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Bachelor of science (University of Allahabad)

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ISSF National Coach Course

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PISTOL SHOOTING
Shooting Position
by Željko Todorović

© 2020 Željko Todorović

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ISSF National Coach Course

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THEORETICAL PART

1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………… 4

2. REQUIREMENTS - PRECISION POSITION………………………………………………. 5

3. STANCE - PRECISION POSITION…………………………………………………………. 11

Leg position……………………………………………………………………………… 11

Body position………………………………………………………………………......... 15

Right arm position………………………………………………………………………. 18

Right hand position………………………………………………………………….….. 24

Left arm position………………………………………………………………………… 28

Head position…………………………………………………………………………... 31

4. STANCE - DYNAMIC POSITION………………………………………………………….. 36

Sport Pistol - dynamic position……………………………………………………….. 36

Rapid Fire Pistol - position……………………………………………………............. 42

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PRACTICAL PART

1. METHODOLOGY OF APPROACHING AND TAKING SHOOTING POSITION …..… 51

Air Pistol - Sport Pistol - Rapid Fire Pistol

Establishing middle line of position…………………………………………………… 52

Establishing “Zero Point”……………………………………….……………………… 54

Position correction …………………………………………………………….……….. 54

2. CORRECTIONS OF THE GRIP AND PROPER GRIP FITTING …………..…………... 58

3. EXERCISES FOR DEVELOPING BASIC SHOOTING SKILLS ……………………..…. 62

4. WORK WITH BEGINNERS ……………………………………………..………...…….…. 68

5. DEVELOPING SHOOTING SCHOOL SYSTEM .……………………..………...…….…. 78

BIBLIOGRAPHY .……………………..………...…….…. 81

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1. INTRODUCTION

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At the beginning of this book, I would like to point out one very important fact. Namely, all the

elements of the positioning technique are strictly individual to the shooter. The description that

follows is a general frame model that should be understood and applied accordingly to the

shooter’s individual characteristics. Through daily work, feedback and experience, this model has

to be adapted to the shooter’s best benefit, respecting all the requirements that follow.

Basic principles, described in this text, contain essential values that have been achieved through

the work of many years and generations of successful shooters from all over the world. When

adding all the experience and knowledge gained from the trainers that have been working with

them, a long list of knowledge, research, scientific findings, education systems, experiences and

suggestions that come from various experts from the fields of sport medicine, physiology,

psychology, physical preparations, biomechanics, technical engineering and information science,

one cannot doubt the great importance this text represents. These principles must be taken into

account when building a foundation for the development and coordination of the individual

characteristics of the shooter through the daily work.

When building a correct shooting position, all the aspects of the position have to be recognized –

position of the feet, legs, torso, arms, hands, shoulders and head; as well as movements engaged

in the lifting, sighting and triggering techniques. All these technical elements have one goal:

maximum performance output.

To achieve the ultimate goal, a perfect shot, besides a ”good eye” and ”steady hand” (as the most

primitive and raw definition described by ordinary ”amateurs”) it is necessary to meet a wide

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range of requirements to provide and secure the conditions for satisfactory shooting delivery. This

will lead to the conclusion that the shooting position is one of the most important roles in building

a successful shooter.

A simple fact, known to all, is that it is not possible to hold the pistol 100% still in the aiming area.

This will lead to the conclusion that a smaller area of the movement will give a better chance of

scoring 10. Nevertheless, we all know that sometimes the result is not satisfactory, despite the fact

that the movement is as desired. A wide range of factors can affect the score. In the majority of

cases, it will be due to the technical imperfection or psychological factors that are influencing the

lack of coordination between the technical factors responsible for delivering a perfect shot.

Note:

Majority of the photos used in this material are done with help of Walter Lapeyre. It is not because

he was a shooter with perfect position, but he was so patient and willing to participate in photo

project where were taken over 200 photos. Walter is just a model for educational purpose. Despite

all imperfections in his position, he was one of the world leading pistol shooters in a period of 15

years. Thank you Walt.

Also, I would like to thank Damir Mikec for helping in producing the PPT part, regarding the

correct position approach.

Special thanks to my former student and colleague Lisa Borgerson, A Class National Pistol

Coach from Canada for the great help in editing and correcting material.

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2. REQUIREMENTS – PRECISION POSITION

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There are 5 key aspects to be achieved in order to build a correct shooting position:

1. Natural/comfortable – allowing the shooter easily and naturally to obtain the

position securing the maximum comfortable feeling during the entire shooting event.

Very often many shooters and/or their coaches are looking into the position of the

successful shooters, trying to copy/paste it into their own technique. This is just the

beginning of the wrong road. Something that is natural or comfortable for one person

is not necessarily natural or comfortable for the other person. This requirement should

be adopted on a personal level regarding one’s anatomic build, the proportion of the

body parts, weight, size (tall or short), distribution of the center of gravity, muscle

definition, eye dominance and above all personal feeling of comfortable position.

Sure, there are biomechanical rules and limits that must be respected, when talking

about the natural and comfortable aspect.

2. Effective – demanding minimum effort in order to maintain an optimal position

during the shooting even with maximum energy saving, preventing fatigue and

securing optimal performance. The simplest example to understand this aspect is if

you compare two cars that drive the same distance at the same speed. A car with a

bigger engine will consume much more gasoline than one with a smaller, more

efficient engine and both will arrive at the same time to the finish line. Simply said,

why use more energy in muscle activity if the same outcome can be done with less

muscle activity? Such an approach will be beneficial in terms of longer quality

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training sessions, less fatigue and faster recovery process, both physically and

mentally. These effects are very important when talking about a situation where

shooters are going to participate in the final shooting.

3. Stability – maximizing the ability to hold the pistol with a minimum arc of movement.

A consensus exists in the scientific literature about the relation between pistol stability

and performance (Gulbinskienė & Skarbalius, 2009). Shooting position has been

determined, by many authors, as one of the main factors that define the stability of the

pistol due to the kinetic chains of the body (Pellegrini & Schena, 2005). Therefore COP

(center of pressure) movements are closely related to the movements of the pistol as

suggest Ball, Best, and Wrigley (2003). This data leads us to think that the body position

is an important factor in pistol modalities' performance. This hypothesis has been

confirmed by different books and journals specialized in Olympic shooting (Mon 2012b;

Todorovic, 2010) as well as in various science journals (Mason, Cowan, & Gonczol,

1990).

4. Alignment – ensuring that stability is beneficially used to point the aiming elements

of the pistol into the center of the aiming area, on the target. The ultimate goal in

pistol shooting sport is to score 10, i.e. the center of the target. This statement leads us

to the conclusion that all actions in obtaining an optimal position, must be done in

relationship with the center of the target. Therefore, obtaining the correct position is

rather an ultimate must, than an option. If the position is not aligned properly with the

target, when the shooter releases the shot, the arm would move to its natural point of

equilibrium, thus disturbing what could have been a well-aimed shot. A poor position

alignment causes fatigue and shooter can no longer maintain the reference point on

which the aiming point is based. Practicing this process, according to my 30 years of

international coaching experience, has been one of the most neglected and overlooked

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part of training and practice routine. It is well worth the effort if one has dreams of

being a world-class shooter.

5. Consistency – ability to take or re-take the position in a correct manner at any given

moment and still maintain stability and alignment through the entire shooting event.

This requirement is a summary of above mentioned four elements. It is not just

enough to come to the shooting position and proceed with training/competition.

Consistency must be routine of every daily training to become mastered part of the

overall performance process.

I cannot count how many times I have been asked this question from trainers or shooters: “How

to build a correct position?” In order to explain and understand the answer it is necessary to

understand a few basic facts of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.

As any good architect will tell you, a solid building is dependent on a good foundation and a

correct static frame; this principle also defines a good shooting position. In a human body the

skeleton is the core structure used to build the optimal shooting position.

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Ligaments, tendons and muscles

have the function (among other

functions) of ensuring that each

bone is securely attached to each

other in a certain way, building a

multifunctional and solid static and

dynamic skeleton (frame).

Cartilage ensures that the end parts

of the bones do not produce friction

and damage to each other during

structural movements and will also

provide smooth movement.

Understanding the function described above, it is necessary to explain that the structure of the

bones, ligaments and tendons are quite rigid, and as a result they represent a constant in terms

of the shooting position. This means that during the course of the shooting event there will be

no significant changes in the position caused by the elements of the body. Cartilage, due to its

structure, will slightly compress during the shooting activity, but will recover its volume and

dimensions shortly after (certain physical exercise will help in this process), thus it acts as a

small but important variable on the optimal shooting position.

During the whole shooting event activity, muscles perform the greatest work and will be the

factor of the most significant variable element in the shooting position. Even though the

muscles of the arms, hands, shoulders, legs, back, abdomen and neck are doing most of the

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shooting position activity, it will be wrong to forget the activity of the muscles in the heart,

lungs, arteries, eyes etc.

All this muscle activity, being large variables in the shooting position, will result to some extent

in position change and variations. Furthermore, this activity will produce tiredness of the

muscles and will lead to a greater variable factor. As a final result, stability will be reduced in

the short term and consistency will suffer in the long term.

To find an optimal solution for this natural phenomenon we have to understand and accept

the fact that it is necessary to face the consequences and develop a system that will

compensate and minimize these negative effects as well as making tactical compromises in

order to maintain optimal conditions for high-performance levels.

To achieve this ultimate goal it is necessary to apply unconditionally the second requirement

of the shooting position effective. If we agree on the reasoning that minimal muscle activity

will produce minimal variability in the shooting position, the conclusion is leading us to the

very simple solution: “The less muscle activity in maintaining the shooting position, the

greater efficiency in stability and aiming, the greater possibility for high-level

performance.”

When applying this simple solution, in most cases, the shooting position will be performed in

accordance with the first requirement (natural/comfortable). This will result in the overall

mental well-being of the shooter and expansion of their comfort zone, resulting in greater

opportunity for high-level performance.

Quote:
Wrong is wrong – even if everyone is doing it
Right is right – even nobody is doing it.

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3. STANCE – PRECISION POSITION

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The ultimate goal that the shooting position must provide is unconditional stability with

minimum arc of movement. Building the shooting position must be done systematically and in

order, taking into account the above-mentioned five requirements and keeping in mind the

shooter’s differences; anatomy, physiology, biomechanics specificity, strength, and character.

We need to build a solid foundation, therefore starting with the position of the feet, and

accordingly the position of the legs.

LEG POSITION

The position of the feet must serve the

purpose as would a solid foundation for the

static frame that will carry out the rest of the

body. From here onward, all the parts of the

body will be more or less conditionally

directed by the parameters set from this

foundation – position of the feet.

The most steady/stable and the most

comfortable position is the one, where the

distance between the feet is approximately

the width of the shoulders or slightly

narrower.

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The feet have to be positioned in

such a way to provide minimum

tension in the legs. To maintain

the requirement that the

shooting position be natural,

leads us to the conclusion that

the feet must naturally be spread

sideways.

As a result of such foot positioning, the body will get a support foundation surface in the shape

of a trapezium that is larger than if the feet

were to be placed parallel to each other. The

position of the trapezium surface is

conditioned with the fact that the right hip has

to be placed in a direction towards the target.

