Position Sul: A Ready Position or a Safe Movement Discipline?

Position of Sul

The Evolution of Ready Positions Doctrine in Firearms Training

Modern firearms training is not limited merely to the ability to shoot quickly and accurately. Equally important is how an operator directs the weapon, when the weapon should be pointed at a target, and when it should not.

This issue becomes particularly critical during operations conducted in confined spaces. Narrow corridors, stairwells, and crowded interior environments are locations where operators often move within only a few meters of one another. In such environments, the direction of the weapon is not merely a tactical matter; it is also central to safety discipline.

Within firearms training, this principle is often described as muzzle discipline. When the muzzle of a firearm unintentionally points toward friendly personnel, it constitutes a serious safety violation known in the training literature as a muzzle sweep.

For this reason, modern training doctrines teach not only target engagement techniques but also systematic control of the firearm through what are known as ready positions.

The Concept of Ready Positions

In firearms training literature, the term ready position refers to configurations in which the weapon has been drawn but has not yet been directed toward a target for engagement.

These positions generally serve three primary purposes:

• To enable a rapid transition to engagement

• To maintain weapon control

• To ensure safe muzzle direction

Although ready positions are categorized differently across various training doctrines, most approaches include the following fundamental configurations:

• Low Ready

• High Ready

• Compressed Ready

• Position Sul

Each of these positions emerged within different operational contexts and was developed to address specific practical needs.

The Distinction Between Ready Position and Challenge Posture

A conceptual distinction that is often overlooked in firearms training literature is the difference between a ready positionand a challenge posture.

According to Ralph Mroz, a ready position typically refers to configurations used on the range or in training environments as a preparatory state before firing. A challenge posture, on the other hand, describes situations in which the operator points the firearm at an actual person while issuing verbal commands.

This distinction is important because shooters often tend to employ in real-world encounters the ready position they practice most frequently during training. However, some ready positions may not be appropriate or safe in real-world confrontations.

Low Ready: The Classical Ready Position

The low ready position is one of the most widely used ready positions in firearms training literature.

In this position:

The arms are generally extended

• The firearm is held slightly below the target line

• The muzzle is directed downward toward the ground

One of the main advantages of the low ready position is that the firearm points in a safe direction. At the same time, raising the weapon to the target can be performed very quickly.

Some experimental measurements indicate that engagement from low ready can be nearly as fast as the reaction time obtained when the firearm is already aligned with the target while the trigger finger remains off the trigger.

For this reason, many instructors consider low ready suitable both as a ready position and as a challenge posture.

High Ready: A Close Range Control Position

Hn the high ready position, the firearm is held close to chest level with the muzzle oriented upward.

This position may provide advantages in situations such as:

• Movement in confined spaces

• Corner clearing

• Team formations

However, some training programs note that high ready can occasionally lead to unintended and potentially unsafe muzzle orientations in real-world environments.

Compressed Ready

The compressed ready or high compressed ready position refers to a configuration in which the firearm is held close to the chest and near the body.

This position is commonly used in sport shooting and range training environments to enable rapid engagement.

Nevertheless, some instructors emphasize that this configuration should be used cautiously in real-world encounters.

Position Sul: A Position Designed for Movement

Although Position Sul is often categorized as a ready position, some sources indicate that the technique was originally developed for a different purpose.

Developed by Alan Brosnan and Max Joseph, Position Sul emerged within Brazilian police training programs. The technique was designed to improve muzzle discipline for officers moving in confined spaces.

In this position:

The firearm is held close to the body's centerline

• The muzzle is directed downward

• Both hands remain on the weapon

While some instructors classify Position Sul as a ready position, other sources describe it primarily as a movement position or a safe movement position.

Purpose of the Article

This article aims to examine the Position Sul technique not merely as a firearm handling method but within a broader conceptual framework.

The following questions will be explored:

• What operational needs led to the development of Position Sul?

• How does it compare with other ready position techniques?

• What advantages and limitations does it present in CQB (Close Quarters Battle) environments?

• How is the technique evaluated within modern training doctrines?

Muzzle Geometry and Team Safety in CQB Environments

The Spatial Dimension of Weapon Direction in Close-Quarters Operations

Close-quarters battle (CQB) environments represent one of the most complex contexts for firearm use. Unlike open terrain engagements, operators in confined environments must operate with limited visibility, restricted movement corridors, and teammates positioned in close proximity.

Therefore, firearm use in CQB must be evaluated not only in terms of target engagement but also in terms of spatial safety. The direction of an operator's weapon is not solely related to the threat; it is also directly related to the safety of teammates.

Within this context, modern training doctrines frequently explain weapon direction through the concept of muzzle geometry.

