The Way Forward Training Target Drill Breakdown

Author: Matt McGuire – Founder of The Way Forward Training

The Way Forward Training Target is designed to deliver a versatile and comprehensive shooting experience, combining precision, speed, movement, and visual processing—all on a single target. This breakdown from our team at Medusa Targets outlines how to use the target effectively through multiple structured drills, supporting beginner to advanced skill progression.

Zeroing the Target

Before jumping into the drills, shooters should confirm a zero at 10 yards using the one-inch dot, followed by a 25-yard confirmation. This process is typically done freehand, though bench shooting can be used based on skill level or physical ability.

Drill Set 1: Dot #1 / Box 6 / Half A-Zone

Focus: Accuracy, Pace, and Rhythm

This drill series is a modified version of the classic 5x5 drill. Instead of using full-size USPSA or IDPA zones, it leverages smaller target areas to force a more deliberate shooting pace while still encouraging speed through rhythm.

• Dot 1: 5 rounds at 5 yards
• Box 6: 5 rounds at 5 yards
• Half A-Zone (center): 5 rounds at 5 yards

Time Standards:

• Dot 1: 3.5 seconds
• Box 6: 2.75 seconds
• Half A-Zone: 2.25 seconds

Drill Set 2: Boxes 2, 3, 4, and 7

Focus: Transitions and Variable Distance Simulation

This drill is a variation of the Modified MXAD Drill and challenges the shooter’s ability to transition quickly between targets simulating different distances and visual sizes.

• String 1: 5 shots to Box 3, 2 shots to Box 4
• String 2: 5 shots to Box 2, 2 shots to Box 7

Scoring System:

Hit Factor Scoring

Each hit = 5 points

Miss = 0 points

Total: 40 points possible

Time and points scored for each string separately

Bullseye Accuracy Drill

Focus: Mechanical Accuracy and Technique Diagnosis

This drill uses custom bullseye targets with only the X-ring marked in blue to indicate the acceptable scoring zone. The goal is to maintain strict shot placement and use the rest of the scoring rings to track progress over time.

• Use: Slow-fire, mechanical accuracy training
• Objective: Refine sight alignment, grip pressure, and trigger control
• Note: Do not accept any shot outside the blue X-ring for this drill

Visual Processing Drill: Boxes 5, 8, 9

Focus: Visual Indexing and Adaptive Sight Picture

This drill set forces the shooter to process different sight pictures rapidly and apply correct techniques to each target zone. The drill is scalable to any skill level.

• Start with Dot 8, then Box 9, then Box 5 head T-zone, followed by the Half or Full A-zone
• 2 rounds per target, shot in any order
• Each target is unforgiving and requires perfect application of fundamentals
• Multi-Use Half A-Zones (Center)
• Focus: Versatility and Movement Integration

The central half A-zones can be used for several purposes:

• 5x5 workups
• Retreating Bill Drills
• “Tracking the A-Zone” drills for movement practice
  

These zones are a core part of the curriculum and help with consistent target tracking across dynamic shooting situations.

Movement & Accuracy Assessment Drill

Focus: Cumulative Skill Application Under Time

This advanced drill integrates drawing, movement, and marksmanship across multiple yard lines. It simulates real-world shooting movement while demanding consistency in accuracy and timing.

Instructions:

Start at 25 yards, gun holstered, fully loaded

On the beep, draw and fire 5 rounds while moving from:

• 25 → 20 yards
• 20 → 15 yards
• 15 → 10 yards
• 10 → 5 yards

Total of 20 rounds fired on the move

Do not stop at each line—shots must be fired during continuous movement

Scoring System:

A-zone hit: 5 points

C-zone hit: 2 points

Outside or miss: 0 points or -5 for each miss

100 points possible

Calculate Hit Factor: Points ÷ Time

Time Standards:

25-20 yds: 4.5 seconds

20-15 yds: 4.0 seconds

15-10 yds: 3.5 seconds

10-5 yds: 2.5 seconds

Max Total Time: 14.5 seconds

Endless Drill Combinations

• The Way Forward Training Target is designed with modularity and creativity in mind. Instructors and students alike can develop their own drill combinations using the built-in zones, boxes, and scoring features. Whether focusing on recoil management, transitions, visual processing, or movement, this target supports virtually every training objective.

Final Thoughts

The Way Forward Training Target, developed by Matt McGuire, serves as a dynamic and adaptable training tool for any shooter looking to develop real-world, performance-based skills. Its design encourages constant evaluation, adaptation, and improvement in all areas of handgun fundamentals.

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