Why the Kneeling Position Should Be Taught Last in Three-Position Air Rifle Training

Introduction

Before diving into the intricacies of teaching the kneeling position, it's essential to understand what Sporter Class Air Rifle entails in the United States. This category of air rifle shooting is designed to be accessible and affordable, making it an excellent entry point for young and novice shooters. Sporter Class Air Rifles are generally less expensive than their Precision Class counterparts. The competition format usually involves shooting from three positions: standing, prone, and kneeling. The aim is to make the sport more inclusive, allowing a broader range of participants to engage in competitive shooting.

Three-position air rifle shooting is a challenging and rewarding sport that tests the skills, discipline, and focus of marksmen. The three positions—standing, prone, and kneeling—each have their unique characteristics and challenges. While many coaches have different approaches to teaching these positions, there is a strong argument for teaching the kneeling position last. This article will delve into the reasons why the kneeling position should be the final stage in a new marksman's training regimen.

Complexity of the Kneeling Position

Balance and Stability

The kneeling position is arguably the most complex among the three. It requires a delicate balance between stability and flexibility. Unlike the prone position, where the body has maximum ground contact, or the standing position, where balance is more natural, the kneeling position is a hybrid that demands both balance and stability. Teaching this last allows the new marksman to first get comfortable with simpler positions.

Muscle Memory and Coordination

The kneeling position requires a high level of muscle memory and coordination. The shooter must manage the rifle's weight while maintaining a stable sight picture, all while balancing on a knee and a foot. This complexity can be overwhelming for a beginner who has not yet mastered the basics of simpler positions.

Progression and Confidence Building

Mastery of Easier Positions

Starting with the easier positions like prone and standing allows the new marksman to build confidence. Mastery of these positions provides a solid foundation upon which the more complex kneeling position can be learned.

Skill Progression

Learning the prone and standing positions first allows for a more natural progression of skills. The shooter can focus on mastering sight alignment, breath control, and trigger squeeze in less complex positions before moving on to the kneeling stance.

Safety Considerations

The kneeling position can be more prone to accidents if not executed correctly. The rifle's barrel is closer to the ground, increasing the risk of a negligent discharge hitting the floor and ricocheting. Teaching this position last ensures that the new marksman has already internalized the basic safety rules while in less risky positions.

Psychological Aspects

Overcoming Frustration

The kneeling position can be frustrating to master. By teaching it last, you ensure that the new marksman has already experienced success in the other positions, making them more resilient to the challenges of learning to shoot from the kneeling position.

Focus and Discipline

Mastering the kneeling position requires a high level of focus and discipline, traits that are honed through learning the other positions first. By the time the new marksman gets to kneeling, they are better equipped mentally to handle its challenges.

Conclusion

Teaching the kneeling position last in a three-position air rifle training program offers several advantages, from a more logical skill progression to enhanced safety. It allows new marksmen to build confidence and master essential skills in less complex positions before tackling the unique challenges of the kneeling stance. By structuring training in this manner, coaches can provide a more effective and rewarding learning experience for new shooters.