]

Yes, but if your wearing plates or soft armor that's the best stance. God forbid you get shot you want it to hit you dead center in the plate instead of under your armpit for instance, or at an awkward angle. You are very correct though it makes you pretty easy to hit.

[Diabolos1]

Even if not wearing body armour, getting hit under your armpit will be a lot more devastating than getting hit in your stomach for example. You might survive a gut shot, but getting shot through both lungs and maybe a kidney will surely kill you almost instantly. This video makes a lot of sense. Don't try to be like John McClane of the Die Hard film series. :-)

[shootingcoach]

You could argue that, but it is irrelevant. That argument is based on the assumption that it makes you easier to hit. There are several other factors that contribute just as much or more to that: opponent's skill, distance, lighting, state of mind, etc.. The best way to insure your survival is to hit your target first and often. The system that enables you to do that the most efficiently is the one to use.

[retroflow44]

Good! I was wondering how I was to be expected to be so relaxed when a suspect is trying to inflict grievous bodily-harm or kill. :) I've actually had extensive professional training for armed-duty so, I'm good in my techniques there.

Still, this is a good tutorial for the novice/basic shooter. Practice, practice practice is the best way to go. Learn what works, what doesn't. Train for everything.Try kneeling or prone positions that you may be in, while taking cover of if you fall.

[KB3MMX]

Great video for those learning how to shoot ! This video illustrateds the most common stance of professional shooters.

[VulcanMarine]

Your videos are very helpful, thanks for taking the time to make them.

[esh325]

Is putting your left foot infront your right make you a better a shot? I always do it but I'm wondering should I stop doing it.

[Highball1911]

great video, but I did raise my head when ya swung the muzzle at the camera ( 2:20) ...it was on a tripod right? ; )

[bullittmcqueen]

you'll notice he cleared the pistol as soon as he pulled it from the holster

[TamaDrummer0]

Very cool. It helped me. Thanks!

[PitPat23]

i thought you were supposed to stand obliquely? to avoid being a target. thnx

[MrMonkeyLint]

These days the tactics are built around wearing body armor. With the torso perpendicular to the threat, the armor plate is in position to stop any hits.

Exposing the oblique side to the treat will make the shooter vulnerable from the weakest armor presentation, and risk taking a round through the armpit, where the heart and both lungs are in line to be hit.

[Weazell]

makes sense

[maximusmarine]

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! 3 round burst.

[Wolfe1944]

Subscribed.

Very helpful video. Thank you. :)

[dlvmark]

Great as always! Only now I have to relearn to shoot. Yee ha! I now have an excuse to shoot more, shoot more often

[ecupartyman06]

gotta practice soon

[Cab0cl0]

Nice.

[TheSakeOfGod]

Thanks!