Rifle Marksmanship: Breathing Control Techniques

Instructor of the Bergara Academy Rifle Marksmanship: Mastering Breathing Control for Precision Shooting

Breathing Control in Marksmanship: Insights from William “Bart” Bartholomew

When it comes to rifle marksmanship, even the simplest act of breathing can hinder your accuracy. William “Bart” Bartholomew, a seasoned instructor at the Bergara Academy, explains that each breath we take moves our chest, abdomen, and shoulders, making it challenging to keep crosshairs steady on the target.

According to Bart, “Inhaling or exhaling causes shifts in your body’s position, affecting shot accuracy.” As your lungs fill with air, your chest and abdomen expand and lift; as you exhale, they contract and lower. This subtle movement disrupts your shot, making controlled breathing an essential skill for every marksman, especially in high-stakes scenarios.

Understanding Breathing Control in Rifle Marksmanship

Achieving accuracy in rifle marksmanship relies on consistency in the fundamentals. Breathing control plays a critical role in maintaining this consistency. Bart stresses that controlling your breath helps you stabilize your body and rifle, allowing you to stay aligned with your natural point of aim. Here, we dive into the advanced breathing techniques taught at Bergara Academy to help you refine your marksmanship.

Natural Respiratory Pause: The Power of a Well-Timed Breath

In his highly-regarded 2-Day Long Range Precision School, Bart emphasizes the significance of achieving a “natural respiratory pause.” This pause occurs after a full exhale, providing a brief window where your body is completely relaxed, reducing unnecessary movement. This natural pause, which can last up to eight seconds depending on individual lung capacity, is the ideal time to take a shot.

Key Factors Affecting the Natural Respiratory Pause:

Physical Fitness: Higher fitness levels can help prolong your respiratory pause, giving you a steadier shot window.
Stress Management: Reducing stress can aid in maintaining a more consistent respiratory rhythm.
Lung Capacity: Individual lung capacity plays a role in the length of the natural pause.
Developing an awareness of this natural pause can significantly improve your precision, ensuring that each shot aligns with your intended target.

Top 3 Breathing Techniques for Better Marksmanship

Bart instructs his students on three effective breathing techniques to master the natural respiratory pause, enhancing stability and minimizing disruptions to their shooting fundamentals.

1. Normal Breathing –  Breathing Control Techniques

Normal breathing is essential to stay calm and focused. As you near the shot, allow yourself to pause naturally. During this pause, focus on your aiming point, apply gentle trigger pressure, and take the shot. Bart encourages shooters to fire during this natural pause to maintain stability and reduce unnecessary movements in the chest and abdomen.

2. Decreased Breathing –  Breathing Control Techniques

For those who find it challenging to extend the respiratory pause, Bart suggests a decreased breathing technique. As you prepare for the shot, gradually decrease your breathing rate. This technique involves slowing your breaths as you approach your aiming point. Once you reach your target position, pause, focus on trigger pressure, and release the shot.

3. Cardiopulmonary Pause –  Breathing Control Techniques

An often-overlooked factor in marksmanship is the impact of heart rate on breathing control. Every heartbeat creates a subtle vibration throughout the body, which can be especially disruptive when shooting unsupported or at long distances. Bart recommends timing your shot between heartbeats, known as the cardiopulmonary pause, to minimize vertical crosshair movement. By practicing this technique, shooters can achieve greater consistency and accuracy.

Expert Guidance from Bart Bartholomew: Precision Training with Bergara Academy
William “Bart” Bartholomew, a retired Baltimore County SWAT Sniper Team Leader, brings over four decades of expertise to his precision shooting courses. Bart leads the 2-Day 1,000-yard Precision Rifle Course with the Guntry Gun Club of MD and a 3-Day Long Range Precision School at the Bergara Academy in Montana. With 46 years of long rifle experience and 20 years as a Counter Sniper, Bart’s instruction is invaluable for marksmen seeking to perfect their technique. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Carlos Hathcock Jr. Award, underscoring his dedication and skill in the field of precision marksmanship.

Dive into the Full Rifle Marksmanship Series:

Read the entire Rifle Marksmanship Series:

Part 1 – Scope Fundamentals
Part 2 – Trigger Control Equals Success
Part 3 – Follow Through
Part 4 – Breathing Control Techniques
Part 5 – Key Elements of a Good Shooting Position

By mastering these breathing techniques and incorporating Bart’s expert insights, marksmen can elevate their shooting skills to new levels of precision. Whether you’re preparing for competitive shooting or honing your hunting skills, the techniques taught at the Bergara Academy are indispensable for achieving greater control, consistency, and success.