Shooting: Then and now

Shooting for people with disabilities was first promoted in Scotland in the early 1970s.

The rules and competition structure were designed to be as similar as possible to those of the able-bodied sport, which is more than 100 years older.

Today, top disabled competitors regularly take part in high level able-bodied events. The sport is practised in more than 50 countries around the world, and interest in it continues to grow at a rapid rate.

How to play – and win

Shooting is a test of accuracy and control, in which competitors use pistols or rifles to fire a series of shots at a stationary target.

The target is made up of 10 scoring rings, with the centre ring (the ‘bullseye’) worth 10 points, or 10.9 points in finals. Athletes shoot from three positions - standing or sitting, kneeling and prone - at distances of 10, 25 and 50m.

The Paralympic programme includes men's, women's and mixed events. Women’s events are contested over 40 shots; men’s and mixed over 60. The finals involve the top eight competitors in a 10-shot contest that takes place within a set time limit.

Paralympic Shooting is open to all athletes with a physical disability. There are two classes of competition - SH1 (for athletes who can support the weight of their firearm themselves) and SH2 (for athletes who use a ‘shooting stand’ to support their arm).

Shooting at the Games

Shooting has been part of the Paralympic Games since Toronto 1976, when three events were held.

Despite the sport’s growing popularity, the number of Paralympic events has decreased from its peak at Seoul 1988 because of the move towards a ‘functional’ classification system.

Athletes with different disabilities now compete together in just two classes.

Facts about Shooting

• Shooting competitions last for between 75 and 120 minutes.
• Paralympic Shooting legend Isabel Newstead was one of Britain‘s greatest-ever Paralympians. She died in 2007 as the reigning European, World and Olympic champion.
• Great Britain has won Paralympic Shooting medals at every Games in which the sport has been included.

Get involved

Disability Target Shooting Great Britain is keen to help people get started in the sport. It offers advice, training and equipment to anyone who wants to take part (see 'related websites').