The only way to know if you are getting better at your craft is if you have a constant feedback loop that lets you know how well or how bad you are doing. Live-fire training provides valuable real-world experience, but its cost and logistical limitations often hinder frequent practice, and not many systems are designed to measure your performance when you use live ammunition.
The Strikeman laser firearm training system offers a safe and accessible alternative with immediate feedback using the interactive Strikeman target system.
In this article, we discuss the best ways to maximize the feedback you receive from your Strikeman target, transforming your dry-fire practice into a targeted and effective training experience.
Understanding the Strikeman Target System
The Strikeman Target System uses laser technology to register your shot placement on real-life targets via the Strikeman App installed on your smartphone or tablet. This instant feedback allows you to analyze your accuracy, identify areas of improvement, and refine your technique in real time.
While the basic functionality of registering shot placement is a crucial part of the laser-based dry-firing process, maximizing feedback from your Strikeman Targets involves understanding the capabilities of your Dry-Fire Training System and employing specific techniques.
Unlocking Valuable Data Beyond Shot Placement
The Strikeman Target tracking system offers more than just the ability to let you know when you hit a bullseye. Here are some features you can leverage for enhanced feedback when using Strikeman Targets and the Strikeman Target Training System:
Multiple Target Zone
The Strikeman Target Training System allows you to choose from various target layouts, including single targets, hostage situations, and timed drills. The diverse target practice scenarios available via the Strikeman Pro App allow for a more realistic training experience and allow you to focus on specific skill sets during your dry-fire training sessions.
Shot Timer Function
The Strikeman Pro App and Strikeman Target System come with a shot timer that allows you to track your performance in timed drills. This data helps you analyze your speed and efficiency, which is especially crucial for self-defense or competitive shooting situations.
By being aware of these features and using them strategically, you can extract a wealth of information beyond just shot placement.
Actionable Tips on the Best Ways to Maximize Strikeman Target Feedback
It’s time to explore the best ways for you to actively enhance the feedback you receive from your Strikeman Target System:
Setting Up Your Training Space
Setting up your space for proper dry-fire training is one of the most important steps to setting up your Strikeman Dry-Fire Training System for use.
Below are some of the key tips to observe:
- Lighting: Since laser-based dry-fire training systems like the Strikeman Target Training system use laser beams for shot placement and tracking, it makes sense to have a well-lit environment. Ensure that you pick a well-lit environment that doesn’t cause glare to fall on your Strikeman target. This ensures that the laser from the Strikeman Laser Cartridge accurately registers your shot when tracked by the Strikeman App.
- Target Placement: Position the Strikeman target at a realistic shooting distance for the drill you are practicing for maximum effectiveness. Typically, the Strikeman App displays the best target distance for any particular shooting drill, so you can use those suggestions. Ensure that your target is properly mounted and stable to prevent movement during your practice session.
- Smartphone/Tablet Positioning: The Strikeman App relies on proper smartphone placement to work properly, as well as a clean camera lens. Ensure that you place your smartphone or tablet securely at the appropriate distance from the target according to the Strikeman App’s instructions. This ensures accurate registration of shot placement, which is important for accurate data gathering and analysis.
Utilizing the Strikeman App Features
Below are some of the Strikeman App features you should consider taking advantage of:
- Drill Selection: Simply choose the drills that are designed to address specific skills that you want to improve. The Strikeman App offers a variety of drills focusing on fundamentals like sight picture, trigger control, and drawing techniques.
- Performance Tracking: Performance tracking is the bread and butter of using a laser training system like the Strikeman Pro. You should regularly review your training data within the Strikeman App. This data includes shot placement, completion times, and other relevant metrics depending on the specific drill. By tracking your performance over time, you can easily identify trends and measure your training progress.
- Calibrate Your Laser Cartridge: The first time you use your Strikeman Laser Cartridge with the Strikeman App, it is recommended that you calibrate the cartridge according to the instructions on the app. This way, you can be sure of getting accurate registration of your shots on the paper targets.
Active Learning Methods
Adopting active learning methods when using dry-firing for your firearms training is a good way to develop proper firearms handling skills that work.
