Intermediate
Pistol
Failure to Stop (Mozambique)
Used in: Defensive
Source: Mike Rousseau / Jeff Cooper
3s
Par Time
7 yd
Distance
3
Rounds
5
Reps
15
Total Rounds
The Failure to Stop drill — also known as the Mozambique Drill — is a defensive shooting standard that teaches a critical concept: what to do when two center-mass hits don’t stop the threat. The answer is a controlled head shot.
From the holster, fire two rounds to the chest (A-zone) followed by one round to the head box, all at 7 yards. The transition from fast body shots to a precise head shot is what makes this drill challenging. You need to shift gears mid-string — from aggressive recoil management to careful sight alignment.
This is one of the most practical drills you can run. It builds the neural pathway for a real-world failure-to-stop scenario while training speed, accuracy, and target transition all in one compact package. A 3.0 second par time is a reasonable goal from the holster.
What It Trains
A controlled body pair followed by a deliberate transition to a precise head shot.
Range Setup
Setup
Single USPSA/IPSC target at 7 yards. Pistol holstered. Fire 2 rounds to the body (A-zone), then 1 round to the head box.
Scoring
All 3 hits must be in their respective zones: 2 in the A-zone (body), 1 in the head box. Any miss = failed rep. Track time.
Tips
Don't rush the head shot. After the two body shots, take a deliberate pause to confirm your sights on the smaller target.
Progression
Master the transition pause. Once consistent at 3.0s, push toward 2.5s. Add a step-back or lateral movement for advanced reps.
Common Mistakes
- Firing the head shot at the same cadence as the body pair and missing high.
- Not shifting your visual focus up to the head box before the third shot.
- Anticipating the recoil on the precision head shot and pushing it low.
- Rushing the body pair so the sights aren't settled for the transition.
Skill Standards
7 yd · 2 rounds to the body, 1 to the head · from the holster
| Novice | > 4.0 s |
|---|---|
| Carry-Ready | 2.5–4.0 s |
| Competitor | 1.8–2.5 s |
| Elite | under 1.5 s |
DrillLane benchmark from widely cited Failure to Stop times.
FAQ
What is the Mozambique drill?
Two rounds to the body followed by one carefully aimed round to the head. It is also known as the Failure to Stop drill.
What's a good Mozambique time?
From the holster at 7 yards, a clean run under about 2.5 seconds is strong. The head shot must be precise, not rushed.
Where did the Mozambique drill come from?
It traces to Rhodesian mercenary Mike Rousseau and was popularized as a training standard by Jeff Cooper.
What distance is the Mozambique shot at?
Typically 3–7 yards on a single target with defined body and head scoring zones.