Progressive-Position Air Pistol

by
posted on July 31, 2015
nrafam_news.jpg (56)

Getting children started in sports at a young age is a healthy way for them to burn off their energy, build confidence and improve their focus. Yet when it comes to the shooting sports, heavy guns can be too much for small, young participants to handle: Enter the Progressive-Position Pistol (PPP) program.

In 2008, the PPP program was introduced to create an opportunity for children, who are ready, to begin their shooting sports involvement at an earlier age. Young athletes take their shots through a supported air pistol (a pistol secured to a stand) which removes the task of holding a weighty gun and allows young shooters to focus on proper hand positions, acquiring their front sights, aiming and other fundamental skills. Through their three categories of basic supported, standing supported and one-handed standing, the program takes young pistol shooters through a natural progression from PPP to higher level pistol competitions hosted by USA Shooting and the NRA. 
undefined
“PPP is growing and we’re really happy to see it,” said Steve Faught, USA Shooting assistant national team pistol coach. “It’s a grassroots, developmental program and we’re trying to reach kids at a younger age while teaching competitive shooting. It seems to be working well.”

Young athletes from all sports need to develop confidence at an early age. When they feel confident in their sport they will learn the essential skills and knowledge to help them excel. The PPP program is designed to give young shooters confidence, by removing the feeling of being overwhelmed or inadequate by a cumbersome gun. Assistant National Team Pistol Coach Eric Pueppke says, “We want to get more people in the pyramid coming up to get to our national teams…. It [the PPP program] provides an avenue for younger people to get started.” Many champions of the National Junior Team and National Junior Olympics started in the PPP program, and due to the increased popularity of the program, many more success stories are to come.

This weekend, July 31st to August 2nd, 145 PPP athletes will be competing for national titles and the coveted Junior Olympic Squad status. Two venues will carry out the PPP National Championships, (Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Fort Benning, Georgia), to bring in as many competitors as possible and attempt to alleviate costly and time-consuming travel.

Orion Scoring Systems will be used to track scores at both locations, and final results will be announced Sunday shortly after the final match.

Please visit USA Shooting for more information on the PPP program.

Latest

Homan Imperato Lede
Homan Imperato Lede

Henry Repeating Arms & National Police Defense Foundation Honor American Heroes

Border Czar Tom Homan joined Henry CEO Anthony Imperato to create a one-of-a-kind rifle and display case for auction.

Turkey-Hunting Tips: You're Not the Only Predator

Winchester Deadly Passion Ambassador and NRAWomen.com writer Melissa Bachman wanted to take a boss gobbler, but it turned out she needed to take a number ...

NRA Gun Safety Training Brings Families Together

Recognized the world over, NRA training offers a safe, supportive entry to your family’s favorite new hobby.

Georgia Peaches! Hunters for the Hungry Donate 86K Pounds of Venison

These hunters aren't just managing wildlife — they’re feeding neighbors and strengthening communities.

First Impressions: Girsan MC1911 Gold Lux .38 Super

Don't let the name throw you off; despite its beauty and quality, this 1911-style pistol is surprisingly affordable.

Wild Wings: 6 Young Women & Their First Pheasants

Here's how a community comes together to introduce youth who've never hunted before to a sport they'll never abandon.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.