Be a better field target shooter in 15 minutes- The Kneeling Position, with Tyler Patner

Before shooting FT, I learned 10m Air Pistol back in the day.  While shooting FT rifle, I have learned that the principles of International Air rifle/Pistol still apply.  Namely, establishing a stable shooting position with the feet is paramount.

Whether shooting from the bumbag or seat, or standing to shoot offhand, or kneeling, the first step is to establish a position that results in your reticle being on target when you first look through the scope.  

While standing, this is somewhat easy (easier), as it simply involves rotating your body (with the feet) to be on target.

The seated position is similar... simply twist your behind on your seat and shuffle the feet to make the reticle come into position.

IMO, establishing the position in Kneeling is the biggest challenge, because most people flop down on their trailing foot, and bring the rifle into position, and then work the reticle into position.   In most cases, the reticle doesn't naturally point at the target, and it's really easy to be lazy and bend the rifle left or right... rather than shuffle the forward foot to adjust the position. 

In other words, it's more awkward to adjust the kneeling position while you are rolled up into a ball on the ground.  Soooo, most people forget to adjust... they just "work" with the (bad) position they randomly wind up in.  This only introduces and amplifies the wobble that results.

Instead, I've learned to ALWAYS take the time to shuffle my forward foot (heel to toe, repeat) -- to the left or right -- to bring the natural point of aim into view, before doing anything that follows.  HTH.

@bob-d Good advice Bob!
Natural point of aim (covered in another video) really applies to all positions, but is often ignored. It's very easy to rush past this important step and be impatient- myself included for sure!

Philip, since having my knees replaced 5 years ago, I find it tempting to shortcut my setup in the kneeling lane, because the pain is awful, and the longer I spend in the position, the more painful it gets.

However, I feel the position adjustment while kneeling is so important, that I will suffer through to implement it, at almost any cost.