The Tactical Games (TTG) has set a new benchmark for 2025, rolling out standardized shooting and fitness requirements aimed at refining competition expectations and improving athlete preparedness. These new standards, as announced in a recent podcast featuring Nick Palacios and James Gill, are now fully documented and available online, ensuring every competitor knows exactly what to train for.

Shooting Standards: Precision, Speed, and Accountability

A major shift for 2025 is the introduction of standardized shooting aggregates, akin to classifiers, that allow competitors to track their progress throughout the season. These aggregates will be published online and incorporated into regional events.

• Target Sizes & Distances: TTG has established defined targets per distance—roughly 0.5 inches per 3 yards for pistol, and 4 MOA per 100 yards for rifle. Steel target dimensions remain consistent with these guidelines.
• Cadence-Based Programming: Baseline pacing metrics are now used in programming to balance speed and accuracy—3 seconds per pistol shot, 4 seconds per rifle shot.
• Stage Consistency: At least one aggregate stage will appear in every TTG regional event. This allows athletes to compare scores from different matches and regions.
• Scoring & Benchmarks: Shooters can now compare their scores across competitions, even against top competitors like James Gill, providing clear training benchmarks for progression.

Physical Standards: Defined Weights & Movements Per Division

On the fitness side, TTG is implementing precise weight requirements and movement standards based on division, ensuring clear expectations for all competitors.

• Published Weight Limits: Specific implements such as strongman bags, duffel bags, jerry cans, and axle bars will have defined weight limits per division. For example:
  • Men’s Elite: Strongman Bag – 250#
  • Women’s Elite: Duffel Bag – 60#
  • Men’s 50+, Men’s Intermediate: Jerrycan – 60#
• Floater Stages: Six fitness-only floater stages will be included in regionals, featuring max-calorie challenges, bag-over-bar tests, and stress carry events.
• Movement Standardization: Reps for events like bag over bar and stress carries will be structured to ensure fairness in judging. For example:
  • Men’s Elite: 200# strongman bag over a 48” bar.
  • Women’s Elite: 125# strongman bag over a 42” bar.

Events and Workouts

Competitors will see new standardized floater workouts and shooting aggregates throughout the season. Some highlights include:

• Max Reps Bag/Body Over Bar: Accumulate as many reps as possible in 90 seconds, with prescribed weights and bar heights.
• Pistol Speed Plates: Engage six static steel plates at 12 yards, ensuring a balance between speed and accuracy with a mandatory reload.
• Throttle Control Stage: A precision-focused engagement at 10, 18, and 25 yards, challenging shooters to control their cadence and transitions.
• Rifle Speed Plates: A 50-yard shooting test demanding mandatory reloads and transitions to prone, enforcing accuracy under stress.

Training and Competition Alignment

By making both shooting and fitness requirements public and standardized, TTG allows competitors to train with purpose. Athletes are encouraged to mix shooting drills with physical stressors to better replicate real match conditions. The new benchmark system ensures that all competitors—regardless of location—can measure themselves against a consistent set of challenges.

For those aiming to qualify for TTG Nationals, expect tougher standards and weights, which will be released later in the season.

Final Thoughts

The Tactical Games’ 2025 standardization brings clarity, structure, and measurable progression to the sport. With detailed benchmarks in place, competitors can train smarter, compete harder, and track their improvements like never before.

Expect an intense 2025 season—where the best will rise, not just through sheer effort, but through methodical, well-documented skill progression.