Some background
Organizers are continually changing the sport in an attempt to make competitions easier to stage and more fun to observe. In 2008, the UIPM voted to merge the separate run and shoot disciplines into a combined event with running and shooting. They thought that this might not only make the competitions more exciting, but also speed up the process a bit.
At first the pentathletes were very reluctant. Speed shooting is very different from precision shooting. And 1,000-meter laps are very different from the 3,000 meter runs the pentathletes had trained for. But by the end of the first year, most pentathletes begrudgingly admitted that the new combined event was a lot of fun.
Now the UIPM is considering yet another change: moving from the air pistol to the laser gun. Again, pentathletes and organizers are very apprehensive. Pentathletes have invested a lot of money in their pistols and have just gotten used to the new speed fire technique. And organizers have just invested money in the metal targets.
No one is anxious to spend more money and learn yet another system.
However, many countries have banned air pistols and pentathletes are finding it increasing difficult to fly with them. Therefore, 2010 has been designated the trial year for the laser guns. But neither the guns nor the scoring systems have been chosen yet.
Run/shoot: In the run/shoot, competitors have a handicapped start determined by their points earned so far. The competitor with the most points would start at 0 on the clock and race to the firing line. He/she must shoot five targets before starting the run cycle of 1,000 meters. If, at the end of 70 seconds, the competitor has not downed all five targets, he/she is then released for the run.
Competitors in the Junior and Senior divisions come to the firing line three times and run three 1,000-meter laps, one after each firing session. Youth A does the same except Youth A has a 90-second time limit at the firing line.
Competitors in Youth B and Masters divisions only come to the firing line twice and run two 1,000-meter laps, one after each firing session. Youth B also have a 90-second firing time limit.
Because Youth C, D, and E are not recognized by the UIPM, there are no official scoring tables for them. Since the run/shoot has begun, we have been following this format in the US: The Youth C, D, E will shoot three sets of five shots (90-second limit) and run three 500-meter laps. Youth D and E can fire with two hands, unsupported.
Pistol Choice, Care and Handling Tips
Air pistols can range in cost from less than $100 to $1,000 or more. Before you invest in any air pistol, consult with a shooting coach. The right pistol will depend on your age, ability and strength. Sometimes you can buy a good used gun from a team mate.
No matter what gun you select, however, you must take care of it and handle it properly. Eventually, you will take a clinic with Cliff Halenar who will go over these topics in detail. Until then, here are the essentials:
• Keep your air pistol clean. Before you take out your pistol, lay a towel on the bench, then place your pistol on the towel.
• Use only good pellets. If you spill your pellets on the floor, throw them away. Why? Because grit on the pellets can damage the bore (inside) of your pistol. Then your pistol will not fire correctly (and you won’t shoot straight).
• Always keep your gun case locked. Keep a key and give a key to your parents.
• In the state of California, minors who have an air pistol must have a permission note from their parents. Get your parents to write and sign a note saying that it’s OK for you to have the pistol. Then keep the note in your gun case.
• Always wash your hands after firing. Pellets are made of lead and lead residue on your hands could be poisonous.
• Always point your pistol down range and away from others. NEVER point a pistol (loaded or unloaded) at another living creature.
• Try to dry fire every day. Many believe that dry firing (firing without ammunition) is more beneficial than target shooting. (It’s also easier to find a place to do it.) Watch your form in the mirror to make sure you are standing properly.
Traveling with an Air Pistol
Flying with air pistols can be problematic as airlines have different rules. None, however, will allow you to take an air pistol in carry-on luggage. Here is what has worked for us in the past:
• Go online and print out the airline’s guidelines for transporting firearms and follow those instructions to the letter. Take the printout with you to the airport to show airline and TSA employees that you have complied with their guidelines.
• Usually, you will need to declare the air pistol at the check in counter. A TSA official will inspect the gun and put an inspection sticker on it. Then you simply place it (unlocked) so that it’s well cushioned within a large piece piece of luggage.
• DO NOT take it out of the case at the airport. That would cause all kinds of commotion. Upon arrival, if you want to check and make sure the gun is OK (and still there), wait until you get to your car to open the case.
Recommended Instruction
Camps and clinics are the best ways to get expert instruction.
Shooting Training Plan
Here is an outline for shooting training in first year of athlete's pentathlon life written by Janusz Peciak, Barry Matchett and Elaine Cheris.
Program One
This program is designed for athletes over age 13 who have a swimming background. (This regimen is not suitable for those under 14, unless they have shown strong willingness to work in the past.)
Sport priorities: 1) Fencing 2) Shooting 3) Running and lifting 4) Swimming 5) Riding
Month 1-2: Shoot five times a week (either dry or normal firing with beginner’s gun on mainly white targets for group); Lift weights one time a week (working on legs, abs and back)
Month 3: Shoot five times a week (start to shoot on normal targets more regularly on 50 percent of shots); Lift weights - same as Month 1.
Months 4-6: Shoot five times a week (introduction of more complicated drills and emphasis on consistent groups); Lift weights two times a week (emphasis on abs and back muscles [pillar strength] with some shooting lifts).
Competition: There should be a four-sport competition at the end of Month 6, with parents invited. Lots of analysis and feedback necessary to detect training weaknesses and to determine where training needs for the next six-month period.
Months 7-12: Shoot five to six times a week (purchase a high-quality pistol, probably the one the athlete will have throughout his or her career)
Lift weights three times a week
Program Two
Athletes over age 13 who come from a non-swimming background should follow this program.
Sport priority list: 1) Swim 2) Fence 3) Shoot and weight lift 4) Run 5) Ride
Month 1-2: Shoot 5 times a week (either dry or normal firing with beginners gun on mainly white targets for group); Lift weights three times a week (heavy emphasis on shoulders and back muscles.
Month 3: Shoot five times a week (start to shoot on normal targets more regularly on 50 percent of shots); Lift weights three times a week (heavy emphasis on shoulders and back muscles).
Months 4-6: Shoot five times a week (introduction of more complicated drills and emphasis on consistent groups); Lift weights three times a week (heavy emphasis on shoulders and back muscles).
Competition: Same event as in Program One, with closer attention paid to the swimming.
Months 7-12: Shoot five to six times a week; Lift weights three times a week
