Here we will attempt to present you with some guidelines, and basics of building the positions used for NRA 3 position smallbore rifle target shooting.   Please keep in mind that these pages are guidelines, building these positions is not an exact science.    Every persons body is different and what works for one person may not work for the next.

As you try out these various positions, keep a log book, record the settings you use on your rifle.   Record your position details, try and describe how the position felt, and how it worked for you.   If you run into problems, take the time to go to the range and watch some experienced shooters.   You can learn a tremendous amount just by observing.

Don't rush!   Learning position shooting takes time, and since there are three positions in this game, you'll need to be working on all three at the same time. Take the time to focus on one position while still working on the other two.   What do I mean by focus on one position?   Lets say you have two hours of practice time on the range.   Spend one hour of practice time on one position and then 30 minutes each on the other two positions.

For the brand new smallbore shooter, work on the prone position first.   The prone position is the most stable of the three positions, and most shooters do well in the prone position.   This gives you the chance to learn the feel of the rifle, become familiar with sight picture, and being a stable position gives you the ease of learning trigger and breath control.   An added benefit of the prone position will be your confidence level.    Most shooters progress rapidly in the prone position and this feeling of accomplishment gives the shooter a mental boost.

Speaking of mental boosts, many folks will tell you that doing well in smallbore is more than just technical skill.    A big part of this game is mental.    Rifle shooting is a very personal sport.    You not only compete with the person next to you on the line.    You also compete with yourself, constantly refining your skill and technique to improve your scores.    The mental aspect of the game comes in to play during both practice and competitions.    You need to gain control over your mind and body, you need to focus your energy into the task at hand.    When you learn to control you body and your ability to focus on your shooting, you are learning the mental aspect of the smallbore game.    Mastering the mental aspect of this game will put you on your way to becoming an accomplished shooter.

Now review the articles covering About Smallbore Rifle, Prone, Kneeling, and Standing positions.    Don't forget what we consider one of the more important aspects of our game, the Mental aspect.