Most people know this one. The Bill Drill is a short, repeatable 6-action exercise that tests coordination, precision, and quick decision-making all at once. It’s simple to set up, easy to run at most practice facilities, and brutally revealing about where your fundamentals need improvement.
Why it works
The drill forces you to combine critical elements of fast, accurate performance: steady posture, smooth execution, consistent focus on the target, and quick, reliable follow-through. Run it from different distances and it highlights different weak points—from tension and rushed technique up close to alignment and consistency at longer distances.
Setup & Instructions
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Use a primary target with a clearly marked center zone.
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Stand at one of three distances: 3 yards, 5 yards, or 7 yards (7 yards is the standard test distance).
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Start in a neutral stance with hands at your sides or in an agreed-upon starting posture.
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On the start signal, perform six rapid, controlled actions aimed at the center zone as quickly and accurately as you can.
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A run is considered successful when all six actions land in the center zone; if you’re training to improve consistency, allow occasional peripheral hits but mark them for review.
Distance Breakdown
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3 yards: Demands relaxation under speed. Many people tense up when moving quickly; staying loose often produces faster and cleaner results. A reasonable target time for well-trained performers is around 1.7 seconds from the start signal to completion.
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5 yards: Requires slightly more alignment and focus while still favoring fast execution. Expect a similar pace to 3 yards but with more deliberate checks. Aim for about 1.8 seconds or less.
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7 yards (standard): Exposes issues with control and consistency. Poor technique that’s masked at closer distances will show up here; focus on maintaining solid form and repeatable execution.
Training Notes
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Use this drill both as a cold test of raw ability and as a tool to isolate specific skills.
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Track results: record times and note any non-center hits to identify trends (e.g., consistent left/right, high/low).
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Be mindful of posture: rushing often creates unnecessary tension. Slow down where needed, then gradually increase tempo while maintaining form.
Designed for U.S. Practice Environments
This version is written for an American audience and uses yards for distance. It avoids references to non-U.S. standards so you can apply it directly at local facilities.
Share Your Results
The drill is great for measuring what you can reliably do under pressure. Try it at different distances, log your runs, and use the data to guide focused practice sessions. Let us know how your times and patterns evolve.
Past Drill Themes (Generalized)
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Close-Action Speed Drill
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Shuttle Alignment Drill
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Six-Zone Accuracy Drill