The ISSF Academy has delivered its first A-level coaching course, which concluded in Doha, Qatar, coinciding with the 2025 ISSF World Cup Final.
Taking place from 2 to 7 December, it was a week of high-level learning, bringing 41 coaches together in person from 21 countries, representing rifle, pistol and shotgun.
A group of nine ISSF Academy instructors delivered the course, providing expert lectures, practical learning, open discussion and networking.
Prior to this, there was a 10-week online phase, in which participants completed a broad set of digital lectures, assignments, and their own individual research projects. Their research work was presented during the course, and three coaches were awarded for outstanding contributions: John Thompson, Paul Taylor and Andreas Charalambous.
Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to learn from exceptional guest speakers.
Olympic Champion Vincent Hancock from the United States delivered an inspiring masterclass on what winning is truly made of. Ray Bassil of Qatar offered a deep and personal look into the relationship between athlete and coach. Pierre Beauchamp spoke about modern coaching, long-term planning, and how to build effective high-performance coaching systems.
One full day was dedicated to World Cup Final field research. The mixed-discipline teams presented their tasks and findings to the entire course the following day. This provided a valuable opportunity to practise teamwork across disciplines and to learn from one another.
Taking place from 2 to 7 December, it was a week of high-level learning, bringing 41 coaches together in person from 21 countries, representing rifle, pistol and shotgun.
A group of nine ISSF Academy instructors delivered the course, providing expert lectures, practical learning, open discussion and networking.
Prior to this, there was a 10-week online phase, in which participants completed a broad set of digital lectures, assignments, and their own individual research projects. Their research work was presented during the course, and three coaches were awarded for outstanding contributions: John Thompson, Paul Taylor and Andreas Charalambous.
Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to learn from exceptional guest speakers.
Olympic Champion Vincent Hancock from the United States delivered an inspiring masterclass on what winning is truly made of. Ray Bassil of Qatar offered a deep and personal look into the relationship between athlete and coach. Pierre Beauchamp spoke about modern coaching, long-term planning, and how to build effective high-performance coaching systems.
One full day was dedicated to World Cup Final field research. The mixed-discipline teams presented their tasks and findings to the entire course the following day. This provided a valuable opportunity to practise teamwork across disciplines and to learn from one another.
The ISSF leadership interacted with the participants several times during the week. Coaches received updates on current developments in the sport, upcoming rule changes, and the broader strategic direction of the ISSF. These open discussions were highly appreciated, as they provided a direct link to international governance and offered a clearer understanding of the decisions shaping the future of shooting sport.
ISSF Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo thanked the coaches in attendance and the ISSF Academy for their ongoing passion for the sport, whilst detailing how all parties could work together for the betterment of shooting sport going forward.
At the end of the course, a comprehensive feedback survey was reviewed together. The results were excellent: the overall course rating was 4.6 out of 5, and the highest-rated lecturers received 4.9 out of 5. Participants also expressed great satisfaction with the course organisation and environment - a credit to the Qatar Shooting & Archery Federation, whose hospitality and support created excellent conditions for learning.
The A course instructors were: Vesa Nissinen, Susan Nattrass, Agathi Kassoumi, Emil Duchanov, John Leighton-Dyson, Nektarios Stavrou, Jack Bale, James Galea and Russell Mark.
ISSF Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo thanked the coaches in attendance and the ISSF Academy for their ongoing passion for the sport, whilst detailing how all parties could work together for the betterment of shooting sport going forward.
The A course instructors were: Vesa Nissinen, Susan Nattrass, Agathi Kassoumi, Emil Duchanov, John Leighton-Dyson, Nektarios Stavrou, Jack Bale, James Galea and Russell Mark.