This will lead to a position of the trapezium

surface where the feet are spread in such a

way that the aiming line (eye, sighting elements, centre of the target) passes through the middle

of both feet, approximately within 22 degrees.

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22°

COG
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

In order to meet the second requirement (effective) and minimize fatigue, it is necessary to

distribute the body weight in the middle part of the feet or slightly on the heel balls. This surface

is providing two important conditions:

a) Projection space for situating the centre of gravity in its optimal position, centre between

feet, and

b) To provide an appropriate surface for body weight distribution, equally on both legs/feet.

Note:
COG and body weight are two different biomechanical parameters –
do not confuse them!

On shooting ranges all over the world it is possible to see many different variations from this

model, ranging from 0 - 45º and still allowing shooters to perform with top world-class results.

Another very important element in feet positioning is the relationship between the feet.

Regardless of individual angle modification (0 - 45º), the right foot has to be slightly turned

towards target.

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t.

In the case of our model, the feet are not parallel. The right foot is 8º turned to the right, in the

direction of the target. Such positioning of the right foot is releasing rotation pressure in the

right knee and avoiding injury of the cross ligaments of the knee, which are very common in

pistol shooting. Many shooters are neglecting this necessity, as they get a feeling of better

stability and better balance. For a few minutes in the short run this might produce a positive

effect, but after that time it will turn into a negative effect followed by a very serious injury.

The necessity to establish a correct biomechanical position of the feet is paramount in building

a correct and functional overall shooting position.

Note:
Golden rule among successful athletes across all sports,
is to minimize injuries during sports career.

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BODY POSITION

In the normal body position without a lifted gun, the center of gravity (COG) is naturally

projected in the middle of the spread feet. The

body weight (BW) will then be equally

distributed on both legs.

When raising the shooting arm and pistol, the

COG will naturally move towards, or beyond,

the right foot. This situation will disturb balance

greatly. In order to regain a proper balanced

position, COG has to be replaced in the most

optimal position. At the same time, BW

distribution has to be readjusted on both legs.

These readjustments are necessary in order to

secure the minimum arc of movement of the

Body position with lifted arm pistol.

The shooter needs to bend the upper part of the body away from the target, providing a

counterweight to the weight of the extended arm with the pistol. If the process of bending the

upper part of the body is done solely from the hips and above, COG will move to its desired

position, but weight distribution will be jeopardized putting most of the body weight on the left

leg. This is one of the most common mistakes we see on the shooting ranges all over the world.

Movement of the upper part of the body has to be done in a combined manner by moving the

hips slightly toward the target while shifting the position of the shoulders backward. By doing

this, the COG is placed between feet or slightly towards the left foot.

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Skeletal bone placement in this position will take over body mass distribution equally on both

legs, reducing muscle activity. This combined movement will secure the prevention of

unnecessary fatigue on the leg joints and muscles, keeping body balance undisturbed. Such a

body position will provide the condition whereas only the necessary groups of muscles are

engaged in the action to secure the minimum arc of movement. Minimizing muscle activity,

down to exclusively necessary ones, will meet the requirement of efficiency, i.e. minimum use

of energy, giving the opportunity for longer training practice sessions, without fatigue and over-

tiredness.

Furthermore, it is necessary to take care

that the line crossing through the

shoulders is right above the line passing

through the middle of the feet, or with a

very small angle of deviation. Securing

this requirement will prevent unwanted

rotation/twist of the upper part of the

body in relationship to the feet/leg

position. Any significant displacement of these two axes will produce lateral forces resulting in

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greater muscle activity in an attempt to minimize the gun’s arc of movement. In reality, the

horizontal movement of the pistol will be greater and very difficult to control, as muscle fatigue

will quickly show a negative impact.

The part of the body between the last rib and pelvis is the weakest part of the human body,

regarding bone structure and support. Only the lumbar part of the spinal cord is bridging this

area. Holding the upper part of the body in the correct position requires well-trained and

properly developed core stability. This means that lower and lateral muscles of the abdomen

as well as lower back muscles play a great and important role in achieving good stability of

gun control. Logical conclusion is that shooters need through serious training to improve state

of these groups of muscles. It is very demanding task, which is often neglected in our sport.

Quote:
Do you think training is hard?
Try losing.

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RIGHT ARM POSITION

Without being unfair to the importance of the many other body parts and the work done by

them, the right arm has one of the most important roles in the shooting process. The right arm

has to provide the crucial minimum arc of movement of the pistol, bear the weight of the gun,

secure the optimal sighting line condition, and deal with recoil. This multi-tasking cannot be

performed successfully without the engagement and support that other parts of the body

provide. To provide conditions optimal for those requirements, the right arm has to be totally

stretched. This position is necessary for three reasons:

¥ Distance between the eye and the aiming elements (rear and front sight) must

always remain the same. This will mean that the position of the right arm will

support the shooting position with the fifth requirement – consistency. That

will result in one more constant in building an effective shooting position.

¥ Elbow, the upper part of the arm, and the shoulder build a compact unit with

stronger connections. This condition will support the fourth requirement of the

shooting position – stability. The more compact the unit of the arm parts, the

better control of the arc of movement.

¥ A stretched arm is better at absorbing recoil. This will result, consequently in

increased precision.

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To allow the right arm to perform best it is necessary to place it in the line that is passing through

both shoulders or a bit to the left from that line. This way it provides the best conditions for the

static work of all three parts of the deltoid muscle. This will result in the optimal placement of

the right shoulder in the lower or middle-high position. Very often, we can see the high position

of the shoulder and this model will be elaborated in the study case.

The position of the right arm is one of the most discussed topics among the profession, leading

to a vast variety of shooting styles. Basically, we can differentiate three major groups of

shooters, regarding the position of the right arm, as shown in the graphic below.

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1. The left figure is showing a very “open” position, where the right arm is forming a

relatively small angle with a line passing through the shoulders (angle a), sometimes

running from -3° to +7°.

a. Disadvantages of such position of the right arm will dictate the necessity that

the head has to be sharply turned to the right in order to provide optimal

conditions for the eye apparatus and its function. This will result in excessive

neck muscle activity leading to quick fatigue and unnecessary use of energy

directly jeopardizing the requirement for the correct position -

first, natural/comfortable, and second, effective. Furthermore, the right

carotid artery will be severely compressed, leading to insufficient blood flow

to the left brain hemisphere, according to the study of late Dr. Hainz Lösel

former Chairman of the ISSF Medical Committee, which in a longer period of

time might have negative health consequences. At the same time, there is

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unnecessary compression of the nerves on the right side exiting between

cervical vertebras, which might cause irregular innervations of corresponding

muscles. The last disadvantage is that the “chest” muscle group is extended,

while the “back” muscle group is compressed, increasing chances for lateral

movement of the arm when corrupted with fatigue.

b. The advantages of this position will be displayed through a firmer and more

compact unit of the right arm and right shoulder, hopefully minimizing arc of

movement within a short window of time, as well as better recoil absorption. When

talking about air pistol vs sport pistol precision position, it is fair to say that there

is very little advantage, as air pistols nowadays have little recoil.

2. The middle figure is showing a “zero point” position, where a line passing through the

right arm is forming an angle with the line passing through the shoulders (angle a),

somewhere around 22.5°.

a. Disadvantages of this position style are expressed through the head position,

which is turned to the right with some neck muscle activity. This fact is still

compromising first, natural/comfortable, and second, effective, but not so

much as the case in the first figure. Compression on the carotid artery and

vertebral nerves is less than in figure 1, but still existing.

b. Advantages are obvious in chest/back muscle activity, which are in quite good

activity balance, thus providing optimal conditions for work of three parts of

muscle deltoideus, which is most responsible for holding the outstretched arm with

pistol in the hand with minimal arc of movement.

3. The right figure is showing a very “closed” position where angle a is somewhere

between 32 - 45°.

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a. Disadvantages are most obviously the unbalance between chest/back muscle

groups, which is the opposite effect from figure 1. When athletes are exposed

to fatigue, lateral movement of the gun will be compromised while shots will

have a tendency to group on the right side of the target center. Furthermore,

the absorption of the pistol recoil will not be as effective as in the previous two

models. The angle between barrel axle and hand is forced under a certain

angle with axle passing through the right arm. This condition might produce

some uncomfortable and unnatural function of the right hand and its finger

function. It will most likely compromise finger pressure distribution on the

pistol grip and function of the trigger finger.

b. Advantages are obvious in the position of the head, giving optimal conditions

for work of visual apparatus, as eyes will be naturally placed i.e. straight

forward in relationship with head position. There is no pressure on blood

vessels, as well as there will be no pressure on vertebral nerves.

Conclusion:

All three above mentioned models, with their individual modifications, are present on all shooting

ranges and practiced with a wide range of athletes. We can identify that there are many shooters

and champions that use one of these models with great success, so it would be wrong to say that

one is better than the others. Very often, shooters themselves, or instructed by their coaches, are

trying to copy/paste the position of their preferred champion. Certainly, this is the wrong approach.

Each person is unique in their physical, biomechanical, emotional, and psychological qualities and

characteristics, as are the shooters. Therefore, all these characteristics must be taken into account

before selecting one of the above-mentioned models and their modifications.

The main goal of this paper is to provide an insight view of various possibilities, but at the same

time giving some recommendations. As a shooting position is always compromised between

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advantages and disadvantages, the logical conclusion is that the balance between those might be

the best choice. If we speak about building the best possible position for the beginner, without any

hesitation the second figure will be the position of choice. When speaking about an already

established shooter it would be wrong and unprofessional to give any suggestion, before making

a set series of assessments, measurements, and tests before suggesting some, if any changes.

Another great discussion between coaches is about the position/elevation of the right shoulder.

Very often we see shooters with a high position of the shoulders, or with a somewhat lower

position. For me, as part of the international coaching team through the past thirty years, this was

a topic to look at. As there is no significant biomechanical advantage of high vs low shoulder I

was trying to find out why and when this habit was appearing. After conducting more than 80

interviews with some of the best precision shooters through three decades of active work, one fact

was repeating very frequently. Namely, the majority was building this habit through their young

age (10 – 13), while their skeletal and muscular systems were not developed sufficiently to hold

a pistol for a longer period of time during training units. In order to compensate for the pistols arc

of movement and arm shaking, instinctive action was to raise the shoulder and try to improve their

performance. At those periods it was giving progress, but such a habit was producing long term

disadvantages. In order to practice pistol shooting with a high position of the right shoulder, there

was a need for heavy-duty physical training of this part of the body. Many potentially talented

youngsters gave up on shooting sport, while those that continued with this style, often suffered

serious injuries. The very small number continued and made their career. There is a second group

of shooters that adopted this technique and they are represented with those who made copy/paste

decisions.

When working with beginners, it is of utmost importance to introduce our sport on the methodical,

didactical and pedagogical way. Gradually building shooters position with many existing aids,

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methods, and most importantly taking care of athletes' physical and health status. More on this

subject will be explained in other chapters of the Academy education.

RIGHT HAND POSITION

Top-level shooters say that a correct grip hold is halfway to successful shooting. That is correct!