Muzzle Axis and Safety Space

Every firearm has a muzzle axis that determines the direction of the barrel. This axis represents the potential line of fire. Whenever an operator directs the weapon, this axis creates an invisible line within the surrounding environment.

If this line intersects with the position of a teammate, a fundamental firearm safety principle has been violated. In firearms safety literature, this situation is referred to as a muzzle sweep.

In CQB environments, the risk increases particularly in situations such as:

• Narrow corridors

• Stairwells

• Doorway entries

• Crowded interiors

In these environments, the movement axes of team members frequently become parallel or intersecting.

Stack Formation and the Weapon Direction Problem!

In confined-space operations, teams frequently move in what is known as stack formation.

This configuration typically operates as follows:

• Operators position themselves in a single file line

• The distance between them is typically around 1–2 meters

• Each operator follows the movement of the one ahead

In this formation, muzzle direction discipline becomes critical. If all operators keep their weapons pointed forward continuously, the muzzle axes of those in the rear will be directed directly toward the backs of the teammates in front.

This situation becomes particularly pronounced in stairwells and narrow corridors.

Safe Direction Configurations

To reduce this problem, different ready position configurations have been developed in firearms training.

These positions generally rely on three primary muzzle-direction approaches:

Low ReadyThe firearm is directed below the line of sight, usually toward the ground.

High ReadyThe firearm is held near chest level with the muzzle directed upward.

Compressed ReadyThe firearm is kept close to the body, enabling rapid transition to target engagement.

Each of these configurations addresses different operational needs.

Position Sul and Muzzle Geometry

Within this framework, Position Sul offers a distinct approach. In this position, the firearm is held close to the body's centerline with the muzzle directed downward.

The most significant feature of this configuration is that the muzzle axis is directed away from the horizontal plane occupied by other operators.

In other words, when Position Sul is used, the firearm's potential line of fire is directed below the level at which team members are located.

For this reason, some instructors describe Position Sul as a safe movement position.

Position Sul may be particularly useful in environments such as:

• Crowded interiors

• Vehicle operations

• Aircraft cabins or similarly narrow tube-like environments

• 360-degree operational environments

In such environments, threats may not only appear in front of the operator but also from the sides or rear. Consequently, maintaining the firearm constantly oriented toward the forward target line may not always be appropriate.

Natural Weapon Control

However, some experienced instructors argue that Position Sul is not necessary in every situation.

Experienced operators often instinctively orient their weapons toward safe directions while moving through confined spaces. For this reason, some training programs treat Position Sul not as a mandatory technique but rather as a tool.

Geometry and Training

One of the most effective ways to understand firearm use in CQB environments is to analyze operator movement not only through individual techniques but also through spatial geometry.

When a team advances through a narrow corridor, each operator's weapon creates an invisible safety zone. The way these zones intersect or overlap becomes a decisive factor for team safety.

For this reason, modern training programs increasingly treat firearm handling not merely as an individual shooting skill but also as a discipline of coordinated team movement.

The Biomechanics of Position Sul

Upper Extremity Coordination in Firearm Control Positions

Although most discussions on firearm use focus on tactical doctrine or training methodology, another useful perspective is to analyze firearm handling through the biomechanics of human movement. The way a firearm is held in different ready positions corresponds to specific joint configurations and muscular coordination patterns within the upper extremities.

During pistol use, three joint systems play a primary role:

• Glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint)

• Humeroulnar joint (elbow joint)

• Radiocarpal joint (wrist joint)

The configuration of these joints directly affects both the stability of the firearm and the speed with which it can be directed toward a target.

Shoulder Stabilization

In the Position Sul configuration, the humerus is held close to the torso. This arrangement creates adduction and internal stabilization at the shoulder joint.

Keeping the arm close to the body produces several biomechanical effects:

• Reduction of the moment arm

• Decreased muscular load

• Increased structural stability

In ergonomic research, configurations in which the arms remain close to the body are typically described as energy-efficient positions.

This characteristic can reduce fatigue, particularly during prolonged periods of waiting or movemen

Elbow Flexion

In Position Sul, the elbow is typically maintained in a slightly flexed position.

Avoiding full elbow extension allows the arm to move rapidly in different directions. In motor control literature, this state is referred to as motor readiness, meaning that the limb is positioned in a configuration that allows rapid directional movement.

This configuration enables the operator to move the firearm quickly:

• Upward

• Forward

• Laterally

Wrist Rotation

To maintain the downward orientation of the firearm in Position Sul, the wrist typically exhibits slight pronation and palmar flexion.

Wrist stabilization is a critical factor in pistol shooting because muzzle direction is often controlled through subtle wrist movements.

