Progressive Position Pistol (PPP) Program Updates With New Rules Effective January 1, 2010

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 9, 2009)

There will be a number of exciting changes in 2010 that will make Progressive Position Pistol (PPP) even more enjoyable. The new counterbalanced T-Stand will allow athletes a much smoother and quicker transition to the fine control necessary to become great shooters without risking injury by overtaxing the shoulder joint too early. (Note that we still recommend physical training for all shooters). These rules also incorporate the flexibility for coaches and athletes to use the shooting positions most effectively for their stage of development. We recommend that athletes switch to a one-handed grip when their hand is large enough to comfortably grip and control their pistol. There are no restrictions on counterbalance weights, which will allow the greatest latitude for the athlete’s comfort and stability.

NRA and USAS are working jointly to build and promote PPP programs and competition events. USAS will continue to import junior pistols to be sold near cost through the USAS Merchandise Department.

Here is a summary of the Progressive Position Pistol rule changes.

The number of shooting positions have been reduced to three:

Basic Supported – Athlete is seated or standing, one or two hands on the grip. The grip (and hands) may be rested on a firm support or a counterbalanced “sling” stand (T-Stand). If the T-stand is used, the support point may be anywhere between elbow(s) and grip. Maximum age is ten years old

Standing Supported- Athlete is standing, one hand on the grip. T-Stand provides counterbalance support between elbow and grip. Maximum age is 14 years old

International Standing – ISSF/USAS rules. Unsupported standing with one hand on grip. Minimum age is 13 years old.

T Stands:
Plans for the T Stand will be available from USA Shooting. It can be easily built for less than $15.00 from widely available materials.

- T” shape is suggested, with pulleys and counterbalance weight (no limit)
- Support may not be a closed loop around arm or pistol.
- Support contact must be between the elbow and pistol grip (inclusive).
- Maximum width of contact point is 1.5 inches.

Stand may be on table or floor.

Time Limits:
75 minutes for 40 shots with unlimited sighters on four sighter bulls. If using paper targets requiring change over (with cease-fire):
- 15 minutes for sighters
- 1.5 minutes per shot for targets hung at one time.

Sanctioning & Membership:
USA Shooting will sanction competitions with no sanctioning fee. In addition, USAS will track results, maintain national records, rank athletes and develop an introductory PPP membership package with includes six issues of USA Shooting News. Athletes must be junior USAS members ($20 annually) or a regular member ($40 annually).

PPP Junior Olympic Championships:
- Award “Supported.” “Mixed,” and “One Hand (ISSF)” Teams at PPP Junior Olympics (JOs)
- Continue Open and Women’s awards in the International Standing position at PPP JOs.
- USAS will continue to offer medals for State JO Championships through the Competitions Division
- USAS and NRA will conduct the Progressive Position Pistol Junior Olympic National Championships (with match help from the Civilian Marksmanship Program). This championship will be held at Camp Perry July 9-11. Competitors will have the opportunity to attend the NRA youth summer pistol camp which follows immediately where athletes can further develop their air pistol skills as well as be introduced to the smallbore events.
- Top scoring athletes from PPP JOs will still be invited to a Fall JO Pistol Development Camp at the held at the Olympic Training Center.

Other Rule Changes:
Combine “A” and “B” equipment divisions.
Use USAS/ISSF rules for tiebreakers and other match requirements.

USA Shooting will subsidize part of the expenses if you host a PPP focused Pistol Coach School (for six or more coaches) in your area. Please contact Bob Foth at bob.foth@usashooting.org or (719) 866-4881 for details.

Click here to view the complete 2010 USAS-NRA Progressive-Position Air Pistol Rules

Click here for instructions on how to make a PPP Counterbalance T Stand

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