A correct grip has two essential elements:

1. Providing a hold of the pistol with minimum arc of movement in the middle of the

aiming area, with consistency and the minimum use of energy.

2. Providing optimal conditions for the index finger to pull the trigger without disturbing

the established minimum of arc movement.

Meeting these requirements is acquiring to achieve correct placement of the right hand on the

correctly built pistol grip. The position of the right hand has a major role in the correct holding of

the weapon. There are three important points on the hand and on the grip that must be considered:

¥ Space between thumb and index (trigger) finger - behind barrel and under the rear sight.

¥ Lower part of the hand, next to the wrist ankle (art. ulnaris) – upper (supportive) part of

the grip.

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¥ Upper part of the middle joint of the middle finger on which is laying the part of the grip

that is under the trigger mechanism.

When these three points of the hand are correctly placed on the appointed places on the grip,

they will form a triangle.

The best place to hold the gun is at its construction COG (left photo – red dot), but for obvious

reasons, it is not possible. Therefore, we are trying to get as close as is physically possible to

this mark by supporting it at point two (blue dot), as a center of the triangle hold. This technique

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of gripping results in the use of the law of the lever. Such an approach gives the possibility to

hold the gun with minimum muscle activity, saving energy, and minimizing the arc of

movement of the pistol. Because training unit or competition is comprising a great number of

shots, saving energy in gripping technique is one of the most important elements one has to

master. Besides this fact, the proper gripping and correctly built grip will play a major role in

preventing injuries that are quite common among pistol shooters. One of the most frequent

injuries is in the form of “tennis elbow”. The wrong gripping technique or poorly adjusted grip

or a mix of both, can produce problems within 20 minutes that can take months, sometimes even

a couple of years to be solved. Therefore, attention to grip adjustment and gripping technique

demands serious and dedicated work.

In order to maintain achieved minimum arc of movement during the triggering process, the

pistol barrel has to remain in balance with the forces applied on the grip and trigger. This

condition can be provided only if both lateral and vertical forces applied on the grip remain

parallel with the barrel and in 90° with the barrel axis.

Three fingers - the little, ring, and middle finger are banded around the grip with nice, smooth

tension which is always the same. Pressure on the grip is done with the middle phalanges of the

three fingers.

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Any other deployment of the forces will

result in lateral deviations of the axis of the

barrel.

Often a debated subject is what is the quantitative pressure on the grip? When speaking about

Air Pistol, where trigger weight is limited to minimum 500 grams, the logical conclusion is that

if the shooter has to overcome trigger resistance, the remaining three fingers bent around the

grip, should do the same pressure activity, i.e. 500 gr (or more – depending on trigger weight

setup). This conclusion is finding support in the fact that

there is no need for the brain to deliver various information

for four fingers, excluding the thumb.

Last phalanges of the thumb - little – middle – ring finger,

can have contact with the grip, but without any significant pressure. They are responsible for

maintaining an inclination angle between 12 -15°, from relaxed to the shooting position of the

pistol with Air Pistol, and 18 - 22° with Sport Pistol.

The most important finger of the hand, trigger finger, must be free of any

contact with the grip. Only in this way the optimal condition for the

correct activity of the trigger finger and correct triggering action is

secured. If this is not the case i.e., trigger finger has contact with the grip,

every attempt of triggering will result in movement of the pistol from the optimal sighting point,

and precision will be decreased. A common mistake is that shooters “feel” when there is contact,

that they have better control of the pistols’ arc of movement. It might be correct, but when the

index finger is executing the triggering technique that is where an unwanted effect takes place.

Displacement of the barrel axis is an inevitable result of such action and shot placement is not

where desired.

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The last phalange of the index finger has to be placed with its most

sensitive part, middle of the fingertip, on the trigger shoe, building with

the axel of the barrel 90° angle. This placement will secure that lateral

movements of the barrel will be avoided, while the triggering process

will be executed straight backward, against the V-space between

thumb and index finger.

LEFT ARM POSITION

The shooting position in pistol shooting demands that the left hand and shoulder have an

absolutely passive role. Such a role is determined by the fact that we need to produce as many

constants as possible in the shooting position and process of firing the shot. By placing the

left hand in the pocket or attaching it to the trouser belt, the left arm will keep the same place

at each shot process. This will result in a more compact unit: arm-shoulder-body, and will

increase the body’s balance. The projection of the COG will be aided by moving the left arm

to an optimal desired area. Such a position will be the closest one to the "immobilizing

position". i.e. "anatomic passive position".

Alternatively, just placing the left arm in a passive

role is not good enough. The left arm and left hand

have to be positioned the same way each and every

time. To demonstrate such importance we would

need to understand the importance of posturology.

I have extracted a part of the text that is important

for our understanding and analysing the situation with the position of the left arm/hand.

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“Posturology is a multidisciplinary medical

discipline that examines the major plumb lines in

the human body. Postural pathology is an

imbalance of these plumb lines, producing excess

stress that causes musculoarticular pathologies and

changes in the motor pattern.”

POSTURAL DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (P.D.S.) is characterised by a clinical picture

comprising stabilometric and clinical symptoms and signs:

¥ The patient complains of feeling ill on standing: he either staggers or experiences pain

in this posture.

¥ Stabilometric recording confirms that his performance falls outside of normal

limits (control of postural oscillations is abnormal).

¥ The clinical examination reveals abnormal symmetry of his postural muscle

tone (regulation of his muscle tone activity is abnormal).

The last statement is a crucial one for our discussion.

The following test will demonstrate the importance of the correct placement of the left

arm/hand. As a matter of fact, it should be understood it is a must for all other parts of the

body as well.

A test person is standing upright with arms spread sideways at shoulder height. The Assistant,

who is standing behind the test person is applying force on the test’s extending arms while test

is giving resistance.

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It will be obvious that both of test’s arms are delivering fairly equal counter-pressure.

We will then place a 1-centimeter high object under the heel of the right foot of our test person

and repeat the same procedure. It will be very obvious that the test person’s right arm is much

less resistant, actually becoming very weak. The reason for such tremendous loss of power in

the right arm is the fact that we have temporarily made the person's posture configuration

unbalanced.

Conclusion: any change in the positioning of the left arm,

i.e. altering the position of the left arm/hand during the

course of training or competition will lead to changing the

posturology of the body.

Most likely it will result in abnormal muscle tone activity

of the entire upper part of the body, giving a negative

impact on the arc of movement of the gun. I had the

“opportunity” to experience such a situation during the

pre-Olympic period in 2008 with one of my shooters.

References & suggested material for reading:

Posture and posturology, anatomical and physiological profiles: overview and current state of art.

Francesco Carini, Margherita Mazzola, Chiara Fici, Salvatore Palmeri, Massimo Messina, Provvidenza Damiani,
Giovanni Tomasello
Acta Biomed. 2017; 88(1): 11–16. doi: 10.23750/abm.v88i1.5309

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HEAD POSITION

The ultimate goal in shooting sport is to score 10, or better to say

10.9. Such that all actions, finding a suitable position, various

techniques such as lifting, sighting, aiming, triggering, follow-

through, breathing, mental preparation, and control are obligatory

to serve this single goal-scoring center of the target. It is well

known that humans are getting approximately 70-75% of the

outside stimuli through the visual sensors (eyes). All activities

that athletes are doing are in accordance with the ultimate goal, and the eyes are the sole organ

that is guiding the rest of the body for this activity. It is never enough to be reminded that the

position of the head is most decisive in providing optimal conditions for achieving the ultimate

goal. The position of the head, more than any other part of the body, should provide a natural

and comfortable condition for the shooter. An average head weighs about 5 kg and requires very

delicate attention in terms of its positioning and its control of movement.

Natural and comfortable condition demand is dictated by the function of the eyes. Humans have

the best vision when looking at objects that are placed directly in front of us.

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“ Oculomotor function can be divided into two categories:

1. Extraocular muscle function that include:

a. medial, inferior, superior recti, inferior oblique, and elevator palpebrae muscles,

all innervated by the oculomotor nerve (III)

b. superior oblique muscle, innervated by the trochlear nerve (IV)

c. lateral rectus muscle, innervated by the abducens nerve (VI)

2. Intrinsic ocular muscles (controlling the lens and pupil) are innervated by the autonomic

systems and include:

a. iris sphincter and the ciliary muscle (innervated by the parasympathetic

component of cranial nerve III)

b. radial pupillodilator muscles (innervated by the ascending cervical sympathetic

system with its long course from spinal segments T1 through T3).”

References
Brodal, A.: Neurological Anatomy in Relation to Clinical Medicine, ed. 2. New York, Oxford
University Press, 1969.
Cogan, D.G.: Neurology of the Ocular Muscles, ed. 2. Springfield, IL, Charles C. Thomas, Publisher,
1956.
Monrad-Krohn, G.H., Refsum, S.: The Clinical Examination of the Nervous System, ed. 12. London,
H.K. Lewis & Co., 1964.
Spillane, J.D.: The Atlas of Clinical Neurology, ed. 2. New York, Oxford University Press, 1975.
Walsh, F.B, Hoyt, W.F.: Clinical Neuro-ophthalmology, ed. 3. Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins Co.,
1969.

Any deviation of the head position from a normal/natural position will mean that the athlete is

moving towards a set of compromises. Those will activate a chain of reactions that will be

noted through the position of the shoulders, right arm, upper body position, etc. It will

subsequently lead to some compromises in various elements of certain shot delivery

techniques.

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The ear is a sensory organ that picks up sound waves, allowing us to hear. It is also essential to

our sense of balance: the organ of balance (the vestibular system) is found inside the inner ear.

“ It is made up of three semicircular canals

and two otolith organs, known as the

utricle and the saccule. The semicircular

canals and the otolith organs are filled with

fluid.

Each of the semicircular canals end in a space that has small hair cells in it. These spaces are

called ampullae. Whenever we turn our head, the inner ear turns along with it. But it takes a

very brief moment for the fluid in the semicircular canals and ampullae to move with our

head too. This means that the sensory hair cells in the ear are bent by the “slow” fluid. The

hair cells then send this information to the brain via nerves.

The otolith organs are found diagonally under the semicircular canals and have a similar

function: There are also thin sensory hair cells in both organs. The difference is that, unlike in

the semicircular canals, there are small crystals on the hair cells – like pebbles on a carpet.

These crystals are called otoliths or “ear rocks.” The otolith organs detect acceleration, for

instance when you take an elevator, fall, or gather speed or brake in a car. Information

coming from the vestibular system is processed in the brain and then sent on to other organs

that need this information, such as the eyes, joints or muscles. This allows us to keep our

balance and know what position our body is in.”

References
Menche N (Ed). Biologie Anatomie Physiologie. München: Urban und Fischer; 2012.
Pschyrembel W. Klinisches Wörterbuch. Berlin: De Gruyter; 2014.
Schmidt RF, Lang F, Heckmann M (Ed). Physiologie des Menschen. Mit Pathophysiologie. Heidelberg:
Springer; 2011.

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A very delicate network of many nerves leaving the

spinal cord and connecting CNS with peripheral

body parts, should be additional demand.

Full attention must be taken into account concerning

the blood circulation system that supplies the brain,

eyes, ears etc.

