Why “Getting Off the X” Is More Than Just a Dance Move

If you’ve spent time at the range or in self-defense training, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Get off the X.” But what does that really mean? And are you practicing it in a way that actually helps you survive in a real-world encounter?

Let’s break it down.

“The Range Reload Shuffle”

A lot of shooters develop a habit that could get them killed, plain and simple. You’ve probably seen this before and it goes like this:

The shooter lands several hits on target, goes for a reload, then does a little side step and says, “I’m getting off the X!”

I like to call this the “Range Reload Shuffle” and it’s become a sort of nervous dance—a half-step to the side meant to simulate movement off the line of attack. But here’s the hard truth: that tiny sidestep isn’t fooling anyone, least of all your opponent.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the origin of this action. When instructors or students step just one foot to the side while drawing or reloading, it originated as a placeholder on account of range safety rules. On a firing line with ten to twenty people, you obviously can’t sprint sideways into the next lane without serious life-threatening risk. You’d have muzzles pointed everywhere, and that’s a big no-no. So, instructors will say, “Step off line” to plant the idea for when you go home and train solo.

The issue is the training scar that forms when the placeholder is used as a legitimate tactic. It’s creating a false sense of security, and if it becomes habit—something you do every time you reload—you may need to reload in a gunfight and step right out from your cover and expose you to incoming fire just because it’s muscle memory!

In real life, that little shuffle step won’t save you and it could even get you killed.

What the “X” Really Looks Like

The “X” isn’t some tiny point under your feet. It’s a huge danger zone, and simply stepping a couple feet to the left or the right doesn’t take you out of it.

If you’ve got the drop on me and holding me at gunpoint, and I take a small step to the left or the right, guess what? You’d still have your gun pointed right at me. It’s just a small adjustment for you. This disappearing ninja move just doesn’t work. At close distances, those tiny movements don’t disrupt the attacker’s line of sight or fire.

So what does effective movement look like? I’m glad you asked.

Make Space Fast and Aggressively

If someone is up close and already has a weapon on you, one step probably isn’t enough. You may need to:

• Disrupt: Use a disarm or physical move to interrupt their action.
• Explode off the line: Move fast and aggressively backward or laterally to create space.
• Land shots while moving: If possible, engage while retreating to improve your odds of survival.

Every step you take away from an armed attacker statistically improves your chances of survival. Distance buys you time, cover, and options. Guns are violence at a distance so leverage your superior training.

Training the Right Way

As you develop your gunfighting and self-defense skills, remember:

• Train realistically. Practice big, aggressive movements when safe to do so. Save the shuffle-step for placeholder drills on the range, but don’t let it become a habit.
• Understand the context. Civilians and patrol officers are usually trying to make space, not close it. Tactical teams may push in with violence of action, but that’s a different world. And if you’re a part of a tactical team, you do you.
• Adapt to the moment. Sometimes the right answer is to run for cover. Other times it’s to stay still and wait for a perfect, justifiable shot, setting up a counter ambush. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule.

Conclusion

The X is bigger than you think. Getting off it takes more than a nervous little dance. It’s about aggressive, decisive movement, intelligent use of space, and smart tactics.

So next time you train, ask yourself: Am I really getting off the X or am I just shuffling in place?

Remember, Train Hard. Train Smart. And get off the “X”.