For this reason, firearm control positions are not merely tactical choices but are also closely related to the neuromotor control system.

Reaction Movement

Transitioning from Position Sul to a target-directed firing position occurs through coordinated movements of the shoulder and elbow joints.

This movement sequence generally includes:

• Shoulder flexion

• Elbow extension

• Muzzle alignment toward the target

Motor control research suggests that target-directed movements typically occur within the range of 200–300 milliseconds.

Repeated practice during shooting training allows these movements to gradually develop into neuromotor coordination, a process described in sports science as motor learning.

Stability and Control

Two primary factors dominate the evaluation of firearm control positions:

• Stability

• Reaction speed

Some positions provide advantages in stability, while others allow faster engagement of the target.

Position Sul is generally regarded as advantageous in terms of stability and safe muzzle orientation, whereas certain ready positions may provide faster engagement.

Comparative Analysis of Ready Positions

Operational Context of Low Ready, High Ready, and Position Sul

In firearms training, the concept of ready positions is rarely presented as a single universally correct technique. Instead, various configurations have been developed to address different operational requirements.

Each of these positions carries specific advantages and limitations.

For this reason, ready positions must be evaluated not only from a technical perspective but also within their operational context.

Three configurations most frequently discussed in modern training literature are:

• Low Ready

• High Ready

• Position Sul

These positions differ both in muzzle orientation geometry and in target engagement dynamics.

Low Ready: The Classical Ready Position

Low Ready is one of the most commonly used ready positions in firearms training.

In this configuration, the arms are typically extended, and the firearm is directed slightly below the target line.

The primary advantage of this position is that the muzzle points toward a safe direction. Since the firearm is directed toward the ground, the muzzle axis moves away from individuals positioned in front of the operator.

Low Ready is also widely regarded as a fast engagement position. Experimental measurements have shown that engagement from Low Ready can be nearly as fast as reaction times recorded when the firearm is already aligned with the target while the trigger finger remains outside the trigger guard.

For this reason, many instructors consider Low Ready suitable both as a ready position and as a challenge posture.

However, Low Ready also presents certain limitations. In confined environments, the extended position of the firearm may bring it too close to a suspect or adversary. Additionally, maintaining the arms fully extended for extended periods may cause fatigue in the shoulder and arm muscles.

High Ready: A Close-Range Control Position

In the High Ready position, the firearm is held close to the chest with the muzzle directed upward.

This configuration may offer advantages in confined environments and during corner clearing. Keeping the firearm close to the body can reduce the risk of the weapon being grabbed by an adversary.

High Ready can also facilitate rapid target alignment because the distance required to bring the firearm into the visual line of sight is relatively short.

Nevertheless, some training programs emphasize that High Ready should be used cautiously in real-world situations. Because the muzzle is oriented upward, the firearm may unintentionally point toward areas the operator does not intend to control.

Position Sul: A Safe Movement Configuration

Although Position Sul is often categorized as a ready position, some instructors emphasize that the technique was originally developed for a different purpose.

Developed by Alan Brosnan and Max Joseph, Position Sul emerged during police training programs in Brazil. The primary objective of the technique was to improve muzzle discipline among officers moving in confined environments.

In this configuration, the firearm is held close to the body’s centerline with the muzzle directed downward.

The principal advantage of this configuration lies in the fact that the muzzle axis is directed away from the horizontal plane occupied by other operators.

As a result, the areas where team members are located remain outside the firearm’s potential line of fire.

For this reason, some instructors regard Position Sul as a particularly effective safe movement configuration, especially in crowded environments or during team-based operations.

The Balance Between Speed and Safety

Two primary factors emerge when comparing ready positions:

• Speed of target engagement

• Safety of muzzle direction

While some positions enable faster engagement, others provide advantages in maintaining safe muzzle orientation.

Low Ready generally offers faster target engagement.High Ready may facilitate weapon control in confined spaces.Position Sul can provide advantages in safe movement and

muzzle discipline.

For this reason, different ready positions may be appropriate in different operational contexts.

Doctrinal Debate

Much of the debate surrounding ready positions centers on whether a particular technique can be considered universally correct.

However, modern training approaches increasingly emphasize context-dependent technique selection rather than a single universally correct method.

In other words, firearm control positions are often less a matter of right versus wrong and more a matter of situational appropriateness.

Field Observations

Ergonomics and Grip Dynamics in Position Sul

Firearm control techniques are often discussed in terms of tactical doctrine and training principles. However, field observations indicate that certain techniques may produce different effects in terms of operator ergonomics and muscular coordination.

Training observations involving the use of Position Sul have revealed several noteworthy aspects regarding pistol grip ergonomics.

