10–15 yd
Distance
9
Rounds
4
Reps
36
Total Rounds
The Pulse Drill control is the ability to go from a dead sprint to accurate fire without a full stop — and most shooters never train it deliberately. The W-Drill Sprint-Walk drill forces the transition by alternating high-speed diagonal sprints with slow, deliberate walking engagements through a W-shaped cone pattern. You sprint to a cone, fire a single aimed round, then walk to the next cone while putting 3 rounds on target. The speed difference between the two phases is the whole point.
Set 3 targets 5-7 yd (5-7 m) apart. Place 3 cones in a front row 10 yd (10 m) from the targets and 5 yd (5 m) apart. Add 2 cones in a back row 15 yd (15 m) from the targets and 5 yd (5 m) apart, offset to form the W. Start at Cone 1 with gun holstered. Draw and fire 1 round on T1. Sprint back at 45 degrees to Cone 2, pivot downrange, fire 1 round on T2. Walk forward at 45 degrees toward Cone 3, firing 3 rounds on T2 while moving. From Cone 3, retreat at 45 degrees to Cone 4, pivot downrange, fire 1 round on T3. Walk forward at 45 degrees toward Cone 5, firing 3 rounds on T3 while moving. Total: 9 rounds.
The diagnostic value is in the walking phases. If your hits open up when you walk and shoot, your platform isn’t stable enough for movement — slow down until the group tightens, then gradually increase walking speed. If your static shots at the pivot cones are clean but the walking shots scatter, that gap is your throttle control deficit. Run it until both phases produce the same group size, then add a par time.
Range Setup
Setup
3 targets (IPSC, USPSA, or paper silhouette) in a straight line, 5-7 yd (5-7 m) apart.
5 cones arranged in a W pattern at two depths:
- Front row: 3 cones, 10 yd (10 m) from the targets, 5 yd (5 m) apart.
- Back row: 2 cones, 15 yd (15 m) from the targets, 5 yd (5 m) apart, offset between the front-row cones.
Pistol loaded, holstered.
Start position: standing at Cone 1 (front row, in line with Target 1), facing downrange.
Scoring
9 rounds total per rep.
All rounds must land in the scoring zone (A zone or equivalent).
Compare group size between static shots (cones 1, 2, 4) and walking shots (cones 2-3, 4-5).
A miss from any position or phase is a failed rep.
Once hits are consistent, score on total time with a shot timer.
Scoring: Hit Factor (HF) = points ÷ time. USPSA target zones: A = 5, C = 3, D = 1, Miss = −10. Higher HF = better performance.
Tips
Match your walking speed to your sight picture — if the sights bounce off the A zone, you are walking too fast.
Progression
Increase walking speed while maintaining group size on the move.
Add a par time once both static and walking groups are equivalent.
Require all A-zone hits — any C or D is a failed rep.
Start from concealment instead of open holster.
Run the drill in the opposite direction (start at Cone 5, mirror the W).
Swap pistol for rifle at low ready and re-run at the same distances.