Conclusion:

The head has to be turned to the right without deviation in any direction, providing the following

benefits:

¥ optimal conditions for the eyes sighting function,

¥ optimal conditions for the function of the vestibule mechanism

¥ optimal condition for the blood flow

¥ optimal condition for the neck muscles, preventing unnecessary fatigue

Earlier, when describing the position of the right arm, we were elaborating through three

major models of the shooting position, some advantages, and disadvantages of various

positions regarding the position of the head. Nevertheless, in the “Practical” part of this

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course, we will elaborate in detail some techniques of obtaining a position, but right now I

would like to make a statement. The relationship of target – the eye is the most fundamental

starting point of building the correct position. The relationship of the eye – position of the

head is a natural sequence of this process and is supposed to determine the rest of the

position build-up. This statement is aimed at building the correct position when starting to

work with beginners. In daily work as coaches, often we meet with a spectrum of head

position variations and it is very important how to handle every single case. Shooting is a

very individual sport and there is no “one size fits all” rule, so it is necessary to take into

account all anatomical, biomechanical, etc. differences before applying changes or

modifications.

See Power Point Presentation Position.pptx – slide 1 - 42

Self-evaluating questions:

1. Name basic requirements for the precision position.

2. Describe the projection and placement of COG.

3. Explain main role of the right arm.

4. Describe the function of the left arm.

5. Describe head position requirements.

6. Name and describe the advantages and disadvantages of typical position variations.

7. What is the optimal value of angle “a” in precision position?

8. Make your own prefeed position description with arguments.

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3. STANCE – DYNAMIC POSITION

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPORT PISTOL – RAPID STAGE

When talking about dynamic shooting positions we are differentiating the rapid stage of the Sport

Pistol position and the Rapid Fire Pistol position. Even though they are used in time-limited

shooting disciplines, there are similarities and differences respecting their specific needs.

Comparing the positions of the Sport Pistol rapid stage event to the Sport Pistol precision event,

one can find many similar details.

By analysing the different requirements, it is obvious that it is necessary to produce a position for

the shooter to make a vertical lift and delivery of the shot in a time-limited environment (3–7

seconds) with a repetition of five cycles. The conclusion is that principles of the position

requirements are the same as in the precision position, including an additional sixth element:

1. Natural/comfortable – allowing the shooter to obtain the position, securing the

maximum comfortable feeling easily and naturally during the entire shooting event.

This requirement should be adopted on a personal level regarding: one’s anatomic

build (the proportion of the body parts, weight, size (tall or short), distribution of the

center of gravity, muscle definition, eye dominance) and above all, the personal

feeling of a comfortable position. There are biomechanical rules and limits that must

be respected when talking about the natural and comfortable aspect.

2. Effective– demanding minimum effort at maintaining an optimal position during the

shooting event, maximizing saving energy and preventing fatigue while securing

optimal performance. This approach will be beneficial in terms of longer quality

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training sessions with less fatigue and faster recovery processes, both physically and

mentally. These effects are very important when talking about a situation where

shooters are going to participate in the final shooting.

3. Stability – maximizing the ability to hold the pistol with minimum arc of movement. A

consensus exists in scientific literature about the relationship between pistol stability and

performance. The shooting position has been determined by many authors, as one of the

main factors that define the stability of the pistol due to the kinetic chains of the body.

Therefore Center of Pressure (COP) movements are closely related to the movements of

the pistol. This data demonstrates that the body position is an important factor in the

pistol modalities' performance. This hypothesis has been confirmed by different books

and journals specializing in Olympic shooting.

4. Alignment – ensuring that stability is beneficially used to point the aiming elements

of the pistol into the center of the aiming area, on the target. The ultimate goal in

pistol shooting sport is to score 10, i.e. the center of the target. This statement leads us

to the conclusion that all actions in obtaining an optimal position must be done in

relationship with the center of the target. Therefore, obtaining the correct position is a

necessity, rather than an option. If the position is not aligned properly with the target,

the arm would move to its natural point of equilibrium when the shooter releases the

shot, disturbing what could have been a well-aimed shot.

5. Consistency – ability to take or re-take the position in a correct manner at any given

moment and still maintain stability and alignment through the entire shooting event.

This requirement is a summary of the above mentioned four elements.

6. Flexibility in SP Rapid Stage must be greater than in AP due to the repetitive gun lifting

technique. Five cycles repeating vertical movement, lifting, and lowering the gun, are

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definitely demanding a good portion of flexibility if we want to meet the fifth

requirement – consistency.

Ensuring that the gun lift is done properly and with consistency, it is necessary to make some

compromises in position layout. The Rapid Stage position might not offer a possibility for the most

comfortable one, but it will be possible to overcome this disadvantage due to the short time of the

position efficient usage (3 seconds of active interaction followed by 7 seconds semi-active

relaxation) and 60 seconds break between series.

The major difference in Rapid Stage position is that the

feet are positioned to form a slightly larger trapezium-

shaped support than in precision position. It is done by

placing the feet wider apart and turning the right foot

slightly more towards the target. The result of such feet

placement will create a larger surface for support, with

COG being a bit lower and closer to the ground. This will

secure more uniformed conditions for a vertical lift of the

gun, consequently increasing stability during repetitive

cycles, as well as providing greater flexibility for this

process.

The angle-forming lines that pass through the middle of the feet and the shooting line (angle a) is

between 0 - 22º. This position corresponds with the first position model previously described in

the “PRECISION” chapter. This angle is in favour of consistent gun lift, with a more compact

upper body system (hand-wrist-arm-shoulder). The advantage is better absorption of the recoil,

while a disadvantage is the position of the head. As described, this is the position with a high level

of compromise. Fortunately, in comparison with Precision Position, such position will not

jeopardize the result thanks to two facts:

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1. The shooting cycle is relatively short, with fairly sufficient recovery time between

series, so it is possible for the athlete to successfully cope with negative aspects of

this position.

2. The 10 ring is 100 mm in diameter, which is a fairly large area to shot at even with

all the above-mentioned disadvantages.

In order to increase stability during the lift and live firing followed by recoil, muscles in both legs

are a bit tenser than in the Precision Position. Another important difference in comparison with

Precision Position is that COG is falling in the middle of the feet or a bit closer to the right foot.

Such layout is often used to produce a more firm and counterweight effect against the rapid vertical

lift of the gun, serving for better absorption of the recoil. Following all these minor adjustments,

weight distribution must be equally spread on both legs or in co-ordination with the projection of

the COG slightly shifted on the right leg. The reason for such weight distribution is for the purpose

of assisting more aggressive lifting techniques and more efficient recoil control. Last, but not least,

greater feet distance is a very important element as it is leading towards unlocking the hips. During

the dynamic stage in Sport Pistol, it is necessary to maintain a locked hip position, whereas for

example in Rapid Fire Pistol the athlete has to obtain a position providing unlocked hip

requirement. The necessity for locked hips is in the fact that, to some extent, Rapid Stage of Sport

Pistol is still dealing with the great requirement of Precision demands, as the vertical rise of the

gun and the target is the main object of importance.

Regarding all of the above mentioned, a very important part of building the correct position is core

stability. The athlete has to maintain the same position through a repetitive series of five shots

while lifting and lowering the gun which has to be done without displacing travel of the right arm.

Core stability and its activity is the major element providing optimal conditions for securing the

correct execution. This means that the activation of the muscles in the lumbar area are responsible

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for this requirement with greater engagement during the entire process of five shots. It leads to a

logical conclusion that the shooter has to be adequately physically fit in order to meet this demand.

As a consequence of more

engaged core stability, the upper

part of the body (torso) is also

more erect than in Precision

Position, requiring a more active

role of the back muscles. All

these adjustments are necessary

to provide greater agility during

gun raise, more effective absorption of the gun recoil, and provide better stability during the five-

shot series.

The right hand with wrist, arm, and shoulder is a more compact and firm unit, contributing to better

recoil absorption and a more unified reproduction of the gun lifting technique during the five shot

series. This requirement is common in all dynamic pistol disciplines. Special attention has to be

paid to the firmly locked wrist, as it will greatly aid the shooter in controlling and maintaining

sighting elements in the same manner during the entire series sequence, while additionally aiding

the correct transfer of the recoil energy through the arm.

Right-hand placement in the grip is with the same requirements as in Precision Position, but with

rather firm gripping. This is necessary in order to prevent displacement of the gun during repetitive

shots, due to greater recoil and trigger weight resistance in Sport Pistol than with Air Pistol.

The left arm has the same function and position as in precision position. The left elbow should be

placed as close to the body as possible, providing a more compact unit with the body. This will

prevent unwilling disturbance of the balance during both the lifting technique and delivery of the

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shot. Also, it is ensuring that there is no lateral displacement of the COG. As mentioned earlier in

Precision Position, the uniform position of the left arm is contributing to the correct maintenance

of the body’s postural constant requirement. This means that the left arm is with a passive, but

important role.

The position of the head, due to the more “open” position will result in a more demanding turn of

the head to the right. Consequently, the position of the head will “suffer” all disadvantages that

were described earlier - tension in the neck muscles, compression on neck nerves and blood

circulatory system, vestibular system, and eye function. Fortunately, the short shooting time and

size of the 10 ring will compensate for this disadvantage in position.

Self-evaluating questions:

1. Name additional basic requirement needed for the Rapid Stage of SP position.

2. Describe the projection and placement of COG.

3. Describe the function of the left arm.

4. Describe head position requirements.

5. What is the optimal value of angle “a” in the Rapid Stage of SP position?

Make your prefeed position description with pros and cons arguments.

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RAPID FIRE PISTOL POSITION

In Rapid Fire Pistol shooting it is necessary to obtain a stance that will provide optimal conditions

for vertical raise, followed by horizontal rotation from target one through 2-3-4 and 5, and

imaginary 6th target (follow-through). One has to bear in mind each series is done in various time

limitations - 8, 6, or 4 seconds, from the moment when targets are turning (green light turns on).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

To perform all of the above-mentioned, position elements must be most ideal for the individual

characteristics of the shooter. Nevertheless, basic position requirements described in Sport Pistol

Position must be taken into consideration with additional requirements that have to provide more

stability in the target direction - a fast vertical lift of the gun, and quick rotation to the next target.

Taking into account that Rapid Fire Pistol is a very specific dynamic shooting discipline with a

complex series of repetitive continuous movements, it is important to stress the importance of the

stability of the system "body-weapon". With that said it is essential to build a correct position that

incorporates two very important requirements:

¥ more stability

¥ more body flexibility

TYPICAL STANCE

Looking at the position of the feet we recognize that they are placed further apart, greater than the

width of the shoulders. Greater surface in the shape of a trapezium is necessary because in Rapid

Fire Pistol it has to provide sufficient supporting area, contributing to greater stability of the body.

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The second reason for such feet placement is that when legs are further apart, the position of the

hip joints is “unlocked”, resulting in greater flexibility.

Keeping in mind that Rapid Fire Pistol is a very complex Olympic event where, regarding the

position, there are three important elements that have to be taken into account in order to provide

optimal conditions for the successful execution of the series:

¥ reaction time

¥ a quick vertical movement to the first target

¥ quick, even and steady horizontal movement through targets 1 to 5

Greater flexibility is an additional aid for rotating technique.