In the Position Sul configuration, the firearm is held close to the body’s centerline with the muzzle directed downward. Operators typically maintain a high grip, which is widely recommended in modern pistol training.

A high grip improves recoil control and positions the slide axis closer to the wrist joint.

However, field applications have shown that if the high grip does not fully seat into the beavertail area of the pistol grip, certain ergonomic issues may arise.

If the pistol grip does not properly settle into the base of the hand, the upper portion of the grip may exert pressure on the flexor tendon region, located between the wrist and the palm.

This effect may become more pronounced in Position Sul because the firearm is held close to the chest centerline.

During prolonged use of this configuration, some operators have reported:

• Pressure at the base of the grip

• Sensitivity in the flexor tendon region

• Tension in the gripping muscles

These effects may be particularly noticeable when the pistol is pressed inward toward the body’s centerline.

Operator Ergonomics

These observations demonstrate that firearm control techniques should be evaluated not only through tactical principles but also through operator ergonomics and anthropometric variation.

Each operator possesses unique characteristics, including:

• Hand anatomy

• Grip strength

• Muscular coordination

As a result, certain techniques may feel more natural for some operators while others may require an adaptation period.

Modern firearms training therefore increasingly emphasizes selecting techniques that are appropriate both to the situation and to the individual operator.

Technique or Principle?

Position Sul is frequently discussed as a specific firearm handling technique. However, the original purpose behind its development was not merely to teach a particular position but to reinforce muzzle discipline.

In confined environments, the most critical issue is ensuring that the firearm’s potential line of fire remains directed away from teammates and civilians.

Position Sul can serve as an effective tool in certain environments.

However, modern training approaches emphasize that no single position represents a universal solution. Firearm control techniques must be evaluated in relation to operational context, team formation, and operator ergonomics.

In other words, Position Sul may be a technique but the more fundamental issue is the operator’s ability to maintain muzzle discipline under all conditions..

Modern Technique and the Thumbs Forward Grip

One of the most significant milestones in the development of modern pistol training is the Modern Technique of the Pistol, systematized by Jeff Cooper.

This approach, developed through Cooper’s training programs at Gunsite, structured pistol use around several core principles.

The fundamental elements of the Modern Technique are typically described as:

• Two-handed grip

• Forward-leaning shooting stance

• Fast and controlled trigger press

• Front sight focused sight picture

• Safe weapon handling discipline

This method marked a departure from earlier one-handed shooting traditions and emphasized coordinated use of both hands.

Over time, this two-handed grip evolved into several variations, the most common of which is the thumbs-forward grip, widely used in modern pistol training.

In this configuration, the support hand fills the open side of the grip while both thumbs extend forward along the direction of the muzzle. This arrangement provides advantages in recoil control and rapid target transitions.

Position Sul and Modern Grip Techniques

When performing Position Sul, the pistol is typically held using the modern thumbs-forward grip.

However, rapid transitions between the Sul position and engagement positions may require slight adjustments in thumb placement.

These ergonomic details illustrate that firearm techniques must be evaluated not only through theoretical doctrine but also through operator anatomy and muscular coordination..

From Technique to Doctrine

Although Position Sul is often treated as a specific handling technique, the underlying principle behind the technique is broader: muzzle discipline.

In confined environments, the most critical requirement is for the operator to maintain weapon control while simultaneously ensuring the safety of teammates.

Position Sul may therefore serve as an effective tool for safe movement in certain operational environments.

However, modern firearms training emphasizes that no single position constitutes a universal solution. Different ready positions may provide advantages in different operational contexts.

Low Ready, High Ready, and Position Sul should therefore be viewed less as competing techniques and more as situational tools.

Conclusion

The primary objective of firearms training is not merely to achieve fast and accurate shooting. Equally important is the ability to direct the firearm safely and under control.

Within this framework, Position Sul represents one of the techniques that has emerged in modern firearms training.

Its value lies not only in teaching a specific position but also in reminding operators of the critical importance of muzzle discipline.

Position Sul may therefore be considered a technique. Yet the more important issue is the operator’s ability to maintain safe muzzle orientation under all circumstances.

In other words, the essential matter is not the application of a particular position but the consistent maintenance of muzzle discipline in all conditions.

Author

Dr. Selçuk Aksak

Shooting Sport Instructor & Coach

IDPA CSO, Gunsmith

Burkut Academy

selcuk.aksak@burkut.tr

https://www.instagram.com/draksak_offical/

https://academy.burkut.tr

References

Cooper, J. The Modern Technique of the Pistol

Brosnan, A. & Joseph, M.Brazilian Police Firearms Training Materials

Mroz, R. Ready Positions, Police1 / American Cop

SWAT Tactical firearms training articles

Gunsite Academy Training doctrine