What is the term used for the practice of continuing to squeeze the trigger after the bullet fires?

The term used for the practice of continuing to squeeze the trigger after the bullet fires is known as follow through. This technique is essential in marksmanship as it helps ensure that the shooter maintains their focus and control over the firearm even after the shot is taken. Follow through contributes to consistent accuracy because it can prevent the shooter from inadvertently disturbing the firearm's alignment as they react to the recoil or the sound of the gun firing.

In shooting sports, the importance of follow through cannot be overstated; it reinforces good shooting habits and helps the shooter remain aware of their position and stance, which can impact subsequent shots. Other terms such as trigger squeeze refer to the initial act of pulling the trigger to fire, whereas breathing pertains to dealing with the shooter’s respiratory cycle to achieve optimal stability. Parallax describes a misalignment scenario that can occur with scopes or sights, which is not relevant to the firing technique.