“Don’t Run in a Straight Line” and other Bad Advice

[dogshawred]

by Greg Ellifritz
When listening to experts describe how to flee from an attacker who is shooting, the most common statement heard is "Don't run in a straight line." Many people advocate running in a zig-zag pattern or running in a crouched position instead. A target that is small or that moves randomly will theoretically be more difficult to hit.
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A simple internet search find that zig-zag running is recommended by Wiki-sites, tactical "experts," martial artists, university police departments, and military instructors. Running in a crouched position is advocated by universities, self defense instructors, and survival experts. It is rare that you will find anyone who recommends running in a straight line away from the shooter.
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Despite all these recommendations, the idea that running in a zig-zag or crouch is better than running in a straight line is pure conjecture! There really isn't any documented evidence to suggest that any one technique is better than any other. The "experts" are just guessing!
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In a recent Active Shooter Response class I was teaching at the Tactical Defense Institute, I decided to create a test to see if there was any real difference between running in a straight line, running in a zig-zag pattern, and running in a crouched position. Using some Simunitions weapons (Glock 17 pistols that fire a type of paintball) and the students as test subjects, I attempted to simulate an active shooter event.
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For the full article: ?Don?t Run in a Straight Line? and other Bad Advice | Buckeye Firearms Association
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Although not completely conclusive, they do present some interesting facts to consider on a individual basis. IMO

 

[Paul_of_TX]

That's pretty interesting. No question that situational awareness at all times and in all places is your best bet to surviving any situation. Knowing where exits are and where cover can be found is the first step and if you do that before any shots are fired you are one step ahead of the herd. If possible you can combine the speed of running straight with the zig-zag to give you the best chance. In other words if possible don't run directly away from a shooter but run away at an angle. This way you have more of your side exposed including arms and legs and you still have all the speed you are capable of. I know it is easier said than done and you may not always be able to tell who is actually shooting if there is a large crowd.

 

[wolf_fire]

At 7-10 yards, acquiring your target and shooting it, even if it is moving, I would think should be higher than 50-55%. Did you notice whether most of the people missed one shot, or if half of the people completely missed and the other half got both shots on? If the latter is the case, then the experimental data isn't about how they ran, it's about how good the shooters are.

In general, I like the experiment and would love to hear more about this. I'm looking forward to you doing more studies and sharing. Thank you for this dogshawred

 

[K7lvo]

Wow! What I got out of that was if someone's shooting at you, you'd best be shooting back, not running!

 

[JCliff]

Good article with some good food for thought. Good post!

 

[JCliff]

Wow! What I got out of that was if someone's shooting at you, you'd best be shooting back, not running!

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That's called cover by fire, and it works!

 

[farsidefan1]

Excellent! Thanks. Lot to think about. I'm a straight Lin or shoot back guy. Unless the BG is pretty good I'll take my chances with my weapon (course how do you know?

 

[kelcarry]

Always the "what if", which, when mentioned, cannot be discredited. Straight line, zig zag line, crawl on your belly for all I care---Situational awareness is still the numero uno self defense mechanism. There is very little reason for anyone to be at a point where the closeness of realizing imminent danger and the evasion from same is necessary. Crimps your style because you wanted to go to that club at midnight in a seedy area of town? Needed cash at the ATM at midnight? Not me--never me. "What ifs?" Not me--never me. 72 years of never. Please do not reply with your "what if"--I have no answer for you other than to shake my head.

 

[jcreek]

“Don’t Run in a Straight Line” and other Bad Advice

I would say running in a straight line away from your attacker is inherently a bad idea especially if you know you're the specific target. I would much rather run in straight lines between cover, working my way away from him. If you're only 7-10 feet away from him though and you have no cover and no weapon, you're pretty much screwed if he's ever shot a gun before.

 

[Bttbbob]

I would contend that gunfights are a mathematical equation of time and distance. The only problem being, you never know the digits of the equation until its too late. Time and distance in a fight are your friend. John Boyd's OODA loop theory proves this.
Now that said, why would anyone move straight forward or straight back in a fight? All it does is make you a larger or smaller target.
One of the first things I think most tactical instructors teach, is getting off the line of attack. Another words. Make your attacker track you with his sights as oppose to just straight sighting.
Just my humble opinion.

 

[whodat2710]

Mythbusters did a similar study regarding the common practice of running when it's raining so you don't get as wet. Long story short, they both got just as wet, but the walkers were wet on top while the runners were wet on the front.
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If I had to guess, (and maybe someone coulf find more info) the second shots were probably the most accurate. This would also explain the reduced hit percentage vs straight line runners since some gave no time for a second shot. I agree that running directly away from an attacker is probably not a good idea vs diagonally away.

 

[tcox4freedom]

I would say running in a straight line away from your attacker is inherently a bad idea especially if you know you're the specific target. I would much rather run in straight lines between cover, working my way away from him. If you're only 7-10 feet away from him though and you have no cover and no weapon, you're pretty much screwed if he's ever shot a gun before.

I agree with the first part of this post. In my view getting to the closest "cover" is paramount. But, I don't agree with the statement of being screwed if you're facing armed attackers within 10 feet.

I have a rule that I've lived by since I was a teenager that says: "When facing a armed attacker in <10' ranges, prepare for hth defense that involves deflect & counter before you move to cover."

IMHO; If my attacker is armed (knife, gun, club, whatever) and they are within "spitting" distance, my best chance for survival with minimal injuries is to close the gap & get inside arms length and turn "defensive" situation into an "offensive" one. My plan is to disrupt the BG's OODA loop; deflect the initial attack using the "element of surprise". (hopefully gaining control of the BGs weapon in the process.)

