In this episode of Field Target Tech, I describe the proper techniques for the offhand position for Field Target competitors.
Field Target Tech Channel Episode I4 Basic Offhand Techniques for Field Target C
- Thread starter Xbowsniper
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Quality info, appreciated a couple of things- I like that you can handle a rifle and not rest your finger on the trigger- no. 1 pet peeve of mine.
If we handle our rifles without touching the trigger until ready to shoot, we are so much safer. Kudo's for making it look natural.
Natural point of aim- get into your position and look through the scope- Does it naturally point to the kill zone? If not, move your body, not the rile. Close your eyes, open them- are you still on target? Move your body. I shoot 10 meter and change my feet over the 10 targets- Natural point of aim is critical.
I might have missed this part, but your inclusion of bringing the rifle to your eye, and not the eye to the rifle is part of centering your body over your feet, with a comfortable spread. Using an arrow from the center top of the head, down through the spine and in between the feet, there should be an imaginary, straight line where possible.
I instruct for the NRA and 4H, and as you so correctly mentioned, everyone is built differently. The goal is to center the gravitational pull of the rifle through as much bone in your body as possible, regardless of position-
I think this video is important in many ways- a fitted gun will shoot much better than one you like for the looks. Magnification can be your friend or your enemy, depending on the day.
Digestion is important, particularity as we grow older. Being too full or too hungry will impact your steadiness- experiment with small snacks between stations (with clean hands !!) but recognize its better to be a little hungry than a little too full- your body has to work to digest while you're working to support the rifle. Try to stand still after a big meal- you will naturally sway if you don't concentrate.
Foot wear is super important. I wear boots- kneeling is more solid and getting a purchase in gravel or dirt off hand is simpler.
Other clothing issues- shirt too tight? Sleeve pulling when you are at your natural point of aim?
Great topic, lots of things still to learn. Experiment, practice (you don't need a range to work on your technique) and prepare before entering the target station- brilliant advice!
If we handle our rifles without touching the trigger until ready to shoot, we are so much safer. Kudo's for making it look natural.
Natural point of aim- get into your position and look through the scope- Does it naturally point to the kill zone? If not, move your body, not the rile. Close your eyes, open them- are you still on target? Move your body. I shoot 10 meter and change my feet over the 10 targets- Natural point of aim is critical.
I might have missed this part, but your inclusion of bringing the rifle to your eye, and not the eye to the rifle is part of centering your body over your feet, with a comfortable spread. Using an arrow from the center top of the head, down through the spine and in between the feet, there should be an imaginary, straight line where possible.
I instruct for the NRA and 4H, and as you so correctly mentioned, everyone is built differently. The goal is to center the gravitational pull of the rifle through as much bone in your body as possible, regardless of position-
I think this video is important in many ways- a fitted gun will shoot much better than one you like for the looks. Magnification can be your friend or your enemy, depending on the day.
Digestion is important, particularity as we grow older. Being too full or too hungry will impact your steadiness- experiment with small snacks between stations (with clean hands !!) but recognize its better to be a little hungry than a little too full- your body has to work to digest while you're working to support the rifle. Try to stand still after a big meal- you will naturally sway if you don't concentrate.
Foot wear is super important. I wear boots- kneeling is more solid and getting a purchase in gravel or dirt off hand is simpler.
Other clothing issues- shirt too tight? Sleeve pulling when you are at your natural point of aim?
Great topic, lots of things still to learn. Experiment, practice (you don't need a range to work on your technique) and prepare before entering the target station- brilliant advice!
Upvote 0
Oak,
Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for the additional information. I didn't want to get too technical, because it would've made it too lengthy, and now I can, and you as well (you seem more than qualified to add to this thread) answer other shooters questions.
I didn't get into the footwear thing too much, just figured that most shooters wear what is comfortable and practical, given whatever conditions are tackled.
I tend to not use boots as you suggested, due to the reason of my smallbore training years ago. We weren't allowed to wear any shoe/boot that covered the anklebone in any way, thus a habit I never brought over to Field Target. It's actually illegal in my crossbow competitions as well.
I will probably do another detailed video at my home range, I'll have more room to demonstrate properly, cramped apartment just don't cut it. I'll have to do one on kneeling as well.
As long as some shooters, particularly beginners, can get something useful out of my videos, I'll keep them going.
Thanks again, and good additional information on the offhand mechanics.
Tom Holland
Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for the additional information. I didn't want to get too technical, because it would've made it too lengthy, and now I can, and you as well (you seem more than qualified to add to this thread) answer other shooters questions.
I didn't get into the footwear thing too much, just figured that most shooters wear what is comfortable and practical, given whatever conditions are tackled.
I tend to not use boots as you suggested, due to the reason of my smallbore training years ago. We weren't allowed to wear any shoe/boot that covered the anklebone in any way, thus a habit I never brought over to Field Target. It's actually illegal in my crossbow competitions as well.
I will probably do another detailed video at my home range, I'll have more room to demonstrate properly, cramped apartment just don't cut it. I'll have to do one on kneeling as well.
As long as some shooters, particularly beginners, can get something useful out of my videos, I'll keep them going.
Thanks again, and good additional information on the offhand mechanics.
Tom Holland
Upvote 0
Appreciate the insight on footwear, didn't think about possible "foot faults".
If the shoe fits???
Anyway, keep up the good video work, and we are all looking forward to the next one!
If the shoe fits???
Anyway, keep up the good video work, and we are all looking forward to the next one!
Upvote 0
Mobilemail,
Thank you very much, and you are welcome. If I can help even a handful of people with FT questions or issues, it's well worth it. In the long run, it will grow our sport, and further some thought and innovation.
Thanks again,
Tom Holland
Thank you very much, and you are welcome. If I can help even a handful of people with FT questions or issues, it's well worth it. In the long run, it will grow our sport, and further some thought and innovation.
Thanks again,
Tom Holland
Upvote 0