Of course, there are additional requirements regarding various techniques, but those will be subject

to discussion in other chapters in Academy education. Here we are describing position, only.

The upper part of the body is erect and/or leaning towards the target, providing optimal conditions

for a fast vertical movement of the right arm and at the same time securing better stability in the

target direction. In the ready position, COG is shifted toward the right foot, consequently

“dragging” weight distributions more in the same direction. At the same time COG is placed in

the middle of the feet or towards the toes.

0-22°
-3°

COG COG
WEIGHT WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION
N

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Depending on the chosen technique, we can differentiate two major

models of COG transfer during lifting technique; COG maintains

on the same spot or, moving slightly towards the left foot. The

advantage of the first position is that the shooter, during the lifting

and rotating technique is not making any additional body

movement. The disadvantage is the more stressed muscle activity

in the right leg and back muscles. The second model is offering an

advantage in lesser stress of these muscle activities and better recoil

absorption. The disadvantage is the additional necessity to control

the movement of the body backward. Either model has to be done

in a way of providing the requirement for greater stability in the

target direction during the quick vertical lift of the right arm.

The axis passing through the middle of the feet regarding the axis passing through the chosen

reference target can be from +22° to -3°. Those variations are based on two factors; personal

preference and choice of reference alignment target. The reference target can be target N°1 or

target N°3.

5 4 3 2 1

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Let’s first elaborate on the geometrical relationship between targets and the shooter. Distance

between the center of each target, regarding the 25 m distance from the firing point, where the

athlete is standing is forming an angle between each target of 1.72°, meaning that the total angle

across target 1-5 is 6.88° - roughly speaking 7°.

This information will be very important for elaborating the rotating technique in detail in the next

Academy Course.

There are two major methods to take the correct position. One according to the first target and one

according to the third target. Right now, regarding the understanding of the position of Rapid Fire

Pistol said previously, due to the personal preference and reference alignment target we can

conclude the following:

¥ Advantage of choosing target N°3 as reference alignment target, is offering even

distribution of horizontal movement from targets N°1-N°3 and target N°3-N°5,

meaning that horizontal movement across 7° travel is equally spread to the right or the

left. This method prevents the tightness of the muscle groups which are engaged in

the body's fixation, especially in the lower back, and the distance from the "zero"

position to the first i.e., fifth target is the same. The theoretical disadvantage will be

that the athlete has to turn approximately 3.5° to the right when assuming the ready

position. Due to the rapid vertical lift the athlete is risking lateral displacement of the

pistol in reference to the middle of the target.

¥ When choosing target N°1 as reference alignment target, advantage will be in

dismissing above-mentioned disadvantage i.e. it will be more likely to reach the middle

of the target in a rapid vertical movement. The first shot has the most important role

for the whole series as the movement to the first target is the longest one.

Consequently, due to the horizontal travel across the entire 7°, disadvantage is in the

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probability of moving the gun from target 1 through 5 in lowering the gun on the end

of the motion, i.e. risk of shooting low shots on target 4 and/or 5.

Legs are straight but without tension. As said earlier, weight distribution is not equally distributed

on both legs, but to some extent is with compromise - shifted more to the right leg. This way the

shooter is seeking a more beneficial position to deal with fast lifting and gun recoil. Low or no

tension in the legs is necessary for providing efficient rotation from targets 1 through 5.

Movement to the next target must be provided through the leg muscle activity (groups under

knees). Rotation of the body around the axis that is passing through the body's center of gravity is

possible only if the muscles that are providing this activity are allowed to freely shorten or extend.

They should not be interacting with overwork of the ligaments (which are having a contradictory

role), and opposing groups of muscles that are fixating certain parts of the body. Therefore it is of

major interest to loosen the legs by spreading them wider. As mentioned earlier, hip joints are

getting “unlocked” to achieve a higher degree of flexibility. It can be found in various older

literature statements that rotation is done in/with the rotation of the ankle joint. This statement has

no validity in biomechanical and physiological function. Ankle joints cannot rotate! There is a

“slack” in this joint that is a maximum of 5°. This means that actual rotation motion is done by

lower leg muscles, between knee and ankle, where the pivoting point is located in the hip area.

This fact is important when teaching young shooters how to perform horizontal movement across

targets. Telling one that rotation is done from ankle joints will result in building the wrong rotation

technique which will most likely result in the “leading by arm” technique. The probability of

shortening the angle of motion towards target N°5 is inevitable and the probability of placing shots

low is almost certain.

The upper body, torso, is rather erect and compact serving a multipurpose role:

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¥ muscles that fixate the right scapula and the right arm are obtaining the optimal conditions

for their work

¥ the right arm is "locked" together with torso and head position

¥ unified manner of rotating the entire upper body as one unit to the next target

To provide such position of the upper body, as in the Sport Pistol Rapid stage, a very important

role is played by higher activation of core stability. The athlete has to maintain the compact body

unity through the entire series of five shots while performing lifting and rotating techniques

without displacing the stoppage in the center of the target. Core stability and its activity is the

major element providing optimal conditions for securing the correct execution of this activity. As

a consequence of a need for more intense core stability, abdominal, lumbar, and dorsal groups of

muscles require a more active role during the entire process of five shots. It leads to a logical

conclusion that the shooter has to be physically fit to meet this demand.

In comparison with all other pistol disciplines, the left arm in the Rapid Fire Pistol event has a

semi-active role. It is often an applied technique where the left arm, with the left elbow placed

backward, is used to contribute as an aid in horizontal movement technique. Nevertheless, either

shooter is using a “relaxed” or “backward” technique. The position of the left arm must always

provide conditions in the optimal position where balance and stability are maintained. During the

entire process, the COG should be anchored to the same projection spot between the feet.

As Rapid Fire Pistol event rules have been changed over the past 15 years, there was a need to

change most of the techniques. Those will be subject to a detailed description of the next course

material. For now, it would be enough to say that it is a most common tendency to move the left

arm closer to the body.

The head never moves its position during lifting and rotating movement. Before or during the

countdown, the shooter raises the pistol and sights to the reference target. During this procedure,

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the correct head position is located and then locked in. When executing the respective series, the

head turns only as part of the entire upper body unit. Neck muscles are not used to rotate the head.

The position of the head, due to the more “open” position will result in a more demanding turn to

the right. Neck muscles together with the part of the jaw are in contact with deltoid muscles and/or

with the collar bone, and recovery time is long enough. Consequently, the position of the head will

“suffer” all disadvantages that were described earlier - tension in the neck muscles, compression

on neck nerves and blood circulatory system, vestibular system, and eye function. Fortunately, a

very short time of series duration, 8-6-4 seconds will certainly compensate for those disadvantages.

Also, the size of the 10 ring will greatly contribute as an additional compensatory factor in

overcoming disadvantages of the head position, as well as sufficient break time between series;

one minute.

The right arm must be totally stretched out allowing

the elbow joint to be completely locked. Tension in

the arm muscles is greater than during precision

shooting, which is securing a better fixation of the

moving parts of the shoulder, underarm and hand.

This will not only transfer the energy from the recoil to the entire upper torso but most

importantly, after a shot is fired and movement to the next target begins, it will hold the arm in

place while the rotation to the next target is taking place.

In order for the shooting arm and body to be one compact unit, the right shoulder must be

fixated strongly. This is best achieved when the body is erect or slightly bent forward, right

shoulder lifted high and pulled forward. The actual amount of the angle between the shoulders

axis and the arm axis will be a little different from shooter to shooter, depending on their stance

and alignment to the target. Experience shows that the axis that passes through the right arm is

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building an angle of 12 - 25º with axis passing through the shoulder line. In this way, we have

secured all conditions for the optimal work of the "body-arm" unit.

The right hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder have to build a more compact and firm unit,

contributing to better recoil absorption and a more unified system during the lifting and rotating

technique through a five shot series. This requirement is common in all dynamic pistol

disciplines.

It is needless to say that attention to the firmly locked wrist is a must rather than an option. The

shooter has to be in charge of controlling and maintaining sighting elements in the same manner

during the entire series of five shots while controlling the correct transfer of the recoil energy

through the arm, followed by rotation motion. The wrist joint is fixated by using underarm

muscles (not ligaments), so that the declination angle "barrel axis - shooting line" in the passive

position is as less as possible. In this way, all conditions for the optimal work of the trigger

finger are improved. The declination angle is approximately 15 - 23º. When the wrist and arm

are aligned properly and firmly locked up, the arm is a single unit. Thus, when recoil hits, it is

not absorbed by the wrist breaking or by the arm moving off in some direction, but rather travels

straight from the entire arm to the shoulder and torso.

Right-hand placement in the grip is with the same requirements as in Sport Pistol Rapid stage.

Such gripping technique will prevent displacement of the gun during repetitive shots, due to

greater recoil and trigger weight resistance. Gripping is a bit stronger than in precision shooting.

The grip must be built in a way that the hand should come as close as possible to the axis of the

barrel. A deeper hold ensures better recoil absorption, and barrel deviations are with smaller

amplitudes. This is of essential importance, especially when the movement to the next target

must be done in such a short time, and sighting elements stay alert.

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The two first joints of the trigger finger cannot have any contact with the grip, and the only

function that it has is to pull the trigger.

Conclusion:

Rapid Fire Pistol position has to meet all common position requirements, especially

accommodating flexibility and consistency of the position. Three major needs have to be

optimally served with a properly built position:

¥ lifting

¥ rotating

¥ recoil absorption

When taking into account that the entire match is fired in 72 seconds, one can not stress

enough that the correct position is of essential value for performing a complex set of

techniques during such a short time.

Advice is: take a good deal of time to properly learn how to obtain Rapid Fire Position.

Self-evaluating questions:

1. Name additional requirements needed for the Rapid Fire Pistol position.

2. Describe the projection and placement of COG.

3. Describe the function of the left arm.

4. Describe head position requirements.

5. What is the optimal value of angle “a” in the Rapid Fire Pistol position?

6. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of reference targets 1 and 3.

Make your prefeed position description with pros and cons arguments.

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METHODOLOGY OF APPROACHING AND TAKING THE

SHOOTING POSITION

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The first part of the course was describing the theories of shooting positions, biomechanical

requirements, advantages and disadvantages of various modifications. After studying and

learning different aspects of the position we need to find a suitable technique of how to transfer

that information in the correct system of approaching and taking suitable shooting positions.

To find the correct position the shooter must first assume the correct stance. During this

process, one has to recognize the individual characteristics of the shooter's body constitution

and personal motoric behavior. Besides building an efficient position, we need to keep in mind

that the suggested position will not result in injuries or deformities during a longer period of

practicing sport.

The ultimate goal of our sport is to hit the middle of the target. In saying that, the logical

conclusion is that the target is our main point of reference. This means that the athlete has to

establish the middle line of the position following the middle of the target. This is probably the

most important technical element that will decide the “fate” of the future training/competition

activity. In the open space of the shooting range, the shooter needs to find secondary reference

objects that will aid in finding this line. Often, for various reasons (ex. right-hand shooters

with a dominant left eye), shooters are not able to stand in the middle of the firing line. Even

in this case, athletes have to establish the middle “firing line” to establish the correct offset of

the optimal individual shooting position. This will help in finding an exact position mark every

time, regardless of stepping out from position during tactical breaks or shooting at various

shooting ranges.

