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Introduction
The El Presidente drill is a classic shooting exercise that has been widely used in the competitive shooting world, particularly in International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) circles. It was devised by Jeff Cooper, a renowned firearms instructor, to test a shooter's proficiency in several key areas: speed, accuracy, agility, and weapon handling under pressure. Let's delve into the reasons behind this drill, its execution in both live fire and dry fire scenarios, and some tips for effective practice.
Why Practice the El Presidente Drill?
Skill Enhancement: The drill hones vital shooting skills such as drawing, reloading, target transitions, and accurate rapid fire.
Stress Simulation: It simulates high-stress situations, aiding shooters in developing composure and decision-making skills under pressure.
Performance Benchmarking: Regular practice allows shooters to gauge their progress over time, measuring improvements in speed and accuracy.
The Drill Setup
For dryfire, we recommend downloading our free IPSC DryFire Target Array and either printing it in A3 size or putting it on your monitor or TV screen. The lower array of 3 is designed to simulate the following live fire set up.
Live fire setup:
Targets: Place three silhouette targets side by side, each spaced about one meter apart.
Distance: Stand 10 meters away from the target line.
Starting Position: Begin with your back to the targets, hands above shoulders (surrender position).
Execution in Real Life (Live Fire)
On Signal: Turn and draw your firearm.
Engage Targets: Shoot each target with two rounds, in order.
Reload: Perform a mandatory reload.
Engage Again: Shoot each target with two additional rounds.
Timekeeping: The drill is timed, from the start signal to the last shot fired.
Dry Fire Practice
Dry firing, practicing without live ammunition, is invaluable for improving your skills without the need for a range or live ammo.
Safety First: Ensure your firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
Replicate Live Fire Steps: Follow the same steps as in live fire, but without actual shooting.
Focus on Movements: Use this opportunity to refine your draw, reload, and target transition movements.
Use a Timer: Record your times to track improvement.
Par Times
Par times in shooting drills, including the El Presidente, are predetermined time limits set to challenge the shooter. They act as benchmarks for performance, pushing the shooter to complete the drill within a specified duration. These times vary based on skill level and the nature of the drill (live or dry fire).
Live Fire Par Times
Beginner: For someone new to this drill, a reasonable par time might be around 10 to 12 seconds. This allows enough time to focus on the basics of drawing, shooting, reloading, and re-engaging targets without rushing.
Intermediate: As skills improve, a target par time of 6 to 8 seconds is challenging yet achievable. This level requires smoother transitions and quicker reloads while maintaining accuracy.
Advanced: Experienced shooters often aim for under 5 seconds. At this level, efficiency in every movement and split-second decisions are crucial.
Elite: The top-tier shooters in competitive circles can complete the drill in around 3 to 4 seconds, showcasing exceptional proficiency in all aspects of the drill.
Dry Fire Par Times
Dry fire par times are generally similar to live fire, but with a slight adjustment to account for the lack of actual shooting and recoil management.
Beginner: 8 to 10 seconds, focusing on the mechanics of drawing, reloading, and transitioning between targets.
Intermediate: 5 to 7 seconds, with more fluid movements and efficient transitions.
Advanced: Under 5 seconds, where the emphasis is on refining each movement for speed and smoothness.
Elite: Around 3 seconds, where the drill is performed with near-perfect efficiency.
Setting and striving to meet par times in the El Presidente drill is an excellent way to track progress and challenge your skills. Whether in live or dry fire scenarios, remember that consistent practice, focusing on technique, and a commitment to safety will lead to steady improvement in your execution of this classic and demanding drill.
Key Considerations
Safety: Always prioritize safety, especially during live fire. Quick movements should not compromise safe handling of the firearm.
Technique over Speed: Initially, focus on perfecting the technique rather than speed. Speed will naturally improve as your movements become more efficient.
Regular Practice: Both live and dry fire practices are important. Dry fire allows you to practice more frequently and focus on mechanics without the stress of recoil and noise.
Use of Timer: A shot timer is an invaluable tool for both live and dry fire, providing immediate feedback on your performance. You can also use a Dry Fire Timer App on your phone to set par times.
Tips for Effective Practice
Start Slowly: Focus on perfecting your technique before trying to increase your speed.
Consistency is Key: Regular practice is essential for skill development.
Videotape Your Sessions: Reviewing your performance can help identify areas for improvement.
Safety Always: Whether dry firing or live firing, always adhere to fundamental firearm safety rules.
Conclusion
The El Presidente drill is more than just a test of shooting speed and accuracy; it's a comprehensive tool for developing practical shooting skills applicable in various scenarios, from competitive shooting to self-defense. Whether practicing through live fire or dry fire, consistency, safety, and a focus on technique will guide you towards mastering this classic drill. Remember, the journey to becoming a proficient shooter is ongoing, and drills like El Presidente are invaluable companions along the way.
For dryfire, we recommend downloading our free IPSC DryFire Target Array and making it full-screen on your monitor or TV.
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