Whether you're training for competition, personal defense, or just want to sharpen your skills without hitting the range, dry fire is a proven path to better shooting. In fact, many top-tier shooters swear by it—and they follow specific drills to get results. These 10 dry fire drills are used by professionals like Ben Stoeger, Steve Anderson, and Mike Seeklander. Best of all, you can do them right at home with tools like the Laser Ammo SureStrikeMAG, I-MTTS, or Smokeless Range.

Many of the drills below come from or are regularly used by top competitive and defensive shooters, including Ben Stoeger, Steve Anderson, Mike Seeklander, Scott Jedlinski, and other respected firearms instructors. These drills are staples in USPSA, IDPA, and tactical training circles. While we've tailored them for dry fire, the credit for their structure and purpose goes to the experienced professionals who developed and refined them over years of real-world application.

1. Wall Drill

Focus: Trigger control, sight alignment

This is one of the most fundamental drills for a reason. Stand close to a blank wall (no target), aim your gun, and slowly press the trigger. The goal is to keep the sights perfectly still. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly effective for improving trigger discipline. 

Popularized by: Various instructors including Steve Anderson.

2. Draw to First Shot

Focus: Speed, consistency, presentation
From the holster, practice drawing and getting your sights on target fast—then dry fire one clean shot. Use a laser cartridge or reactive target for visual feedback. Tools like the I-MTTS can help you track speed and hit confirmation.

Used by: USPSA/IPSC shooters like Ben Stoeger.

3. Target Transitions

Focus: Moving between targets quickly and accurately
Set up two or more targets spaced shoulder-width or wider. Practice engaging one, then swinging your sights to the next and dry firing. This teaches vision speed and smooth transitions—key to any dynamic shooting scenario.

Great with: iMTTS or Smokeless Range.

4. Reload Drill

Focus: Speed reloads and magazine indexing
Start with an empty mag inserted and another on your belt. Draw, dry fire, reload, and fire again. This helps reduce fumbles and improve consistency. You can do this standing still or while moving between cover points.

5. El Presidente (Dry Fire Version, duh)

Focus: Draw, transitions, reload under pressure
Set up three targets in a row. From a hands-up start, draw and fire two dry shots on each, reload, then fire two more on each. This classic drill builds a ton of skills into one smooth sequence.

Popularized by: Jeff Cooper; adapted by modern shooters for dry fire.

6. Bill Drill (Dry Fire)

Focus: Controlled speed and recoil management
The goal is to fire six fast shots on a single target while maintaining accuracy and sight alignment. In dry fire, this means pushing your speed while keeping your mechanics tight.

Great with: LaserPET™ II & SureStrikeMAG or recoil enabled firearms

7. One-Shot Draw Drill

Focus: Precision from the holster
Draw and fire just one dry shot. That’s it. But repeat it until every draw is clean and your shot breaks right as your sights land on target. It’s about building the perfect first shot, which is often the most important.

8. Tactical/Speed Reload Practice

Focus: Emergency and retention reloads
Practice both styles of reloads. Speed reloads mean dropping the mag and going straight to the fresh one. Tactical reloads involve retaining the original mag. Use dummy mags and vary the drill setup to simulate different real-world needs.

9. Movement Into Position Drill

Focus: Controlled entries and exits
Set up two shooting positions using tape or cones. Start from one box and move to the next while drawing or preparing to engage. This builds body control and improves footwork—crucial for competitive or defensive shooting.

Useful with: Smokeless Range and/or physical cones/barriers.

10. Call Your Shots Drill

Focus: Accountability and visual confirmation
After each dry shot, say where you think your shot landed—high left, center, etc. Then check your laser mark or shot indication (if using reflective targets or Smokeless Range). It trains you to read your sights and improves your ability to self-correct.

Taught by: Steve Anderson, Scott Jedlinski, and others.

Conclusion:

You don’t need live ammo or a trip to the range to train like a pro. With a laser cartridge, reactive targets, or a setup like the Smokeless Range, these 10 drills can sharpen your skills safely and effectively. Incorporate a few into your weekly routine and watch your draw, speed, and accuracy all improve—without ever leaving the house.

What's your go to drill or dry fire training practice?