Here are a few examples:
Focus on Fundamentals
Before you begin executing any of the drills suggested by the Strikeman App, ensure that you fully understand what it means to have proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control techniques for the firearm you are using to practice. This foundation helps you interpret any feedback you get effectively.
Isolate and Target Weaknesses
Analyze your performance data and identify areas where you consistently struggle. Design or use existing drills within the Strikeman App that specifically target your weaknesses.
Review Slow Motion Clips of Yourself
Using another smartphone that is different from the one you are using to track and analyze your shots, you should record yourself at high framerates (i.e., 60 fps or 120 fps) so that you can slow down the footage of you performing your drills.
After completing a drill, analyze your slow-motion footage within the app. This allows you to identify subtle errors in your form that may not be apparent at normal speed or via the Strikeman App data.
Mental Rehearsal
A good practice for accurate dry-fire and live-fire practice is to visualize yourself executing the drill perfectly before attempting to do it physically. This mental rehearsal process can enhance your focus and improve your ability to translate the intended actions into successful techniques.
Incorporating Live-Fire Training
You must always remember that the goal of dry-fire training is to complement your live-fire training, not replace it.
So, you must remember that you want to:
Train to Complement, Not Replace
While dry-fire training with the Strikeman Target Training System is valuable for uplifting your marksmanship skills, it must not replace your live-fire training. As you employ dry-fire to refine your technique, you must use live-fire to experience true recoil and practice firearm handling under realistic conditions.
Transfer Skills From Dry-Fire
When transitioning from dry-fire to live-fire, focus on implementing the refined techniques developed through your Strikeman Dry-Fire practice to your live-fire practice.
Focus more on replicating the techniques and muscle memory developed through your dry-fire practice. The goal is to reinforce the learned skills and help you adapt to the added variables of live ammunition and dynamic shooting conditions.
Identify Discrepancies
If possible, compare your performance in live-fire to your dry-fire data. This process can help you identify any inconsistencies in your technique, equipment, or training methods, making it a good way to watch out for potential training adjustments.
Build Confidence
In most cases, the confidence gained from consistent dry-fire practice typically translates to improved performance during live-fire sessions. This is a positive reinforcement cycle that accelerates your overall skill development.
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Feedback
In order to get even more value from your Strikeman Training System, you can consider some advanced firearms training techniques:
Video Analysis
It is recommended that you record your dry-fire sessions for a detailed analysis of your shooting techniques to spot mistakes and errors. In order to have smooth slow-motion footage, try recording yourself performing your dry-fire drills using the Strikeman Dry-Fire Training System at least 60 frames per second (60 fps). If you can go even further to 120 fps, that’s even better.
Compare your video footage with the data retrieved from the Strikeman app to identify subtle errors in your technique, and check the Strikeman Pro App for ways to improve.
Experiment With Different Target Distances
It is a good idea to vary the distance to your targets in different drills as this challenges your ability to adjust sight picture and focus regardless of the distance involved.
Simulate Real-World Scenarios
Thankfully, the Strikeman Pro App provides users with complex drills that involve multiple targets and changing scenarios to replicate real-world pressure and decision-making.
Share Your Progress
Lastly, it is generally a good idea to discuss your training progress with other shooters or seek guidance from experienced instructors.
To be sure that you are making consistent progress that translates to real-world shooting skills, you can decide to compete at local shooting competitions or even with friends at a proper shooting range. Nothing tests your skills like constant bantering from your friends.
Conclusion
The Strikeman Dry-Fire Laser Training System, in combination with Strikeman targets and effective training strategies, can be a powerful tool for enhancing your shooting skills.
By leveraging the data and insights provided by the Strikeman App, you can identify areas of improvement, track your progress, and help you achieve your goal in the long run.
In the end, you need consistent practice and a dedicated approach to master any skill, and marksmanship is no different. Using the Strikeman Dry-Fire Training Systems in conjunction with the Strikeman Targets as your guide, you are well on your way to becoming a more confident and proficient shooter.
You can check out our article “Do Dry-Fire Training Systems Work?” to learn more about laser training systems. For any questions about Strikeman Dry-Fire Training Systems, please contact our support team.
Remember to stay consistent. That’s the only way to improve consistently!