Some Always in fashion match tips.

*Bring at least 150 rounds to all IDPA matches - You may not use it all, but you can use it next time.

*Try to learn at least one thing from each course of fire and work on that between matches.

*"COVER" yelled by the SO means get your butt behind cover! - Crouching down is the natural response, but it probably won't get you covered.

*Don't crowd cover! - Not only is it poor tactics, but it cramps your shooting, makes safety violations more probable and can induce gun malfunctions if cover is touched during the recoil cycle.

*Regulate your shooting speed - Shoot close targets fast and slow down for far targets.

*Regulate your foot speed - When moving from cover to cover, especially if not shooting, don't stroll, get there as fast as you can safely cover the open space.

*Practice getting on target fast - Work on dry-fire practice from the holster (remember to follow all gun safety rules) and strive to reduce your first shot times.

Shooting in Paris

In June of 2001, we ran a blind stage that was rather novel, our shooters shot as pairs. It was fun and challenging. As promised here are a few tips for shooting in pairs/teams.

Shooting as part of a team can be summed up in three words. Shoot, Move and Communicate. Work with your partner, be aware of their location, and tell them what you are doing, BEFORE you do it.

Remember, (especially us men) that communication is a TWO way street. If possible, it is usually beneficial to designate one person as the "commander", the person who will issue movement commands. "MOVE" or "MOVING" are very common in team use. The commander issues the command and the others in the team/pair respond back with the same command and the action commences.

Movement requires that both partners be aware of not only their position, but also their partners and where they and their partner are going to move. Think ahead of where you’re going, and let your partner know. You want to make sure to not point your firearm at your team members!!!

As for reloading, communication is essential here as well. Some people like to think up fancy things like “Red seventeen” to mean that they’re out of ammo and are reloading. Personally, keep it simple. "I’m out" or "Loading" works much better. I believe that the concerns over the bad guys hearing and rushing right at that moment are overrated. But as a precaution, if a team member is reloading and it is possible, get back into full cover and go to a soft focus so that you can see the member and the direction of the threat. ONLY one team member should be reloading at a time.

Soft Focus

What is Soft Focus? Soft Focus, in my opinion is a good tactic to have in your "toolbox". Loosely defined, it means that you lose precision focus and kind of zone out. Soft focus allows you to pick up movement and see a full 180 degrees. It has to be practiced so that you can rapidly gain a soft focus. That blank daydreaming stare is actually a good tactic!?! Well yes!

A few of the times where a soft focus are beneficial are:

1. Coming out from cover to the unknown.

2. Covering a partner that is reloading.

3. Moving to cover.

4. Anytime the threat direction is unknown.

5. Covering any wide area.

If you have a soft focus you can see a full 180 degrees, pick up any movement, and you will be able to identify threats fairly readily. As opposed to a focused scan, a soft focus is generally twice as fast and it iseasier to do while moving. It also keeps you from focusing on cover and ignoring your surroundings as you move.

Think about trying to use soft focus at your next match and see how it works out for you.