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The most efficient method of determining the middle line of position is done by using our

visual sense. As humans are receiving 70-75% of outside world sensations through eye

function, we should use this benefit in learning how to approach the correct shooting position.

Process of approaching the correct shooting position is done through the following phases:

¥ The shooter is standing approximately two meters behind the firing position, facing the

target. Consistently looking at the middle of the target, the athlete is correcting his

position until he feels that he is facing the target straight forward.

¥ Now, it is time to walk towards the firing point, still looking at the middle of the target.

Once the desired place is reached, the athlete stops. While still looking at the middle

of the target, he begins rotating to the left. Limit of rotation is done by establishing a

comfortable and natural position of the neck muscles, eyes must have optimal visual

function position and the position of the head has to be without tilting or vertical line

deviation.

¥ Aiding this process, the athlete is moving their feet in necessary directions, taking care

that there is no unnecessary strain in legs muscles and/or joints. Once

comfortable/natural and a pleasant position is established, the athlete is turning their

head straight forward regarding the position of the body and closing the eyes for the

several next steps.

¥ Both hands are placed down in front of the body, holding each other in a relaxed

manner.

¥ During this phase, the shooter is performing several different tasks. This process we

define as establishing an inner position. Checking from the feet and above, towards the

head, the tension in all muscles needs to be in the most possible relaxed state. Working

on achieving optimal balance is one of the major goals during this activity. Correctly

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balanced body position will greatly contribute to stability in the process of performing

various techniques during shot delivery.

¥ When finishing the inner position process, the athlete is “unfolding” his hands, placing

the left hand at the preferred position, as earlier described in the theoretical part.

¥ Still, with closed eyes, the shooter turns the head towards the target, finding a

comfortable and relaxed position, without muscle tension.

¥ Once the position of the head is placed in a satisfactory position, the athlete is lifting

the right arm in the manner of preferred lifting technique, establishing necessary muscle

tension, and positioning it as correct as possible in the position towards the target.

¥ Now it is time to open the eyes and check where the “V”shape, between thumb and

index finger is pointing in relation to the “bull eye” of the target. If “V” shape is

pointing correctly towards “bull eye” we can say that the position was approached in a

correct and satisfactory manner.

¥ In the last phase shooter is gripping the pistol and performing the lifting technique,

controlling if the sighting elements are correctly corresponding with the desired aiming

area on the target.

If the rear sight, front sight, and target are properly aligned, without the necessity for

corrections, we can state that the process of approaching the correct shooting position was

successfully done. In real life things are not always going to be as was described in theory -

approaching the correct position is no exception. If we want to master this technique, it will be

necessary to practice this segment of overall shooting technique, seriously and frequently.

Also, one has to know how to correct imperfections that can occur in the process of learning.

Several steps can help.

See Power Point Presentation Taking_position.pptx– slide 1 - 15

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Zero point

Before discussing the adjustments needed, we must talk about zero point. The zero point

represents the point where sighting elements are aiming when the shooter is in the correct

position. Logically, the zero point has to be in the middle of the target. To meet this demand,

we must achieve the arc of the movement to be equally maintained in the horizontal and vertical

axis. Besides being stable during the aiming process, zero point must be obtained after recoil

as well. The fact that zero point has to be maintained in the middle of the target during the

entire match/training session is putting additional importance on mastering the technique of

approaching the correct shooting position.

Horizontal corrections can be divided into two major groups - small deviations and large

deviations. Let’s first talk about the situation if the position taken is to the left side of zero

point.

¥ In the case that sighting elements are pointing left of the target or even further left from

shooters target, the first recommendation is to repeat the entire process described above

until the shooter is getting within their own target.

¥ If zero point is in the left white area, the shooter should make a turn to the right, rotating

the body in reference to the projection of COG. That means that both feet should

slightly move, right foot to the back/right and left foot left/forward.

¥ If zero point is left within “bull eye”, the left foot should be placed slightly left/forward.

This is not a typing mistake, as many would think. By correcting as described, it will

result in decreasing or “closing” the angle that forms of the right arm and shoulder axis

line. The result will be shifting the zero point to the right. When performing this

adjustment it is also necessary to slightly turn the toes of the right foot towards the right,

releasing the rotating forces from the right knee meniscus.

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The right side position of zero point is corrected in the same way as above described, just

in the opposite direction.

When speaking about vertical adjustment we can also differentiate a larger or smaller

degree of displacement.

¥ The very high zero point is corrected by a soft lowering of the right arm.

¥ If zero point is slightly high, besides lowering the right arm, the athlete can move

the torso a bit forward or narrow the distance between the feet.

¥ In the case sighting elements are very low, the athlete can use one of the following:

Spread feet wider apart, place torso slightly backward or lift the right arm.

¥ When zero point is just a bit low, correction can be done by slightly lifting the right

arm, gently bending the torso backward, or slightly inhaling. Breathing technique

in controlling vertical zero point alignment was largely used in Free Pistol, but it

was no stranger to other precision events.

One cannot stress enough that correct and uniform gripping is paramount in learning how to

correctly approach shooting positions. The athlete can largely jeopardize the learning process

if the gripping technique is different from shot to shot or from one series to the next.

Besides correcting zero point by changing body biomechanics, it is possible to adjust zero point

by adjusting the position of the pistol body within the grip. Different manufacturers have

developed their own construction options for adjustments. The athlete will carefully need to

study the gun manual regarding this topic. Basically, each pistol model has the possibility of

making the fine-tuning adjustment with a set of screws that are placed inside the grip

construction.

Learning how to approach the correct shooting position demands serious and dedicated

training. Too often shooters are neglecting this part of their development and taking it for

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granted. The preparation procedure for obtaining the correct position will increase the shooter's

ability to achieve the desired result. It is also important to know and understand that zero point

during the course of competition/training can and will change its position. This is happening

due to the change in muscle activity/fatigue. Once the shooter knows how to approach the

shooting position systematically and repetitively, it will help in applying the adequate response

to the problematic situation. We can talk about the situation when the shooter needs to take a

rest, by stepping out from position, leave the shooting stand to have a consultation with a coach

or simply needing to go to the restroom J.

All the above described is mainly applicable for static disciplines - Air Pistol and Sport Pistol

Precision events. However, the dynamic disciplines - Sport Pistol Rapid Stage and Rapid Fire

Pistol, are with the same basic rules, with a minor adjustment regarding the specific

requirements we described previously in the theoretical part of this material.

The main differences will be in the muscle tension adjustment when establishing an inner

position.

Sport Pistol Rapid stage will need additional attention when establishing the middle line of

the target due to the specific layout of the targets. Namely, targets are with a lesser distance

between them than the distance between firing positions which will result in different visual

perspectives for athletes. This can be confusing and the only way to overcome this situation is

extensive training from different firing points until the shooter learns how to approach the

position correctly. Establishing zero position is the second objective to master, as it has to be

repeated five times during the rapid stage series. The answer can be found in the correct lifting

technique which will be subject to a detailed description of the next Academy course.

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Rapid Fire Pistol is dealing with some similarities as Sport Pistol. Adjustments have to be

made regarding the chosen reference target. The consequence will be in adjusting the position

to the middle of the target and zero position, but all the above described is easily applicable

through systematic training of this technique.

Self-evaluating questions:

1. Describe the middle line of position.

2. Describe Zero Position.

3. Describe horizontal position adjustments.

4. Describe vertical position adjustments.

5. Describe the process of establishing the correct shooting position.

Make your contribution to the process of obtaining the correct shooting position.

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CORRECTION OF THE GRIP AND PROPER GRIP FITTING

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In the theoretical part, we elaborated what requirements grip and gripping techniques need to

meet, providing optimal conditions for delivering desired shot execution.

The first and foremost important element that a correctly built/adjusted grip has to provide is to

maintain a minimum arc of movement during the triggering process. Pistol barrel has to remain

in balance with the forces that are applied on the grip and trigger. This condition can be provided

only if both lateral and vertical forces applied on the grip remain parallel with the barrel, and in

90° with the barrel axis.

The second element that the grip has to secure is when established the desired position, the

sighting elements are pointing in the middle of the target while in zero position.

When getting a new pistol, the shooter choses one of the standard offered sized grips that might

generally fit the purpose. The common mistake is that instead of adjusting the grip to the

shooter's hand, the shooter is adjusting the gripping technique to the grip. Anyhow, it is

absolutely necessary to customize the grip to the shooter's hand. Technically speaking it is a

simple and straight forward process.

First, we remove the factory finish from the surface of the grip (oil or varnish), to get the clean

wood texture for further processing. Applying the necessary layer of special wood molding

material or other soft material, followed by gripping the grip, we will get the imprint of the

palm. According to the obtained result, it is necessary to remove or add more material until the

grip properly fits the hand.

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This sounds easy, and it is not a complicated process, but there can be trouble if the one that

customizes the grip does not understand which demands need to be achieved, or how to correct

mistakes that are appearing when the shooter is trying to fire the correct shot. After general

adjustment of the grip, the geometry of the hand placement must be checked in relation to the

grip.

As we previously described in the theoretical

part, the first focus is to establish that the three

fingers that are bent around the grip are applying

parallel forces in relation to the barrel axis.

Also, middle phalanges need to form one straight line (see photo). When this condition is

established, we can state that forces applied to the

grip are in a proper vertical 90° direction, and will

not disturb the barrel position when firing the shot.

Here are the most common problems and solutions. All following descriptions are with the

condition that approaching the shooting position is done properly and the lifting technique is

executed correctly.

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1. After generally adjusting the grip, the geometry of the hand

placement in relation to the grip must be checked. Often the

problem is shooters with long fingers, or shooters with very

short fingers. In any case, it is a must that we adjust the

position of the three fingers to form 90° to the axel of the

barrel, by adding or removing material in the frontal part of

the grip.

2. If the pistol is pointing to the left, it means that the right side of the

grip is too bulky and is rotating the position of the pistol around the

pivoting point which is, in this case, situated in the middle-vertical

projection. The solution will be to remove material from above

point 2 on the grip.

3. If the pistol is pointing to the right side, some material should be added in the above-

described area.

4. If the front sight is placed left in the rear sight area, it means

that there is contact between the trigger finger and the grip. The

correction has to be done by removing material from this part

of the grip.

5. If the front sight is pointing to the right in the rear sight space,

most likely there is excessive contact in the “V” shape area on

the side of the thumb. Correction is done by removing material

from the grip in this area.

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6. Lateral movements to the left can often be

caused by inappropriate high pressure with the

last phalanx of the three fingers bent around the

grip. Slight removal of grip material in this area

can help, but the proper gripping technique is a

major cure for this kind of deviation.

7. In the vertical alignment displacements (high or low position of the gun), two reference

points are regulating those issues. Removing or adding material on grip point 2 (see

above photo), or lifting or lowering the supporting piece of the grip, can make the

necessary adjustments.

8. The second way to overcome vertical

displacement can be done by adding or removing

material from point 3 on the grip. As this is the

main pivoting point in the gripping technique it is

a piece of good advice to give serious

consideration to adjusting in this area.