By disrupting, deflecting and mounting an initial counter-strike, I hope to give myself the extra time I need to reach cover safely or escape the encounter completely. Since I'm not capable of running, I "need" to create more time to cover distance. Therefore, it's a lot easier for me to take two steps toward the attacker and mount a hth assault than it is for me to turn & run 20'-30' & get away.

I look at it like this-
Seven to 10 feet is really more like 3 or 4 feet to the BG's weapon or his wrists. Taking "reach" into consideration, I should be able to reach a BG in two or three steps; or one or two a seconds when they are that close. However, it may take me 5 or 6 seconds to reach cover.

I've used this rule against armed attackers on several occasions. I even used it against 4 attackers armed with clubs & knives without getting cut or my head bashed in. (I was a lot younger and in better shape back then however.) :smile:


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[Warrior1256]

Wow! What I got out of that was if someone's shooting at you, you'd best be shooting back, not running!

I couldn't agree more!!!

 

[jcreek]

I've used this rule against armed attackers on several occasions. I even used it against 4 attackers armed with clubs & knives without getting cut or my head bashed in. (I was a lot younger and in better shape back then however.) :smile:

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Ok Chuck Norris.

 

[tcox4freedom]

Ok Chuck Norris.

It doesn't take a Chuck Norris to learn a few moves that you can use should you have a lapse in your SA and let a BG or two get to close to you. But, thanks for the compliment. :smile:

I'm in my fifties, disabled and incapable of running (ANYWHERE) But, I'm sure as hell not going see myself as an automatic loser in a SD situation! (EVER!) It doesn't matter if I'm facing one BG or 10 BGs; I still refuse to right off my chances as "hopeless. :wink:

(Btw, 30 years ago there was a bar in Millington, TN where you could find about a dozen Marines to testify to what I'm telling you is truth.)


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[dogshawred]

It doesn't take a Chuck Norris to learn a few moves that you can use should you have a lapse in your SA and let a BG or two get to close to you. But, thanks for the compliment. :smile:

I'm in my fifties, disabled and incapable of running (ANYWHERE) But, I'm sure as hell not going see myself as an automatic loser in a SD situation! (EVER!) It doesn't matter if I'm facing one BG or 10 BGs; I still refuse to right off my chances as "hopeless. :wink:

(Btw, 30 years ago there was a bar in Millington, TN where you could find about a dozen Marines to testify to what I'm telling you is truth.)


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I agree with you and have faith in my own skills, even as yourself being disabled my fight or flight response always have arguments with each other.
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The OP was about advise being given to untrained, unarmed, pedestrian type individuals caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those people who are going to not stand up against someone or don't have the ability to do so like our children in gun free zones. Target rich environments where even a miss ends up hitting someone.
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I was taught from a young age that the best defense is a swift and unannounced offense. Just sayin'.

 

[jcreek]

Ok Chuck Norris.

It doesn't take a Chuck Norris to learn a few moves that you can use should you have a lapse in your SA and let a BG or two get to close to you. But, thanks for the compliment. :smile:

I'm in my fifties, disabled and incapable of running (ANYWHERE) But, I'm sure as hell not going see myself as an automatic loser in a SD situation! (EVER!) It doesn't matter if I'm facing one BG or 10 BGs; I still refuse to right off my chances as "hopeless. :wink:

(Btw, 30 years ago there was a bar in Millington, TN where you could find about a dozen Marines to testify to what I'm telling you is truth.)


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I'm not dissing martial arts in general or your particular skill level. I'm a brown belt in Marine Corps Martial Arts. However, running straight at 4 attackers armed with knives and crowbars when I'm unarmed is still not something I would do. I agree you shouldn't ever give up in a fight for your life, I'm just saying, I was the one armed, and I had a gun already in my hand and somebody came running at me....they wouldn't be leaving that fight.

And c'mon? Your source are Marines in a bar? I'll bet everyone also killed 5 people with their bare hands at the same time while overseas. Everybody got war stories in a bar.

 

[tcox4freedom]

I'm not dissing martial arts in general or your particular skill level. I'm a brown belt in Marine Corps Martial Arts. However, running straight at 4 attackers armed with knives and crowbars when I'm unarmed is still not something I would do. I agree you shouldn't ever give up in a fight for your life, I'm just saying, I was the one armed, and I had a gun already in my hand and somebody came running at me....they wouldn't be leaving that fight.

And c'mon? Your source are Marines in a bar? I'll bet everyone also killed 5 people with their bare hands at the same time while overseas. Everybody got war stories in a bar.

I was NOT running towards them. They ran at me. I had nowhere to go. I tried to get in my car but couldn't. No choice but to fight or get cut & beat.

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[dogshawred]

I'm not dissing martial arts in general or your particular skill level. I'm a brown belt in Marine Corps Martial Arts. However, running straight at 4 attackers armed with knives and crowbars when I'm unarmed is still not something I would do. I agree you shouldn't ever give up in a fight for your life, I'm just saying, I was the one armed, and I had a gun already in my hand and somebody came running at me....they wouldn't be leaving that fight.

And c'mon? Your source are Marines in a bar? I'll bet everyone also killed 5 people with their bare hands at the same time while overseas. Everybody got war stories in a bar.

Can't resist adding $0.02 at this time; Had a Chief during my enlistment that told me there is one difference between fairy tales and sea stories.
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A fairy tail starts "once upon a time"
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A sea story starts "this ain't no sh!t"
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And this ain't no sh!t!