Don’t count on shooting defensively to be like shooting on a static range. Here are some tips on shooting from non-traditional positions.
You probably learned to shoot from a standing position. Since most people are comfortable standing, this position enables the shooter to focus on shooting, as opposed to settling into a kneeling, seated, prone or supine position. Standing is your best bet in many scenarios because it affords you freedom of movement. However, there are times when shooting from a different position would be beneficial to maximize available cover, make yourself a smaller target, fire more accurately, or fight your way back to your feet if you’ve been knocked down or have fallen.
Keep in mind, the lower the position, the greater stability and less mobility you have. One position that strikes a good balance in that regard is often referred to as high kneeling. To achieve a high kneeling position, you can either take a step forward with one leg or slide one leg back then lower yourself to your knee. The ball of the foot you’re kneeling on should be on the ground. This will enable you to get back to a standing position much more easily than if the top of your foot were in contact with the ground. Your legs should form an approximate 90-degree angle for steadiness.
The upper body mechanics of shooting from high kneeling are identical to shooting while standing. This position enables you to present less of a target to your adversary, alter your angle of fire, and maximize the benefit of a low piece of cover. It’s best to kneel on your left knee when shooting around a right corner and vice-versa. This will keep you from losing balance and falling out from behind cover. You can also assume a high kneeling position with both knees on the ground.
By Richard Nance
