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THROTTLE TRANSITION DRILL

Speed up. Slow down. Stay in control.

The Throttle Transition Drill is a 15-round performance test that forces you to match your pace to the precision required. You’ll alternate between fast strings to the body and slow, accurate shots to the head. It teaches you to let the target size set your tempo, not your ego.

Why this drill matters:

Why this drill mattersMost shooters train at one speed and hope it works for every shot. This drill teaches you to shift on command — firing fast when the target allows, and slowing down when accountability increases.

It also reveals common weaknesses:

  • Overrunning the head shots

  • Falling into autopilot cadence

  • Breaking shots before sights return

If you’ve ever struggled to balance speed and accuracy in the same drill, this is your fix.

Set it up:

  • Distance: 7 yards

  • Target: USPSA A-zone (chest) and head A-zone

  • Rounds: 15

  • Reps: 2

  • Start Position: Holster or compressed ready


How to run the drill:

  1. Fire 5 fast, controlled rounds into the chest A-zone

  2. Transition to the head box and fire 5 precise, deliberate rounds

  3. Transition back to the chest and fire 5 more rounds at your fastest clean pace

  4. Complete all 15 rounds in one continuous string


Shooting distance for 7 Yard Speed Drill graphic.


What you are actually training:

  • Adaptive throttle control. You are learning to change shooting speeds mid-string based on the visual and accuracy demands of the target.

  • Cadence awareness. This drill helps you avoid falling into rhythm-based shooting and instead respond to what your sights are telling you.

  • Visual pacing and sight discipline. You’re training your eyes to slow down on tight targets and pick up speed on larger zones while maintaining alignment.

  • Grip integrity under changing tempos. Shifting between speeds challenges your ability to keep a locked-in grip that holds steady through recoil.

  • Target size awareness and decision making. You are reinforcing the habit of letting the target dictate how fast you shoot instead of rushing out of habit.



Drill Tips

The target tells you how fast to shoot. Big zones allow aggression. Small zones demand patience. Your job is to listen.

The Throttle Transition Drill is one of the Skill Tests in Week 6 of the Fusion Targets 12 Week Pistol Program. It brings together recoil control, visual pacing, and adaptive shooting into one smooth run.


If you're ready to stop guessing and start training with a system that builds control and confidence, you're in the right place.




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