Mastering the Occluded Dot Technique in Competitive Shooting
Hey everyone, Aaron here from Rune Tactical! Today, I want to share one of the most significant improvements I’ve made in my competitive shooting career: embracing the occluded dot technique to become more target-focused.
The Journey to Occluded Dot
When I first started in USPSA, the two largest divisions were OPEN and Limited. Iron sights require a more front-sight-focused approach, but the idea of occluding the dot makes your support or non-dominant eye work harder at seeing things faster. This technique forces your brain to superimpose the information from your support eye into your vision, allowing you to act on what you see more effectively and efficiently.
Historical Context
Back in the day, from around 2000 to 2015, shooters would talk about training their eyes by staring at ceiling fans and picking a blade to focus on, trying to make their eyes “faster and more focused.” This is similar to sitting on the couch, picking a character from a TV show, and dry-firing on them every time they appear on the screen. Though seemingly old-school, these methods are still relevant and effective in today’s competitive shooting world.
DON’T POINT A LOADED GUN AT YOUR TV; WE AREN’T RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR STUPID!
The Occluded Dot Technique
The occluded dot technique blocks the window of your red dot sight using a Range Panda dryfire cover or a piece of black tape. The range panda covers are a fantastic answer to the tape residue left on the glass. They are also cheap, so there isn’t a reason not to have one. This forces your brain to rely on the information from your support eye, enhancing your target acquisition speed and accuracy. Here’s how you can practice this technique:
- Dry Fire Practice: Start by practicing with an occluded dot during dry fire sessions. This helps you get used to the visual input from your support eye.
- Live Fire Practice: Once comfortable, incorporate the occluded dot into your live fire practice. This will help you adapt to the technique under real shooting conditions.
- Focus on Fundamentals: When practicing with an occluded dot, focus on core fundamentals like grip, stance, and trigger control. Avoid improving other aspects simultaneously, as it may complicate diagnosing issues.
Benefits of the Occluded Dot Technique
- Enhanced Target Focus: Forces your support eye to work harder, improving target acquisition speed.
- Improved Accuracy: Helps maintain a consistent sight picture, leading to more accurate shots.
- Increased Confidence: Builds confidence in your ability to engage targets quickly and effectively.
Conclusion
The occluded dot technique is a valuable tool in the competitive shooter’s arsenal. By incorporating this method into your training routine, you can enhance your target focus, accuracy, and overall performance. Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering any technique. So, hit the range, stay focused, and keep pushing your limits!
