Written by Richard Dockery, January 2022.
I have been watching videos of people training to shoot & move, or practicing on their own, and came to the realization that too often we train or practice something without thinking through the “why” component…which guides the “what” we are doing. When the “why” gets lost, the “what” tends to morph to something that doesnt always solve the problem or meet the need….so lets talk about movement and the “why”, as well as what we should be doing.
We all know the higher level purpose of moving when attacked….that being we dont want to get shot, and we do want to gain an advantage over our opponent. There are different types of movement, with different and overlapping purposes. We have the “turn and run away”, we have the “run to cover”, and we have the “caught in the open” approaches to staying alive.
“Turn and Run Away”. This is the most desireable when possible, as it avoids exchanging shots with an attacker, and is the easiest. Get out of Dodge, call the police, stay alive. We already know how to do this and it may be the one that comes most naturally! Avoiding a gunfight is always first choice.
“Run to Cover”. If we cant get away we at least want to get behnd something that has the potential to stop a bullet. Solid structures. Find a place that will not only provide concelament, but will protect us from getting shot, buy us time to call for help, and enable us to return fire if necessary while minimizing our chance of getting shot. Our best choice if we can’t get away.
“Caught in the Open”. This is the most precarious, and the most important to master as more times than not, we dont have the option of running away or running to cover. Why? Because attacks happen quickly, at the time and place chosen by the attacker and not by the victim. Running anywhere is not an option, but moving is a necessity! We never want to stand still and allow our attacker the advantage. Lets look at our options…and the “why”
Movement doesnt have to be extensive to be effective. Small movements, as simple as a step or two to the side, can not only disrupt our attacker, but can get us out of the direct line of fire, buying us time and space to take action, enabling us to survive the attack. In any confrontation our mind follows a pattern called the “OODA” loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act). There is much written on this and many sources to understand it further. How it applies to us involves the disruption of this process.
Movement as small as a single step to the side can have a disruptive effect on the attackers “OODA loop”. The disruption is very short lived, and fast, but it provides opportunity for us to draw and fire. Its a “Blip in their Matrix” so to speak. So now that we know to move, the next important component is “where” we move, because not all movement is equal.
If you have ever studied under Pat MacNamara (if you dont know who he is, look him up…he is an amazing trainer), you will know that 93% of the world is Right handed. This come into play in many aspects of training, but what it means in moving in the face of the attacker is that we need to make our initial movement to the Left! Why left? The reason has to do with shooting under pressure, as well as the amount of training someone has had. New shooters, untrained shooters (and even sometimes experienced shooters who are fatigued) will be “heavy” on the trigger. Heavy means pulling it hard and fast. When someone yanks on their trigger …and they are right handed…the shot will almost Always go low and left. This means if you are the intended target, facing the attacker, the bullets will be flying low and to your right. Moving to your right will put you more inline with the path of the attackers bullet 93% of the time. Play the odds and move to the Left! Even if it is a single step or two. Disrupt the Loop and step out of the line of fire while simultaneously drawing your firearm and stopping the attacker.
In addition to the correct ways to move, there are also incorrect ways that can actually increase your risk of getting shot. Many of these are developed by those who train to shoot for score, and not necessarily to survive. Competition shooting can be great practice, but too often the techniques that mean success in a match, can mean failure in a fight.
Sound complicated?…it can be, but it can also be simplified with proper training and practice. This is just one of the many techniques you will learn in Femme Fatale ARMS and Training’s Skill-Builder curriculum. You will learn to shoot amd move smooth and fast, enabling you to not only survive, but dominate an armed confrontation.
Femme Fatale ARMS & Training is a woman-owned business that provides education and support to an over victimized and underserved segment of our population. We have programs to build confidence and skill without the intimidating aspects that tend to exist elsewhere in this industry. Our goal is customer satisfaction and loyalty. We’d appreciate an opportunity to show you how we are different, yet still, help you to accomplish your education and safety goals.
Femme Fatale Arms & Training is located at 4270 Minton Rd #107 in
West Melbourne, Florida 32904 ????We are open Mon-Sat 11 AM to 6 PM
Call us with questions at (321) 327-3790 or visit FemmeFataleArms.com for more info today.
