(xii) =Measures to prevent Faults becoming Habitual.=--It is a common experience that serious faults become formed habits in recruits before they are discovered by the instructor, and that they are exposed only after repeated visits to the range, by which time it will be difficult to correct them. In order to compel analysis of faults, to indicate clearly how defects may be remedied, and to remove all suspicion as to the accuracy of his rifle, preliminary and qualifying practices are divided into exercises in (_a_) grouping, and (_b_) applying fire. Section =52=.--Grouping and Application. =1. Definition of Grouping.=--The term “group” as applied to a number of shots fired at an objective has previously been explained. Grouping practices consist of firing a series of shots--usually five--at a distinct and fixed aiming mark without any alteration of sighting or point of aim. =2. Object of Grouping Practices.=--The object of grouping practices is not to score hits on the mark aimed at, but to develop in men the power of grouping a series of shots as closely as possible. In other words, the object of these practices is to teach soldiers to shoot steadily and consistently as the foundation of their training in rifle-shooting. When they are able to fire so that their shots are grouped closely together, their training will be advanced another stage to application practices, when they will be taught to “apply” their shot groups to an aiming-mark. That is to say, they will be taught to hit the mark aimed at, as well as to group their shots closely. =3. Testing the Value of Groups.=--Thus, in grouping practices, the position of a shot group in relation to the aiming-point is no test of its value, which is judged only by the closeness of the shots in each group. Shot groups are measured by rings, as described in Sec. 56, para. 2, and in Sec. 49, para. 6 (xi) (Miniature Ranges). =4. Point of Mean Impact.=--(i) When all the shots in a group are contained in a measuring-ring, the point where the centre of the ring falls on the target is termed the _point of mean impact_. The position of the group in relation to the point of aim is decided by recording the distance and direction of the point of mean impact from the point of aim. As already stated, the position of the group in relation to the point of aim is immaterial, and it does not matter if all the shots miss the point of aim. Nevertheless, the position of the point of mean impact in relation to the point of aim is important for instructional purposes, because it indicates the constant faults of the firer and errors of the rifle.