Ayoob: Were We Wrong About the “Tactical Turtle”?

In the article, "Ayoob: Were We Wrong About the “Tactical Turtle”?" by Massad Ayoob, a previously misunderstood shooting technique is explored for its practical applications in competition and self-defense. Frequently referred to critically as the "Tactical Turtle," the technique involves leaning the head forward while shooting. Despite traditional wisdom advising against this posture, Ayoob discusses its unexpected benefits, sharing insights from his experiences as a competitive shooter in the 1970s and observations from notable figures like Mike Plaxco, who demonstrated mastery through the application of this technique.

A pivotal moment that altered Ayoob’s perception came when Mike Plaxco, a world champion, demonstrated this technique during an LFI-I class. Plaxco's emphasis on shooting with a forward-leaning head posture contradicted traditional marksmanship advice but proved exceptionally effective, especially for rapid-fire scenarios. The technique mitigates high misses by keeping the shooter's head and neck in a position that naturally aligns the sights with the target, preventing the subconscious lifting associated with reaction targets. Ayoob shifts his understanding and begins to teach what he dubs the "Plaxco Technique," later rebranding it as the "Vulture Technique" for its visual analogy.

This technique is suggested as aligning well with human instincts in a "fight or flight" scenario, as coined by Dr. Walter Cannon. A head-forward stance offers improved gun control and reaction time, particularly useful for shooters new to carry optics struggling to "find the dot." Ayoob also addresses eyewear needs for those using iron sights, recommending adjustments for optimal focus. This exploration of the Tactical Turtle demonstrates how unconventional approaches may enhance shooting performance significantly. To explore this in more detail, read the full article, Ayoob: Were We Wrong About the “Tactical Turtle”?