By Brian C. Hartman
We’re all intimately aware of the challenges to keep training realistic, applicable, and affordable while operating within the physical confines and limitations of our shooting facilities.
Here at the New York Tactical Officers Association, we’re big fans of a drill that that can be performed on virtually any simple square range, and allow operators to push themselves with a dizzying number of variations. We call it the Running Box.
Start with a single target center range. Then at approximately four to five meters away place two barrels or cones on line plus two more at around the ten-meter line creating a symmetrical box centered on the exposed face of the threat.
The goal is simple: moving clockwise, conduct one lap of the perimeter of the box (without stopping), engaging the threat with two rounds center mass on each side of the box.
From the outset, we typically see hideous footwork, loss of spatial awareness (the drunken sailor walk), operators stopping to engage and flat out misses. Hopefully, the drill will illustrate the need for training in bilateral shooting, as well as movement that delves beyond the traditional and unrealistic, forward, forward, forward.
The greatest part is the competitive aspect this lends itself to. Put operators on the clock to see who can safely complete laps the quickest… by the way, any rounds outside of the vitals are an automatic DQ.
Here are a few variations that should keep you busy until spring.
• Variation 2: Go counter-clockwise
• Variation 3: Two rounds center mass while moving laterally, heads shots while moving forward and back
• Variation 4: Set up each others long guns to go empty halfway through the evolution forcing a transition
• Variation 5: Do 25 Pushups and a 100 meter sprint before entering the box, with head shots only
• Variation 6: Rearrange the barrels making the box into odd shapes such as triangles, diamonds, or trapezoids
Stay safe and enjoy!
