A method of training a user to swing a battering ram where the user is positioned at the forward end of a training device. The training device comprises a support frame, a piston rod slidably mounted to the support frame, and a striking plate affixed to the piston rod. The striking plate is positioned at a forward end of the training device when the piston rod is in a pre-impact position. The resistance of a secured door is replicated in the training device by biasing the piston rod toward the forward end of the training device. The piston rod slidably moves rearward upon each impact of the battering ram and then returns to its pre-impact position in time to receive the next impact of the battering ram. The user repeatedly swings the battering ram impacting the training device without stopping or pausing between swings to hone proper technique, mechanics and timing of the swings.