| Contrary to what mom always said (Get off your _ss and do your homework) it appears sitting on your butt is a bit more challenging than she originally thought. Alot of the newer guys struggle with trying to find a nice stable platform to shoot from so with that in mind we wrote a little primer on the basic FT positions and what makes a good solid position. The positions in order of stability are Prone, Sitting, Kneeling and Standing. Personally, i would never want to shoot against a prone shooter as prone means the guy isn't going to miss. I like to shoot well but i'm lazy too. As i get older it just doesn't seem to be worth the extra huffing and puffing to get up and down every lane. Besides there are a few good reasons why FT shooters largely don't shoot prone - The difficulty shooting upwards, we frequently have targets high up hills or in the trees. We have a 5 minute time limit at the National matches so changing positions within a "lane" would be time consuming and often the "shooters box" isn't amenable to the prone position (Think Temecula). FT shooters mostly shoot while sitting. When practiced the sitting position is very stable, offers a good range of fire, is fast to set up and is easily transitioned. Kneeling and standing are verstile and very fast positions to assume but lack the stability of sitting. |
| The Art of sitting on your A$$ |
| Most shooters use a cushion to sit on but a cushion changes your bodies geometry and can create instability when used improperly. As a general rule if you're using a harness try to minimize the cushion this will allow you to get your knee up higher thereby raising the gun. If you shoot without a harness try using a larger cushion (max 6") this will allow you to minimize use of the lower back muscles and allow you to roll forward into an easier position to hold. There are various holds that field target shooters use, some are more stable in one manner or another but limited in range, none are perfect and all have limitations, here are a few of the more popular. |
| The "one knee hold" is where the gun is placed on the left knee (for right handed people). Most shooters rest their right elbow on their right knee. This position is very stable, has excellent range of motion but requires good lower back muscles and a large clear area to sit in. If your butt goes below your feet you'll feel like you're about to fall backwards and the position is compromised. |
| Variation 1 - body facing the target. 
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| Variation 2 - Side facing the target  |
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| The less used but effective "two knee hold" is where the gun is placed across the left knee (for right handed people), their right elbow rest on their right knee while supporting the butt of the gun, feet are apart and the shooters side faces the target. Excellent stability, limited in range and requires a large flat clear area to sit in. Once again if your feet get above your butt you're in trouble. |
| The "traditional FT position" is where the feet are close together, crossed or touching, the left arm rest on the left knee and the right elbow rests on the right knee area. The gun rest upon shooters left elbow and the shooters side is towards the target. This position has very good stability, is suited to more varied terrains but has a limited range of fire especially upwards and can be uncomfortable for those with alot of table muscle. |
| Variation 1 - Shooter wraps their arms around their knees tightening their position and increasing their stability. Notice Frank has a towel wrapped around his elbow, it makes the gun slide easier and more consistant. It also offers a bit of cushion. |
| One of the easier positions is shooting off one knee unfortunately its not very stable. Stability could be increased if the shooters left elbow was supported. Excellent range of motion, Excellent at variable terrain, easy position to shoot from but not very stable. |
| Traditional Kneeling Position - Buttocks clear of the ground, but may rest on one foot. The rifle will be supported by both hands and one shoulder only. The arm supporting the rifle rests on the knee or leg. The hand must not be supported forward of the wrist joint, the hand must be capable of flexion and extension. The elbow of the trigger arm will be free from all support. One knee must be touching the ground, though a small pad is allowed. A roll may be placed under the instep. |
| Traditional Prone position - Body extended on the ground, head toward the target. The rifle will be supported by both hands and one shoulder only. No portion of the arms below the elbows shall rest upon the ground or any artificial support, nor may any portion of the rifle or body rest against any artificial support. Definition- The Ground-All references to ''the ground'' in the following position
Rules are to be construed as applying to the surface of the firing point, floor,
or shooting mats, and platforms as are customarily used on shooting ranges.
Artificial Support-Any supporting surface except the ground not
specifically authorized for use in the Rules for the position prescribed. Digging
of elbow or heel holes at the firing points which form artificial support for the
elbows, arms, or legs is prohibited. Use of artificial support, including back
braces, is prohibited except as individually authorized for a physically
handicapped shooter. Position of Rifle Butt- In all positions, except standing,
the butt of the rifle must be held against the front of the shoulder on the outside
of the shooting coat or shirt and must not touch the ground.
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| Practice your shooting positions. When you find a nice comfortable position practice, practice, practice. -
Try to rest the gun in "supported" positions, the gun should rest on your bodies structures which allow the weight to go directly to the ground. The easiest way is to brace yourself across your knees or stack the gun on top of your knees. -
If stability is a problem, you might try a harness. A harness is easier to shoot and you will add a few points to your score but its not really necessary. Unstrapped shooters have ruled Diablo for years. (Frank B, Greg T and Scott R) -
It is essential that your position be relaxed. If you are straining to hold position, something is wrong and the shot will be affected. Bring your gun to you, do not take on uncomfortable positions; try adding a new pad or raising your gun/scope up higher. -
Use your " Natural point of aim" - One simple approach to finding the correct position of your body is to aim, close your eyes for about 15 seconds; your aiming point should now be almost exactly the same as before -- if not, move your whole body to adjust and try again until this works. -
Pulling the trigger - Control your breathing. Take 1 or 2 breaths, let it out. Take another breath, let it out 3/4 way, stop and squeeze. -
Follow through - Keep on your eye on the target for an extra second after you pull the trigger. |