Advanced CQB Footwork 3: Limited Penetration Footwork

Limited penetration techniques (or what we refer to as “shallow entry”) have a number of applications. In the most general terms, the purpose of executing a shallow entry as opposed to a deep entry is to minimize your exposure to danger areas deeper in the room and to remain closer to the entry door, making it easier for you to pull back or break contact in an emergency. Shallow entry techniques are more common and widespread than many people realize. For example, when a four-person team executes a traditional “points of domination” room entry technique, the third and fourth person into the room are actually executing a shallow entry (limited penetration) movement to compliment the deep entry executed by the first two assaulters. Therefore, learning the correct footwork for shallow entry can be useful regardless of which CQB system you employ.

Step Left

For the sake of consistency, the opening moves of the shallow entry are similar to those for turning right or left to clear your corner. Depending on how you are employing the shallow entry and how many people are in your team, you may or may not be the one to clear the corner. However, this will not affect the general footwork pattern. First, as with the previous techniques, plant the weak-side foot 2-3 feet from the door (1). The next step must be slightly longer as you will need to place your foot past the threshold of the door in order to make room for you to slide into the room (2) Once you have stepped past the threshold (with the right foot in the example image below), bring the trailing foot forward and then side-step out to the left (3). Finally, bring your right foot in towards your left foot to assume a comfortable, fighters stance and ensure your feet are not blocking the entry way (4). You want to remain close to the door if possible so you can bring a stable weapon into the fight quickly and check rear-security as needed, but you want to make sure you are out of the way so you are not blocking the doorway.

Step Right

Once again, depending on how you are employing the shallow entry and how many people are in your team, you may or may not be the one to clear the corner. As with the previous techniques, plant the weak-side foot 2-3 feet from the door (1). The next step will be slightly shorter, directly towards the open door to set up the next step into the room (2) Step into the room past the threshold of the door in order to make room for you to slide into the room (3) Once you have stepped past the threshold (with the left foot in the example image below), bring the trailing foot forward and then side-step out to the right. Then, bring your left foot in towards your right foot to assume a comfortable, fighters stance and ensure your feet are not blocking the entry way (4). Once again, you want to remain close to the door if possible so you can bring a stable weapon into the fight quickly and check rear-security as needed without blocking the doorway. 

Conclusion

The shallow entry footwork is relatively simple but it is still easy to bungle if you are not careful. Because you are remaining close to the door there is a greater chance that you might kick the doorframe, get your gear caught on the doorframe or stumble. Therefore it is critical to take as few steps as possible and to make those steps smooth and controlled. It is also important to make sure your footwork is smooth because it is likely that you will be engaging targets immediately as you are stepping into the room. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts and ideas by either posting on our social media sites, or sending an email to staff@specialtactics.me.