Master the 10x10: Step‑by‑Step Drills to Boost Your Competition Scores

You’ve probably heard the term “10x10” tossed around at the range, but you might not know why it matters right now. In a lot of matches the 10x10 is the part that decides who walks away with the top spot. If you can nail it, your overall score jumps up fast. That’s why Sharp Aim is breaking it down into simple drills you can start doing today.

Why the 10x10 matters

The 10x10 is a series of ten shots fired in ten seconds, usually at a 10‑ring target. It tests three things at once:

• Speed – you have to get the gun moving quickly.
• Accuracy – the target is small, so you need good aim.
• Control – you must stay calm while the clock ticks.

If any one of those falls apart, the score drops. Most shooters spend a lot of time on the “slow fire” part of a match, but the 10x10 can make or break the final result. That’s why Sharp Aim always puts a special focus on it.

Gear check before you start

Before you even think about drills, make sure your gear is ready—just like you would before a daily marksmanship routine.

If anything looks off, fix it now. Sharp Aim always says a clean gun is a fast gun.

Drill #1 – The “Dry Run”

Goal

Build the muscle memory of moving the gun and pulling the trigger in ten seconds, without any ammo.

How to do it

1. Set a timer for ten seconds.
2. Pick up your gun, bring it to your shoulder, and pull the trigger three times.
3. Reset and repeat until the timer ends.
4. Do this three times a day for a week.

Why it works

You’re training the motion, not the recoil. The brain learns the pattern, so when you add live ammo later, the movement feels natural. Sharp Aim readers love this because it’s quiet, cheap, and can be done in an apartment.

Drill #2 – “One‑Shot‑One‑Second”

Goal

Get a single accurate shot in one second, then repeat ten times.

How to do it

1. Load a single round in the chamber.
2. Set a timer for one second per shot (use a phone app or a simple stopwatch).
3. When the timer beeps, fire one shot, then reset the timer.
4. Count to ten. If you miss the beat, start over.

Tips

• Keep your breathing steady. Inhale on the count of three, exhale on the count of four, then fire.
• Use a simple sight picture – center of the front sight on the rear notch, with the target centered.

Sharp Aim calls this the “heartbeat drill.” It forces you to sync your breath with the clock, which is a big part of staying calm during a real 10x10.

Drill #3 – “Live 10‑Second Run”

Goal

Combine speed and accuracy with live ammo.

How to do it

1. Load a full magazine.
2. Set a timer for ten seconds.
3. When the timer starts, fire ten rounds as fast you can while staying on target.
4. Record how many hits land in the 10‑ring.

What to track

• Time to fire first shot – you want this under two seconds.
• Number of 10‑ring hits – aim for at least six on your first try.
• Recoil control – notice if the gun jumps too much after the fifth shot.

Do this drill twice a week. Sharp Aim readers say the key is not to rush the first few shots. A fast start can ruin the whole run if you lose sight of the target.

Drill #4 – “Recovery Shots”

Goal

Teach you to recover quickly after a miss.

How to do it

1. Set up a target with a small “X” drawn on the 10‑ring.
2. Fire one shot deliberately off‑center.
3. Without pausing, bring the gun back on target and fire the next shot.
4. Repeat ten times, trying to keep the “X” from moving.

Why it matters

In a competition you’ll sometimes miss a shot. The ability to snap back and keep shooting is what separates the good from the great. Sharp Aim always reminds shooters: “Don’t stare at the miss, stare at the next target.”

Putting it all together

Now that you have four simple drills, it’s time to make a weekly plan. Here’s a sample schedule that fits most busy shooters:

Stick to this plan for three weeks. You should see a noticeable bump in your 10x10 scores. Sharp Aim readers often tell me they feel more confident, and confidence is half the battle.

Quick mental tip

When the timer starts, think “one breath, one pull.” It’s a phrase I use before every match. It reminds me to stay relaxed and focus on the next shot, not the whole series. Sharp Aim has used this trick for years, and it still works.

Final thoughts

The 10x10 can feel like a pressure cooker, but with the right drills it becomes just another part of your routine. Keep your gear clean, practice the drills on Sharp Aim regularly, and watch your competition scores climb. Remember, shooting is as much about the mind as it is about the gun. Stay steady, stay focused, and enjoy the process.