How Do I Design a DIY Drill Sheet on Paper Targets?

If you’ve ever walked into a shooting range and felt overwhelmed by all the different drills, target layouts, and training routines—you’re not alone. For beginners, firearm training can feel complicated. The good news? You don’t need an advanced setup or fancy tech to start building solid shooting skills. One of the best tools you can use is a DIY drill sheet on paper targets.

A drill sheet is simply a guide that structures your practice session. Instead of aimlessly putting rounds downrange, you’ll have a plan—where to shoot, how many rounds to fire, and what skills to focus on. In this post, we’ll break down how to design your own DIY drill sheet, explain why paper targets are perfect for beginners, and show you a few Axle Targets products that make training simple, effective, and even fun.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to create a drill sheet that helps you improve accuracy, consistency, and confidence at the range.

Why Use a Drill Sheet for Firearm Training?

Before diving into design, let’s answer the big question: why bother with drill sheets in the first place?

• Structured Practice: Instead of just shooting at random spots, drill sheets guide your training with purpose.

• Progress Tracking: When you write out your drills, you can record results over time and see improvement.

• Skill Development: Specific drills build accuracy, trigger control, recoil management, and speed.

• Beginner-Friendly: Drill sheets remove the guesswork—making each range session productive, not confusing.

Think of a drill sheet as your roadmap to becoming a better shooter.

Step 1: Decide on Your Training Goals

Before sketching anything, ask yourself: What do I want to work on today?

For beginners, goals usually fall into three buckets:

1. Accuracy: Learning to hit small, defined areas on the target.

2. Consistency: Grouping shots tightly, not just landing random hits.

3. Confidence with Fundamentals: Smooth trigger pulls, safe handling, and sight alignment.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overload your drill sheet with too many exercises. Start with 2–3 focused drills per session.

Step 2: Choose Your Paper Target Layout

Paper targets are ideal for DIY drill sheets because you can easily mark zones, write instructions, and track hits. At Axle Targets, you’ll find a variety of high-quality paper targets that fit different training goals.

For beginners, three standouts are:

• 2” Drill Target – Great for accuracy drills with small aiming points.

• B8 Cluster Target – Perfect for practicing shot groups and consistency.

• FBI QIT 99 Target – A beginner-friendly silhouette with clear scoring zones.

You can start with one target style and design your drill sheet around it—or mix it up depending on what you want to improve.

Step 3: Sketch Your Drill Sheet

Grab a notebook or use a simple Word document. Here’s what to include on your sheet:

• Target Name: Example – “2” Drill Target"

• Distance: Example – “5 yards”

• Round Count: Example – “5 shots per circle”

• Instructions: Example – “Fire one shot at each circle, focusing on trigger control.”

• Scoring: Example – “Circle hit = 1 point. Total possible = 10 points.”

👉 Think of this as your playbook. When you arrive at the range, you won’t waste time figuring out what to do—you’ll just follow the sheet.

Step 4: Add Beginner-Friendly Drills

Here are a few drills you can write into your DIY sheet:

1. Circle Accuracy Drill (Using the 2” Drill Target)

• Distance: 5 yards

• Instructions: Fire one shot into each circle, slow and steady.

• Goal: Improve precision by hitting small areas.

2. Group Tightening Drill (Using the B8 Cluster Target)

• Distance: 7 yards

• Instructions: Fire 5 shots into the center black circle.

• Goal: Keep all shots within the inner ring.

3. Silhouette Confidence Drill (Using the FBI QIT 99 Target)

• Distance: 3–5 yards

• Instructions: Fire 2 shots center mass, 1 shot to head box.

• Goal: Train consistency with basic defensive-style placement.

With just these three drills, beginners can work on accuracy, grouping, and basic placement—a solid foundation for future training.

Step 5: Track Your Progress

This is where a drill sheet really shines. At the end of each session, jot down:

• How many hits you scored

• What distance you shot from

• Notes on what felt good or what needs work

Over time, you’ll have a log of your shooting journey. That’s motivating, and it helps you make measurable progress.

Product Spotlights: Best Paper Targets for Drill Sheets

🎯 2” Drill Target This compact target features multiple 2-inch circles that are perfect for precision shooting practice. Beginners love it because the small aiming points quickly reveal whether your fundamentals are solid. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for building accuracy one shot at a time.

🎯 B8 Cluster Target A classic bullseye-style layout with multiple scoring zones. The B8 Cluster is excellent for group training and score tracking. Since you’ll shoot at the same circle repeatedly, you can instantly see whether your groups are tightening over time. Perfect for anyone who wants measurable progress.

🎯 FBI QIT 99 Target This silhouette-style paper target is designed for practical drills. It has clear hit zones that are easy for beginners to understand. If you’re interested in defensive training or concealed carry practice, this is the one to start with.

Expert Tips for Beginners

• Start Close, Move Back: Begin at 3–5 yards and only increase distance as your accuracy improves.

• Quality Over Quantity: 50 focused rounds with drills are better than 200 rounds of random shooting.

• Bring Extras: Always bring extra paper targets—you’ll want to repeat drills for better results.

• Stay Safe: Always follow range rules, keep muzzle awareness, and double-check your firearm handling.

• Have Fun: Training should be challenging, but also rewarding. Celebrate small wins!

Wrapping It All Up

Designing a DIY drill sheet on paper targets isn’t complicated—it’s one of the easiest ways for beginners to turn range time into real skill-building. By setting clear goals, using structured drills, and tracking your progress, you’ll see improvements faster than you thought possible.

And when it comes to paper targets, you don’t have to guess which ones are right for you. Start with Axle Targets’ 2” Drill Target, B8 Cluster Target, and FBI QIT 99 Target to build a strong foundation in accuracy, consistency, and defensive confidence.

Ready to make your next range day more productive? 👉 Explore Axle Targets’ paper targets and start creating your own DIY drill sheet today.