Sunday, January 16, 2005
Stick your butt out
Stop thinking that. This isn't that kind of blog.
One common problem that is encountered with new shooters is the tendency to lean back when holding a rifle or shotgun. We've all seen someone do it...it's natural to stand that way when holding a heavy object. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard someone say "bend your knee" or "lean forward" while teaching another person to shoot I wouldn't have to work. I could just shoot and blog.
When an inexperienced shooter has assumed the "lean back like a question mark" stance and he or she is told to bend at the knees and lean forward, it usually results in an even more screwed up stance. They normally will squat instead of leaning, or in some cases will manage to bend the forward knee enough to move the gun forward even though they are still leaning back. Most uncomfortable.
The tried and true "push" demonstration (have the student lean back and push on their hands...they fall over - have the student lean forward and push on their hands....they can push back) works well for some people but not for everyone. The next time you run into a person who just can't seem to keep from leaning back, try this: Tell them to stick their butt out.
No, sticking the butt out from a 'question mark' stance does not automatically create the perfect offhand stance, BUT....it does get the shoulders at least in line with the hips instead of behind them. Once the students get used to having their shoulders and hips in line a proper stance is not far away.
Try it....it just might help.
One common problem that is encountered with new shooters is the tendency to lean back when holding a rifle or shotgun. We've all seen someone do it...it's natural to stand that way when holding a heavy object. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard someone say "bend your knee" or "lean forward" while teaching another person to shoot I wouldn't have to work. I could just shoot and blog.
When an inexperienced shooter has assumed the "lean back like a question mark" stance and he or she is told to bend at the knees and lean forward, it usually results in an even more screwed up stance. They normally will squat instead of leaning, or in some cases will manage to bend the forward knee enough to move the gun forward even though they are still leaning back. Most uncomfortable.
The tried and true "push" demonstration (have the student lean back and push on their hands...they fall over - have the student lean forward and push on their hands....they can push back) works well for some people but not for everyone. The next time you run into a person who just can't seem to keep from leaning back, try this: Tell them to stick their butt out.
No, sticking the butt out from a 'question mark' stance does not automatically create the perfect offhand stance, BUT....it does get the shoulders at least in line with the hips instead of behind them. Once the students get used to having their shoulders and hips in line a proper stance is not far away.
Try it....it just might help.
