Today’s Prepared To Defend drill of the day is… Byrna’s Box Drill. This drill is a modification of the classic box drill and trains us how to buy time to more efficiently engage two targets. This drill also assumes that we are going to remain static and not move off the x as we’ve done in previous drills.

To set up this drill set the targets at a distance away from you that you are comfortable with, and then set apart from each other. The spread distance is up to you but I would keep them within about 30 degrees from your shooting position.

Today we’re going to start this drill at either the low ready or what we call position three, with the weapon tucked into our chest but pointed down range. But you could also start this drill from the holster if you so choose. As we begin the drill we are going to engage one target with one round, then transition to the other target and fire two rounds, then transition back to the first target and fire one additional rounds for a total of 4 rounds.

By using this 1-2-1 cadence, we are slowing down the first attacker with the first round, allowing us to more quickly get to the second attacker and then coming back to assure the first attacker has been stopped.

So here are some pro tips: When you are transitioning from one target to the next, lead with your eyes. Look at your target first, then start moving your body to have a much easier time lining up your shot.

And secondly, don’t just move your arms or shoulders. Focus on turning your hips so they are squared up on the target your engaging, this eliminates a lot of the unnecessary movement in your upper body allowing you to get on target faster.

So get out there and train early and train often so that if the time comes you’ll be Prepared to Defend.