9. Thumb pressure can be an additional reason for lowering the position of the barrel (see

the photo in section 6). Shooters are often applying additional force in this area, creating

a false feeling of better pistol hold control. Thumb contact with the grip should be

comfortable, but any pressure is contra-effective regarding the equilibrium of the forces

applied on the grip. Removing or adding material on the grip in the area of the thumb

can resolve these problems.

Self-evaluating assignment:

Make custom adjustment on the grip to one of your shooters.

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EXERCISES FOR DEVELOPING BASIC SHOOTING SKILLS

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In the theoretical part biomechanical requirements in building the correct position were

introduced, while in the previous chapter we spoke about the methodological approach of

taking the correct position. These are two fundamental key elements to learn before moving

to the next phase - implementing theoretical knowledge into training units.

Linguists state that the Chinese language (speaking in general terms) is the most complex and

difficult foreign language to learn. One can start learning it in the correct or incorrect way.

Both models will be equally difficult.

Simple conclusion – learn it in the correct way from the beginning.

This course is about educating coaches. Dear colleagues, teach your athletes correct things

from the very beginning. Elements learned wrong from the very start are difficult to correct

later. Also, it will result in slow progress of the shooter, or worse, limit the possibility for an

athlete to reaching a high level of performance.

Some of the fundamental methods in learning & teaching methodology are common for any

kind of education, and we will have to engage those. Exercises should be designed to meet

the following:

¥ An easy task to a more difficult one

¥ Simple element to a more complex one

¥ Low training load to higher training load

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Generally, we recognize three major groups of exercises:

¥ Physical exercises

¥ Technical exercises

¥ Mental exercises

1. Physical exercises are divided into two parts:

¥ General physical fitness

¥ Specific physical fitness

¥ General physical fitness has to improve the overall physical state of the athlete.

It is done through exercises that improve:

o Cardiovascular system

o Lungs capacity and better oxygenation

o Muscle strength and endurance

o Flexibility of the muscles

¥ Specific physical fitness is aiming for the development of:

o Strength and endurance necessary for the motor activity of specific

muscle groups, providing optimal physical conditions for the specific

event

o Stability of the body in the shooting position during training/competition

o Balance improvement necessary for training/competition unit

Even though exercises for general and specific fitness improvement are well known, it is highly

recommended to engage specialized physical experts. The necessity for such expertise is

mainly intending to prevent unwilling overload, as well as a high possibility of developing

injuries. Often teams (club or national) can’t afford to have a physical trainer on payroll, but

external low-cost services can be a solution-serving purpose.

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Technical exercises are dealing with:

¥ Approaching correct shooting positions

o Shooting series of shots (ex. 3-5-7…) followed with stepping out from

position and retaking it

o Training in front of a mirror

o Video/photo recording from different angles followed by analysis

o Dry fire exercise with an approach as the main goal of exercise 3.

Providing balance (standing) and inner position

¥ Improving body balance in designed position:

o Improving inner position with closed eyes

o Standing on one foot with closed and/or open eyes

o Using various balance pads, wooden half-balls, etc.

o Aiming with closed eyes, followed with open eyes

o Systematic relaxation of the muscles in the shooting position with closed

eyes

o Using a force platform with parameter readings in various above-

mentioned modes

¥ Training hold with systematic timing intervals:

o 25 dry fire shots - 15 seconds hold followed with 15 seconds break,

between each shot

o 5 minutes break

o 15 dry fire shots - 20 seconds hold followed with 20 seconds break,

between each shot

o 5 minutes break

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o 10 dry fire shots - 25 seconds hold followed with 25 seconds break,

between each shot

¥ Triggering – sighting exercises

o Dry firing 10 cm from a white background without a reference point

o Live firing on a blank target

o Shooting on targets with vertical and horizontal stripes

This exercise is very useful to check the balance of the position and

aiming picture.

¥ Training target approach

o Approaching the center of the target has to always be in the same

manner. Depending on the sighting technique (more in the second

course of education) it is highly recommended to be straight from above

– 12 o’clock (or from below 6 o’clock) ending in the final aiming area.

The most efficient way to train

this element is by using one of

the various optoelectronic

devices (shown photo is with

the use of SCATT).

¥ Follow through routine is a very important segment of the overall shot process. It

requires additional attention in the daily training routine.

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All the above-mentioned elements, and those that will be subject to the next course

material, can be performed through the methodology of Dry Firing. Personally, through 30

years of experience in international coaching, I can say that dry fire training is the most

superior method in comparison with any other supplementary solution.

Dry Firing method is done with the pistol’s front sight being 10 cm from a white

background. It can be done at any place, home, office, backyard…, and it is inexpensive.

During Dry Fire training, the athlete is “free” of score objective and is fully focused on the

most important goal, learning how to control and develop all necessary skills for becoming

a complete champion.

Dry Firing is offering a wide range of benefits and here is the list of most important ones:

– Improving specific fitness condition

– Improving balance

– Improving gripping technique

– Improving lifting technique

– Improving sighting technique

– Improving aiming technique

– Improving triggering technique

– Improving “follow through” technique

– Improving rhythm

– Improving tactical solutions

– Improving performance goal delivery

– Improving mental preparation

– Improving “self-image” quality

– Improving overall self-confidence

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Surely, dry fire training mixed with proper live training can be an excellent combination.

Important note

Every single training unit or competition has to contain 3 elements that are a must:

§ Thorough physical warm-up

§ 30 Dry Fire shots

§ Thorough stretching after training/competition

Proper physical warm-up will prepare muscles for the upcoming shooting activity. Dry Fire

training will prepare both mind and body to perform a set of well-executed mental and technical

skill. Adequate stretching at the end of the event will recover muscles from activities done

during the event. These 3 activities will not only better prepare the athlete for the event but will

also prevent and minimize the danger of developing an injury.

2. Mental exercises are a very important part of the development of basic shooting skills.

I will not elaborate on this topic, as you will find it in the section “Sport Science”

written by my colleague Prof. Claudio Robazza.

I will just allow myself to say that the brain and its mental activity are responsible for

the motoric activity. Therefore it is an absolute necessity to develop basic shooting

skills (referring to motor skills) together with mental skills. Unfortunately, very often

coaches are neglecting this aspect of athletes' development, especially until they reach

a medium score level. By then a great deal of damage is done in athletes' education and

development.

Self-evaluating assignment:

Make 6 units training plan with exercises for one of your beginner shooters.

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WORK WITH BEGINNERS

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One of the most challenging and demanding jobs in the coaching business is to work with

beginners. Stereotyping all around the world is that working with young athletes is delegated

to enthusiast trainers, former midclass shooters, or instructors. It is a very wrong approach to

our sport. If we want to discover new potential champions, we need to have highly educated

and experienced coaches engaged in working with beginners. As I stated earlier, when learning,

one has to learn correctly from the beginning. Once a correct system is established with the

correct application, there is a great chance that beginners can develop to the top-level shooters

in the shortest possible time. Very often we have a situation where quantity and a lengthy

period of time are hopefully showing a small number of individuals with some “satisfactory”

scores. Even when this is happening and we get a “potential” shooter, we are dealing with an

athlete who has a wide range of wrong and bad habits, that take a very long time to correct, if

ever. Experience is showing that in such systems we are losing too many youth because they

can’t develop in the desired time frame and within the satisfactory score level. Those that

“survive” the test of time often are struggling to improve their progress.

For more efficient development of the beginners in our sport, part of the solution can be found

in a better-designed system of working with them, from their first visit to the shooting range.

Better coach education is just one link in the chain of proper progress.

Pedagogical, didactical, and systematic teaching is another main goal when designing a more

optimal environment for speedy progress of beginners' development.

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Below described system is just one of the variations that are created from a wide range of

international experiences.

Pedagogical objective

Through 25 years of work as ISSF Academy Tutor, I found out that many students did not

know the definition of Pedagogy.

The word pedagogy itself comes from the Greek word Paidagogos which means - a servant

who takes his masters' child from home to school, to play and walk. For one of the founders,

pedagogical science is considering the German philosopher J.F. Herbart (1776 - 1841) who

pointed out the difference between pedagogy as a science (theory) and practical activity (skills).

The term pedagogy is very often used in the field of sports, and the term pedagogy in the sport

was first used in Germany in the early 1970s. From then it is often used in English-speaking

countries and sports pedagogy is already clearly formulated as a separate academic discipline

in the field of sports.

Most authors define the term pedagogy as ‘The Science of Education’.

When talking about sports pedagogy, it is necessary to point out two important characteristics;

purpose and intent. Pedagogical work in sports is often viewed as training in order to transfer

or acquire knowledge. Sometimes something can be learned without real pedagogical work,

such as children who kick the ball in the backyard. By trial and error, they will eventually

acquire a certain level of kicking skills without any instructions. In this case, one cannot speak

of pedagogical work because it was no one's intention to transfer knowledge. The pedagogical

process can only be spoken of if it is purposeful and intentional knowledge transfered with a

certain outcome (result).

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Properly directed and guided sports have a positive effect on anatomical-physiological,

biochemical, motor, and psycho-social characteristic individuals and as such represent an area

of specific educational challenges that are the subject of a special pedagogical discipline -

sports pedagogy (Cokorilo, 2001).

A very important aspect is the coach’s concern for the right motivation with which young

athletes approach sports to prepare through training. The type of motivation of a young athlete

determines the quality of work in training, which in turn, determines his ultimate sporting

achievement.

See Power Point Presentation Practicl_didactics.pptx – slide 1 - 22

If we speak about young beginners it is very important that we take some parameters into

account:

o Gender – often coaches tend to separate male from female athletes. It has some

advantages, but far more disadvantages. Athletes should be seen only from the

perspective of their abilities and capacity to develop within sports activities.

Mixing boys and girls is not only welcome, but rather a necessity.

o Age – has to be seriously considered especially with the youngest categories.

Physical and mental differences between age 8 and 12 are great, so the didactical

approach has to respect those differences when working with these groups.

o Physical state – differs within the same age group, and has to be seriously

considered when delegating tasks and evaluating the outcome.

o Social aspects – regarding family background, cultural differences, financial

possibilities, religious belonging, education attendance, etc. are very important

elements that have to be considered.

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o Parent involvement – is a very important factor in youngsters' development.

Sometimes parents can be a factor of progress, but often can be an obstacle, as

we all well know those situations.

On a practical side of working with beginner pistol shooters, here is one of the models that can

be used.

The first visit to the shooting range has to be relaxed and pleasant for a new coming shooter.

The introduction of the facility, fellow athletes, and club staff should be done in an appropriate

and well-organized way. When agreeing about a youngster's first visit, it is advisable to insist

that parent/s should be part of it. It is necessary to give all necessary information to the parents

regarding club rules, training processes, development systems, duties and privileges, education

phases, selection models, etc.

Shooters education is starting with theoretical lessons dealing with:

– club rules

– safety rules

– introduction of the weapons and their functionality

– basic technical elements (position, hold, aiming, triggering, follow through)

Lessons should be conducted with the use of visual presentations and practical demonstrations.

