{"id":1703,"date":"2024-06-19T18:57:57","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T18:57:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=1703&#038;fishpig=1627936367&#038;preview=true"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","slug":"riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/","title":{"rendered":"Rifle Marksmanship Supported Shooting Positions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/#Rifle_Marksmanship_Part_6_Supported_Shooting_Positions\" >Rifle Marksmanship Part 6: Supported Shooting Positions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/#Fundamentals_of_Supported_Shooting_Positions\" >Fundamentals of Supported Shooting Positions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/#Supported_Prone\" >Supported Prone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/#Supported_Kneeling_Position\" >Supported Kneeling Position<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/#Supported_Sitting_Position\" >Supported Sitting Position<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/#Supported_Standing_Position\" >Supported Standing Position<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/#Using_Your_Partner_as_a_Support\" >Using Your Partner as a Support<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rifle_Marksmanship_Part_6_Supported_Shooting_Positions\"><\/span>Rifle Marksmanship Part 6: Supported Shooting Positions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><figure id=\"attachment_1771\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1771\" style=\"width: 619px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1771\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_1546-002-1024x789.jpg\" alt=\"Rifle Marksmanship\" width=\"619\" height=\"477\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1771\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/rifle-scope-accessories-you-might-consider\/\">Rifle<\/a> Marksmanship<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fundamentals_of_Supported_Shooting_Positions\"><\/span><strong>Fundamentals of Supported Shooting Positions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: left\">A precision shooter should always attempt to shoot from a supported position. Using any support available that is steady and reliable is the key. Packs or Ruks are recommended, however tripods, bipods, filled bags, etc, will all provide the shooter with a stable platform. According to William &#8220;Bart&#8221; Bartholomew, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/various-rifle-rests-and-when-to-use-each\/\">shooting<\/a> instructor at the Bergara Academy, these are the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1402\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fundamentals when shooting from a supported shooting position:<\/a><\/p><ol style=\"text-align: left\"><li>Never allow the barrel to touch any part of the support. This will disturb the natural whip of the barrel and degrade accuracy.<\/li><li>Cushion the rifle on the support. This will keep the weapon from sliding around and make the position more sound.\u00a0The location of the support is important. The best location is just behind the front sling swivel. Avoid getting the balance of the weapon to become an issue.<\/li><li>Use the prone position whenever possible as this is the most stable one.<\/li><li>Ensure that the weapon is straight on the support without touching the sides of the rifle. Recoil must be straight back into the shooter and the support should allow this to happen freely.<\/li><\/ol><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supported_Prone\"><\/span><strong>Supported Prone<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: left\">Bart teaches that the \u201csupported prone\u201d is the steadiest of all positions and should be used whenever possible. Major points in the supported prone are to keep the position as low as possible, keep the body in line with the rifle, feet placement should allow for muscular relaxation, and the non-firing hand is placed under the rear sling swivel and utilizing a small squeeze bag for stability at the rear portion of the weapon. It&#8217;s important to note that your heels must be flat and as close to the ground as possible.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1707\" title=\"Supported Prone\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Prone-shooting-position.jpg\" alt=\"Supported Prone\" width=\"613\" height=\"458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Prone-shooting-position.jpg 432w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Prone-shooting-position-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Prone-shooting-position-401x300.jpg 401w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Prone-shooting-position-150x112.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Supported Prone Position<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supported_Kneeling_Position\"><\/span><strong>Supported Kneeling Position<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: left\">Bart explains in each of his <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/tag\/long-range\/\">long range<\/a> classes that there are many situations when you will not be able to get into the preferred supported prone. When kneeling, the non-shooting side shin is straight up and down with the leg forming a support. The non-shooting elbow is extended just over the knee as well. The non-shooting hand grasps the front sling swivel or fore end of stock. This position can be adjusted to conform to available cover by moving to a high, medium, or low kneeling position by either using the toe to heel, bootlace, or sitting down on your <a title=\"Rifle Scope Accessories You Might Consider\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-scope-accessories-you-might-consider\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"837\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting<\/a> side foot.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1727 size-full\" title=\"Supported Prone\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Kneeling-shooting-position-1.jpg\" alt=\"Supported Prone\" width=\"360\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Kneeling-shooting-position-1.jpg 360w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Kneeling-shooting-position-1-300x283.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Kneeling-shooting-position-1-318x300.jpg 318w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Kneeling-shooting-position-1-150x142.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Supported Kneeling Position<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Making sure you keep your toe to heel, bootlace, or your foot flat depending on the height of your preferred sitting position with your shooting side foot.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supported_Sitting_Position\"><\/span><strong>Supported Sitting Position<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: left\">Sitting is one of the more <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/reduce-muzzle-flip-when-shooting-off-a-tripod\/\">stable shooting positions<\/a> especially if the available support is too low for the kneeling position. Effective sitting positions that can be employed in the field are: The crossed leg\/crossed ankle and open. The size and flexibility of the individual shooter will play part in the ability to use a particular type of sitting position.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1728\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Supported Shooting Positions\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Crossed-Leg-shooting-postion-1.jpg\" alt=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Supported Shooting Positions\" width=\"270\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Crossed-Leg-shooting-postion-1.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Crossed-Leg-shooting-postion-1-150x157.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Crossed Leg\/Ankle Position<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1729\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Supported Shooting Positions\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Open-leg-shooting-position-1.jpg\" alt=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Supported Shooting Positions\" width=\"290\" height=\"283\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Opened Leg Position<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supported_Standing_Position\"><\/span><strong>Supported Standing Position<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: left\">This is the least stable of the supported positions. Rest the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-6-5mm-creedmoor-rifle-round\/\">rifle stock<\/a> over or beside the support. Grasp the weapon as in the kneeling or sitting position. Place the non-shooting hand on the support in a V to form a notch that holds the weapon. Then, invert the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-marksmanship-trigger-control-success\/\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship : Trigger Control Equals Success\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1422\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting<\/a> arm into the body as close as possible to support the rifle. Feet should be shoulder width apart and square to the target and approximately 3 feet to the rear of your support. Shooter will have somewhat of a lean into the barricade when he is in his final position. Utilization of the sling in this position will also assist the shooter with additional support.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1730 size-full\" title=\"Supported Standing Position\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Standing-shooting-position-1.jpg\" alt=\"Supported Standing Position\" width=\"311\" height=\"357\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\">In the supported standing position your feet must be shoulder width apart and square to the barricade.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Using_Your_Partner_as_a_Support\"><\/span><strong>Using Your Partner as a Support<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: left\">Shooting off your partner is not a preferred method. However, it does provide you with another alternative in some situations. In all instances both team members must maintain awareness and communicate. The team must breathe as one and the positions stability will depend on how well both members work in unison. This is a position team members should practice on a regular basis.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>William &#8220;Bart&#8221; Bartholomew currently instructs a 2-Day 1,000 yard Precision Rifle Course with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.guntry.com\/training\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guntry Gun Club of MD<\/a>\u00a0as well a 3-Day Long Range Precision School hosted by the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergara.online\/us\/the-bergara-academy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bergara Academy<\/a>\u00a0in MT.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Bart is a retired Baltimore County SWAT Sniper Team Leader and has 46 years of long rifle experience\u201420 years as a Counter Sniper and is the recipient of the prestigious Carlos Hathcock Jr. Award.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rifle Marksmanship: Supported Shooting Positions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12016,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2265],"tags":[2917,3004,3189],"class_list":["post-1703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rifle-scope","tag-marksmanship","tag-rifle","tag-shooting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1703","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1703"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1703\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11298,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1703\/revisions\/11298"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1703"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1703"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}