Understanding the Strikeman Target System
The Strikeman Target System uses laser technology to register your shot placement on real 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 laser-based dry-firing training, maximizing feedback from your Strikeman system involves understanding the analytics presented during your sessions. From there it is important to note what to look for, and what changes you should make based on the given shooting metrics.
Unlocking Valuable Data Beyond Shot Placement
The Strikeman 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, 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 App Feedback
It’s time to explore the best ways for you to actively enhance the feedback you receive from your Strikeman System:
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 is accurately registered and tracked with every shot.
-
Target Placement: Position the Strikeman target at a realistic shooting distance for the drill you are practicing for maximum effectiveness. We've found the best distance for training is around 20 feet from the target, however this can be adjusted depending on the drill. 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.
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 app. You should regularly review your training data within the Strikeman App following your sessions in order to identify areas for improvement. 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 System: It is important to note you will need to calibrate the app to your target when training with the System. The app’s auto-calibration feature makes this as easy as a push of a button. This way, you can be sure you are getting accurate registration of your shots and their placements.
Additional Points To Note:
-
Focus on fundamentals & safety
-
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. The Strikeman app consists of multiple tutorials that can help assist here.
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 frame rates (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 of your training and analyze your fundamentals. 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 keep in mind that the goal of dry-fire training is to complement your live-fire training, not replace it. So, you must remember:
-
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 reps. Focus more on replicating the techniques and muscle memory developed such as your grip, stance, trigger press, etc. The goal is to reinforce the learned fundamentals 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.
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:
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. Also try utilizing Strikeman while clearing a room, or in a mock altercation draw drill.
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.
Making Dry-Fire a Consistent Part of Your Routine
Like any skill, shooting proficiency comes down to repetition. Live fire practice is important, but dry-fire allows you to build skills without spending money on ammo or range fees. To get the most out of Strikeman, set up a dedicated dry-fire training schedule. Even 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week can lead to noticeable improvements. Mix up your drills to keep things interesting, and always challenge yourself to refine accuracy and speed.
Dry-Fire Drills With Strikeman
Dry-fire training is one of the best ways to improve your shooting fundamentals, and Strikeman makes it even better by providing instant feedback and tracking your progress over time. Whether you’re working on trigger control, draw speed, or transitioning between targets, Strikeman helps you train with a purpose. If you’re serious about improving your skills, incorporating Strikeman into your routine is a no-brainer. It turns dry-fire into an engaging, results-driven experience and helps you develop real-world shooting proficiency. Get started today with Strikeman and take your dry-fire training to the next level. Train smarter, shoot better, and be confident in your skills every time you pick up your firearm.
