After reviewing my first two USPSA matches, Grand Master Joon Kim broke down how I was handling reloads between positions — and it came down to one simple principle: “There’s a priority to executing each action.”
He explained that in a stage, you often need to do two things at once — move and reload, for example. But each action has a different priority. The movement should happen almost subconsciously, using your momentum to exit a position, while your conscious focus stays locked on completing the reload cleanly.
As soon as the magazine seats, then your attention shifts to the next position. Looking ahead too early causes fumbling and wasted time, while finishing the reload first keeps everything smooth and efficient.
Do two things at once — but prioritize correctly. Your body can move while your mind stays focused on the reload.
- Use your visual index. Look at the gun and guide the magazine in cleanly before turning focus downrange.
- Sequence your attention. Reload first, then look to the next position, so you’re ready to shoot as soon as you clear the wall.
Having someone with that level of experience break down your footage really shows where time is lost and how to clean up small details that make a big difference.
Since then, I’ve taken this concept into my dry-fire and live-fire sessions, working on moving and reloading together while keeping my focus where it needs to be. It’s still a work in progress, but understanding how to prioritize each action has changed how I approach each stage and how I train.
