What are striking distance keywords?
In SEO, striking distance usually refers to queries where a page is already visible but not yet in a stronger position. A common working range is positions 4 through 20, although the right range depends on your site and goals.
Why these keywords matter
You already have a page earning impressions for the query. That can make optimization more efficient than starting from zero with a new URL.
How to prioritize the list
Start with impressions, then check position, CTR and intent. A query with strong impressions at position 8 may be a better review candidate than a position 12 query with almost no visibility.
What to optimize
Review the page's intent match, title, headings, internal links, content coverage and supporting pages. Avoid changing a page without checking what currently ranks.
FAQ
No. The term is a practical SEO label, not a Google-defined ranking category.
No. It uses the position data in your GSC export.