B-Course for International Coaches License

The B-License course is the second of the ISSF Academy's international coaches licenses. The course has been designed to provide the coach with a greater understanding of the role of the shooting coach as required at the level of the international ISSF World Cup circuit.

In keeping with the structured approach to coaching adopted in the C-Course, the B-Course takes the next step forward in developing coaching technique for the specific disciplines but also an increased emphasis on Sport Science.

Shooting Science Topics

Continuing with the principles outlined in the C-Course, the coach now completes the overall shooting technique and progresses their knowledge and understanding with workshops designed to test their coaching skills.

Rifle Topics

Biomechanical analysis of the shooting positions.

Technical training in practice.

Practical challenges in rifle coaching.

Pistol Topics

The pistol shooting technique will cover three major areas: Lifting technique, Sighting technique and Triggering technique along with biomechanical analysis.

For pistol, the B-Course will look at the following:

1. Vertical movement to target (for precision disciplines and SP RF)

2. Horizontal movement with transition (RFP)

3. Sighting techniques for precision disciplines

4. Sighting techniques for SP RF

5. Sighting techniques for RFP (vertical and horizontal)

6. Triggering techniques for each discipline (precision and dynamic)

7. Follow through.

    

   Shotgun Topics

   The shotgun shooting technique is completed by looking at the steps involved following the Ready Position. This area focuses on the movement of the athlete and the different shooting styles that are currently in use.

    

   For shotgun, the B-Course will look at the following:

1. Initial movement to target.

2. Transition phase of movement.

3. Sight Picture.

4. Triggering.

5. Post-Shot Actions.

6. Shooting styles.

    

   Sport Science Topics

   Taking the scientific principles learned from the C-Course, the students take their level of understanding and comprehension further with new skills and areas of study.

    

   For all disciplines, the B-Course will look at the following:

1. Motor skill learning.

2. Instructional priorities in the stages of learning.

3. Scheduling practice: massed vs. distributed, constant vs. variable, blocked vs. random, whole vs. part.

4. Combining teaching principles.

5. Imagery and arousal control.

6. Pre-performance and performance routines.

    

   Class Workshop Activities

   The B-Course requires a greater level of interaction from the students. Individual presentations and demonstrations of coaching skills are a requirement for the successful completion of the course.

    

   Some of the workshop activities will deal with the following:

1. Technical problems and their solutions.

2. Preparation and tactics for competition.

3. Demonstration of teaching and coaching skills.

    

   Examinations

   Before attending the course, students are required to submit a homework assignment based on a subject as tasked by their tutor. This assignment forms a significant part of the examination and accounts for 50% of the examination marking. During the course the homework is reviewed in a one-on-one session with the course tutor and the student makes a presentation of the homework to all course participants.

    

   A practical demonstration of coaching and teaching skills must be performed in front of all the course participants. This is combined with a presentation skills evaluation.

    

   Finally, a written examination comprising of 30 written questions based on all aspects of the course, which must be extensively answered. Should the need arise a further oral examination may be required.

    

   Course Duration & Preparation

   The B-Course is conducted over a six-day period in a residential setting at an ISSF Accredited Training Centre.

    

   Furthermore, a period of six-months pre-course work including course material study and preparation of the homework is required in advance of the course.

    

   Course Entry Requirements

   Entrance to the course is restricted to current and valid ISSF C-License holders upon the recommendation of their National Federation.

    

   The course is conducted through the English language only. Candidates must be proficient in both written and oral English as they will be required to answer examination questions and to make PowerPoint presentations using the English language.

    

   Course Fee & Additional Costs

   The B-Course fee is €1,250 and includes the following:

• All B-Course books and guides in electronic PDF format.

• Shared accommodation at the ISSF Accredited Training Centre. Single room occupancy can be arranged for an additional supplemental fee with the ISSF Accredited Training Centre.

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day.

   

  Not included in the course fee is the application fee for the course License that must be applied separately to ISSF Headquarters upon the successful completion of the course.