Every segment in this stage has to be separately elaborated with simple words and simple

examples. Special attention has to be paid to the fact that the youngster has correctly understood

the information given. After finishing the initial theoretical introduction, beginners will start

with their first training units, supervised by coach/trainer/instructor, during the entire training

unit.

A very important aspect in working with young beginners is that the learning process should

be conducted through game-designed training units. Children tend to lose concentration rather

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quickly if there is no fun in what they do. Additional to the technique learning time, there

should be carefully designed time with play activities, which can serve the purpose of physical

training, warmup and stretching. These activities in the form of fun and games can play an

important role in their motivation to stay in shooting sport and make the desired progress. One

should never forget that children are not small adults, but children, with their needs for play

and discovery.

In many countries around the world, national federations have established various models of

work with beginners. The intent of this paper is not to analyze those variations, but to give

guidelines and ideas for building one that can be used as a model.

In my private club, we made a serious plan on how to establish work with beginner pistol

shooters and produce a respectable international result within a period of three years.

The first step was to recruit and educate the coaching staff. We found a few trainers with

domestic experience and got two students from the third year of faculty for Physical Education.

A total of six people were selected and the first step was to send them through ISSF Academy

education. Four of them have completed the “D” course, one “C” course, and one “B+” level.

In this way, we secured that all coaching staff had adequate and uniformed knowledge. This

was a very important fact, as all of them could work in the same direction with the same system

and knowledge, with an understanding of how to do their job and how to support each other.

The second step was to outline the system and methodology of work, starting on day one when

a new potential shooter entered the club.

The third step was to get a sufficient number of weapons needed for the anticipated number of

club members.

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The first weapon of our choice for

beginners was the “Zastava” air rifle.

It is a simple rifle, lightweight, with

a mechanical spring system in the

cylinder, open sights, and a rather heavy trigger weight. This choice was made because the

price is low, it is easy to repair, open sights were optimal for developing skills needed for pistol

shooters and it was easy to place supporting aids (cushion or fork stand).

The pistols that were chosen for further work and development, were Morini Armi junior model

air pistols with a mechanical trigger system.

We chose this model of pistol for the reason that it was very easy to transfer them from the

junior to senior model by simply changing the barrel and air cylinder. That also made it

relatively easy for shooters to adapt to the gun as they were physically growing. Each purchased

pistol was supplied with two additional grips, as well as with one extra barrel and two larger

(senior) air cylinders. Additional grips made it possible to have three shooters using one gun

(in different training times), each grip custom adapted for a shooter. The only thing they had

to do is to adjust the rear sight to their personal needs.

Training methodology used is a straight forward process, consisting of the following steps:

1. Theoretical lessons

¥ Rules of the shooting range – discipline, training hours, cleaning maintenance

of shooting range, weapon maintenance, personal hygiene

¥ Safety rules, regarding behavior on the shooting range – safe behavior on the

shooting range, corridors that can be used for free stay and preparation,

procedures of bringing and returning weapons to the storage room

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¥ Safety rules, regarding handling the guns – safe handling of the weapons, barrel

pointing directions, procedures in the case of gun malfunction, etc.

¥ Steps in training system – a precise description of the developing steps which

will be applied to make the transition from a beginner to an advanced shooter.

¥ Warm-up and stretch exercises – description of the physical exercises before

and after shooting practice

¥ Various positions and their approach – depending on the development phase,

shooters are learning how to obtain the correct position for that particular phase

¥ Aiming technique – general rules and pictures of the aiming technique

¥ Sighting technique – steps of correct sighting technique and their coordination

with other techniques

¥ Triggering technique – various triggering techniques and their application with

other techniques

¥ Follow through technique – as universal and a must technique

¥ Performance goal preparation – outlining, writing (or voice recording) steps of

each sequence in the one-shot process and its imagery.

2. Practical training

¥ Every shooter starts with an air rifle, from sitting position with supporting aide

for rifle hold. Goals during this phase are:

o learning performance goal preparation

o to learn proper aiming technique,

o followed by correct triggering technique - special attention on pulling

instead of pushing trigger and holding it in the back position

o while executing follow through technique

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One could be surprised that from day one we introduced an element of mental

preparation through “performance goal preparation”. The idea behind this

method is that beginners, especially children are quickly learning simple motor

skills. Unfortunately, too often we see beginners training only technical parts

for a rather long period, without any engagement of mental tools. Naturally,

scores are growing through this period, giving a false impression of quality

progress. Shots are delivered on an instinctive basis, without a systematical

approach and intellectual guiding of the process. During this period a large

number of mistakes are being adopted as “normal” elements of the shot

delivery. Once built and adopted, those mistakes are very difficult to be changed

into the correct technique.

Our approach is to establish the entire system, from the beginning to the match

system needed for the world-class shooter. Remember the statement of learning

the Chinese language?

¥ In the next phase, shooters are practicing the same elements, but from the

standing position using aiding equipment for supporting the weight of the rifle.

We chose to use an adjustable supporting stand with a half-rounded plastic end

on which the barrel is resting. The goal of this phase is that shooters are

starting to deal with inner position management. It means they need to

understand how to control their muscle activity while being in the shooting

position.

¥ The third phase is to combine shooting practice with and without support for

the rifle. It is necessary to make the correct proportion of these two methods,

respecting the personal physical abilities of the shooters. The goal is to learn

about their physical capacity.

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¥ Phase number four is to start using a pistol instead of a rifle. In this period

shooters are exclusively shooting by using supporting aid equipment. The goal

in this phase is to familiarize shooters with specifics of the pistol. Special

attention is given to the gripping technique. As this phase is progressing, the

triggering technique is the main objective.

¥ The next phase is to combine shooting practice with and without support. The

main goal during this period is to learn about sighting techniques when

practicing without support aid.

¥ Phase number six is shooting without support. During this period the shooter is

learning through lighter training volume, how to coordinate all previously

learned elements.

3. Test matches and competitions

¥ Small, internal test matches are conducted from time to time with two purposes:

o To make training units “colourful” – previously we stated that children

have to play. One, but not the only form of play is a competition between

them.

o To start teaching shooters how to compete - competition should be

adopted as a normal process in the shooters development, not as some

kind of “external exam”. Learning to compete is a skill to be learned,

just as learning a motor skill or various technical skills.

¥ Domestic or interclub competitions are the next stage and represent an extension

of the previous phase.

Summary:

During the second season, our club members were establishing or breaking new national

records 16 times in youth and junior classes. During the third season, a junior girl improved

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the national record seven times (from 368 – 376) and at her first WC in Munich shot a

respective 377 points, establishing a new national record. That performance was the best

national representation for that country.

Unfortunately, the national authority on which the shooting range was built, withdrew the

permit for further use of the shooting range and the entire system was dismissed.

Sure, that was a sad end for the project.

The positive side is that the system was functioning and was re-established in another country

(the subject of discretion).

See Video.MOV – 1 - 5

Self-evaluating questions:

1. Define the term pedagogy.

2. Describe the pedagogical approach to work with beginners.

3. Name training methodology steps in work with beginners.

4. Name topics of theoretical lessons.

5. Name topics of practical training.

Compare your work with beginners with the above-described system.

Outline existing and missing elements.

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DEVELOPING SHOOTING SCHOOL SYSTEM

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For a better understanding of this chapter, we need to elaborate on the importance of school

sport system in general.

It is a well-proclaimed statement that young people should have the possibility to live healthy

and active lives. Fact that physical and sport activity at a young age is building positive

habits, a lasting lifetime. Not only that sport system is aiming for creating future champions

but is also a goal for many governments on how to improve the education system.

Sport shooting is just one among many sports that are finding their place in those systems.

Providing the possibility for young people to have access to our sport on a daily basis can

create additional benefits for students and schools, improving learning achievements,

behavior, and teamwork within a specific group.

Before making plans and programs, National Federations need to make an action plan in the

form of a statement of intent. All relevant and possible “stakeholders” represented by the

Department for Education, Sports Department, Health and Social Department, NOC,

possible sponsors should be involved in designing a joint commitment. The main goal is to

create conditions that sport and physical activity are an integral part of both the school day

and after-school activities. Besides promoting physical activities, and sporting goals it is also

important to point out the benefits of mental development and wellbeing of children and

young people.

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Cooperation of all the above-mentioned segments of society is based on the fact that single

organizations or groups, clubs, schools, parents, or private sports providers, cannot manage

the systematic offer and its maintenance for improving access to sport and activity on their

own.

A very important element in establishing an efficient system is to outline the precise

measurement of these actions and their impact on targeted groups and organizations.

Competition and the School Games are one of the forms to enhance and promote sport

shooting on the local and national level.

The joint effort supported with digital expertise and services will provide optimal conditions

by making it easier for interested groups to find and subscribe to physical activities in their

local area.

After meeting all the described requirements, practical setup and methods are rather

straightforward.

Anyhow, the following requirements have to be achieved and available.

¥ Human resources - necessity to select and educate various profiles such as coaches,

leaders, administration staff, various assisting staff that can be hired on-demand, or

borrowed from other sports (physical trainers, doctors, physiotherapists, sports

psychologists), etc.

¥ Infrastructure resources – shooting range/s can be own property or renting one,

cooperation with fitness clubs, athletic clubs, swimming clubs, biking clubs, etc.

¥ Financial resources – from various local or government funds, NOC funds, IOC

funds, sponsorship funds, scholarships, commercial incomes, membership fees,

personal donations

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As a well-established system, I would recommend to interested ones to get more information

about Singapore Sport Shooting School.

A practical example of club setup and training methodologies are described in the previous

chapter, as a model. One should design a system that will fit their own needs.

Self-evaluating assignment:

Create an optimal Shooting School System that fits the environment in your country/region.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Anatal, L & Skanaker, R. (1985) “Pistol Shooting” Ljungbergs Boktryckeri AB. Klippan, Sweden

Yur’ Yev, A. (1973) “Competitive shooting – techniques and training for rifle, pistol and running game target
shooting”. English translation edited by Gary L. Anderson. National Rifle Association of America.

Hall, S. J. (2003) “Basic biomechanics” 4th Ed. McGraw-Hill Companies. New York, USA.

Anatal, L (1989) “Competitive Pistol Shooting” 2nd Ed. A & C Black. London.

Hawkins, R. N. & Sefton, J.M. (2011) “Effects of stance width on performance and postural stability in
national-standard pistol shooters”. J Sports Sci. 2011 Oct;29(13):1381-7. Epub 2011 Sep 15.

Prof. dr. Bjelica, D. (2006) “Sportski trening - teorija sportskog treninga”, Podgorica, Montenegro

Lozsan, A. (1997) “A shooter’s guide to pistol marksmanship”. Elite Coaching Systems. WA, Australia.

Standl, H. (1975) “Pistol shooting as a sport” English translation, Kaye & Ward Ltd, 1975 Whitstable Litho,
Straker Brothers Ltd, Whitstable.

Dr.Gagic, A. (2013) “Pedagoski rad u fudbalskom klubu”, Belgrade, Serbia

Standl, H. (1979). “Pistol Shooting” Coles Publishing Co. Toronto, Canada.

Todorovic, Z. (2010) “ISSF Academy Pistol Shooting”

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