4 Tips for Cross-Dominant Shooters

Odd as it might sound, you have a dominant eye. And if your left eye is dominant, but your right hand is also dominant, then you’re cross-dominant.

There isn’t anything wrong with cross-dominance whatsoever, but it can make shooting more difficult. You can quickly develop bad shooting habits if you don’t know how to compensate for your cross-dominance.

After giving a brief look at how to test for cross-dominance (just in case you’re wondering if that’s why your aim is off), we’ll take a look at how to overcome it as a shooting obstacle.

Am I Cross-Dominant?

An easy way to tell is to look at whether your shots are consistently landing high and to the left or right of where you’re aiming.

On the other hand, that can also be due to any number of other issues.

Here’s how to identify your dominant eye:

• Make a triangle with your index fingers and thumbs
• Looking through your triangle, focus on an object about 15 feet away
• Close each eye alternatively

You’ll notice that when one eye is closed, the object seems to “jump” to the side. After switching eyes, the object remains in the center of your triangle.

This eye – the one that sees the object properly – is your dominant eye.

1. Cover Your Dominant Eye

This tip works equally well for shooting with a long-barrel firearm, like a rifle or shotgun, and with a handgun.

The idea is simple: by covering your dominant eye while shooting, you force yourself to use your non-dominant eye together with your dominant hand.

You can use an eye patch, or smear some chapstick across the corresponding lens of your shooting goggles.

Of course, the obvious issue with this method is you limit your field of vision.

2. Use a Holographic Optic

If you’re shooting with a long-barrel firearm, it’s worth considering the investment of a holographic optic. This will help you focus on your target better.

Granted, they aren’t as great as magnified optics are, so you might find your shooting is affected in other ways. Still, it will certainly help you compensate for your cross-dominance.

3. Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

Rifles and shotguns are more forgiving than handguns when it comes to switching hands, and using your non-dominant hand is a straightforward solution to cross-dominant shooting.

Don’t be fooled, though: this will still take some practice to get right.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to switch to your non-dominant hand if you use a handgun. It’s easier to make the transition if you’re a new shooter.

However, even more experienced shooters will benefit from learning how to be ambidextrous with their firearms.

4. Tilt Your Head

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one.

Tilting your head to the side until your dominant eye comes in line with your sights is easily one of the simplest options. You’ll probably look a bit odd to anyone watching, but your aim will improve.