10–15 yd
Distance
9
Rounds
4
Reps
36
Total Rounds
Sprint-Walk control is the ability to switch between two speeds — a slow, deliberate walk where you’re putting accurate rounds on target and an all-out sprint where you’re covering ground. Most shooters can do either one. Very few can shift between them without a complete reset. The M-Drill Sprint-Walk Control drill forces that transition repeatedly through an M-shaped cone pattern, alternating walk-and-shoot phases with full-speed sprints back to the starting depth.
Set 3 targets 5-7 yd (5-7 m) apart. Place 2 cones 10 yd (10 m) from the targets and 5-7 yd (5-7 m) apart — these are the front row. Add 3 cones 15 yd (15 m) from the targets and 5-7 yd (5-7 m) apart — these form the back row. Start at Cone 1 (back row, in line with Target 1), gun holstered. On the go signal, draw and engage T1 with 1 round. Walk forward at 45 degrees toward Cone 2, engaging T2 with 3 rounds while moving. At Cone 2, stick and sprint back at 45 degrees to Cone 3. At Cone 3, engage T2 with 1–2 rounds, then transition to T3. Walk forward at 45 degrees toward Cone 4, engaging T3 with 3 rounds while moving. At Cone 4, stick and sprint back at 45 degrees to Cone 5. At Cone 5, engage T3 with 1 round. Total: 9–10 rounds.
The sprint-to-shoot transitions expose everything. Compare your static hits at the back cones to your walking hits between cones — if the static shots after a sprint are scattered, you’re not decelerating properly before pulling the trigger. If your walking hits open up, your platform isn’t stable enough for movement speed. The gap between the two phases is your throttle control deficit. Run it until both 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 an M pattern at two depths:
- Front row: 2 cones, 10 yd (10 m) from the targets, 5-7 yd (5-7 m) apart.
- Back row: 3 cones, 15 yd (15 m) from the targets, 5-7 yd (5-7 m) apart.
Pistol loaded, holstered.
Start position: standing at Cone 1 (back row, in line with Target 1), facing downrange.
Scoring
9-10 rounds total per rep.
All rounds must land in the scoring zone (A zone or equivalent).
Compare group size between walking phases (cones 1-2 and 3-4) and static shots after sprints (cones 3 and 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
Keep eyes to the point you are running to when sprinting back — strong diagonal change-of-direction footwork prevents tripping and sets up the next engagement faster.
Progression
Add a par time once both walking and post-sprint groups are equivalent.
Require all A-zone hits — any C or D is a failed rep.
Increase walking speed while maintaining group size on the move.
Increase sprint speed while maintaining deceleration discipline.
Add a no-shoot beside each target to force visual discipline during transitions.
Start from concealment instead of open holster.
Run the drill in the opposite direction (start at Cone 5, mirror the M).