The State Coaching Council provides training and accreditation of coaches. The Council can also arrange for a specialist coach to visit a club and conduct a coaching session. Clubs need only to contact the Coaching Director (see Committee contact details).

Coaching of the State Team Training Squad takes place behind the scenes to maintain and lift the competitiveness of the Western Australian team.

Junior Development

The State Team Training Squad Management organises regular shoots and training camps to develop the standard of junior shooting. A Junior Squad is selected each year to compete in the National Championships alongside the senior team.

State Team

Club shooters who are performing well may be invited to join the State Team Training Squad. Alternatively a club may nominate a shooter for selection to the Squad. The Squad consists of both junior and senior members. The Squad receives elite coaching and the opportunity to share skills at a number of weekend development sessions throughout the year.

Videos

The State Coaching Council has produced a series of instructional slides on the basics of pistol shooting.  You can view them below.

GRIP:

A series of slides depicting the correct procedures to attain correct grip. Information here is not only for ISSF shooting, but all matches, regardless of the type of grip, pistol, match or physical attribute.

The key factor from all the information gathered, is “CONSISTENCY” in the manner with which the athlete grips the pistol for each shot or series of shots.

 

POSITION/STANCE:

The Position and Stance is an integral part of shooting, as this ensures the correct alignment to the centre of the target when the pistol is raised. Again, alignment is essential in all matches, regardless should it be ISSF or PA Matches.

As this is a “guide” to position, it is noted that some athletes may vary the stance to suit their physical capabilities. Being sure to follow the guidelines and not strain parts of the neck, arms or torso due to physical constraints. The stance should be comfortable as possible but still within the parameters of the alignment to the target.

 

SIGHTING:

A “how” and “why” series on sighting. Based on ISSF, parts can be adopted to PA Matches where the sighting is central on the target. As athletes progress through our sport, they will inevitably choose which sight configuration suits them. Not all sights suit everyone. Modifications to sight sizes is encouraged as this may change from athlete to athlete due to arms-length (distance from eye to front sight), eyesight, age or the type of match they shoot.

 

TRIGGER:

A subject sometimes overlooked due to the nature of the pistol, size of hand or grip. This section is most important as the trigger guides the smoothness of the shot.

The incorporation of trigger and sighting is paramount for good shots. All the sight alignment being done, can be “undone” quickly, should the trigger be activated in a rough manner.

The placement of the trigger finger on the pistol trigger shoe, needs to be consistent, much the same as grip. The action of the trigger must be smooth, deliberate and uninterrupted.

 

BREATHING:

A much over-looked subject in some sports. We all need to breathe to maintain oxygen levels and stay alive! In pistol shooting, it is desired to integrate a breathing pattern to suit shot release.

This series show a “single” shot breathing pattern. However, longer series of events where five or more shots are fired, can be adapted using this method.

As time goes on, the athlete will develop their own “pattern” being sure they have sufficient oxygen to deliver a single shot, or a series of shots.

 

Further Information

There is some good coaching information on this website:

Pistol Shooting by Allan Lozsan