Rifle shooting may be performed from three basic positions where the shooter uses their body to support the rifle.  These are the standing, kneeling and prone positions.

The prone position is the most accurate and the best position to learn the fundamentals of shooting.  Prone is the most popular shooting position.

The standing position is the most difficult to master due to the higher centre of gravity.  The kneeling position lies somewhere in between prone and standing.

The position rifle shooting events include:

• Silhouette Rifle,
• Target Rifle, and
  
• Air Rifle.
  

Rifle shooting may also be performed with the shooter seated at a bench and the rifle supported by a rest.  This event is hence named Bench Rest shooting.