Sport shooting

Shooting is often associated with violence or aggression, but this is a misconception. Sport shooting is one of the most disciplined and highly regulated sports in existence. It values ​​not only accuracy but also self-control, patience, and strict adherence to safety precautions.

There are several internationally recognized disciplines. Some are part of the Olympic Games, such as rifle or air pistol shooting from static positions at fixed targets, which reward stability, breathing, and trigger control. Others, such as skeet and trap, are practiced with a shotgun and require quick reaction time and instinctive aim at moving targets. There are also more dynamic disciplines, such as practical shooting.

Practical shooting seeks a balance between accuracy and speed. In this discipline, the shooter must move, adapt to different angles and distances, and efficiently handle different scenarios; all under constant supervision and in strict adherence to safety rules.

The most recognized disciplines are IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation), USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) e IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association). 

Foto cortesía de Carlos González, ASOTIPRA Costa Rica.
Foto cortesía de Carlos González, ASOTIPRA Costa Rica.

In IPSC, the scoring system combines accuracy and time. A cardboard target is used, divided into three zones with different scoring points: Alpha, the central zone with the highest scoring points, Charlie in the middle, and Delta on the outside of the target. Missed hits are recorded as misses—or “Mikes”—and result in points being deducted. This is the origin of the AlphasOnly concept, which represents the aspiration to achieve only hits in the Alpha zone.

In addition to its competitive value, practical shooting allows shooters to develop essential skills, such as efficient and safe firearm handling, with high demands on accuracy, and under time pressure. Therefore, it is also a valuable training tool for those more interested in defensive shooting than in the sport itself.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport, we invite you to continue searching for information on the official websites of these sports, or from reliable sources of internationally recognized athletes.