1. Introduction to NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course Lesson Plans
Please assemble your Basics of Pistol Shooting
Lesson Plans.

2. Introduction to NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course Lesson Plans
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
State the goal of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course
Describe the Structure of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans.
Explain NRA Polices on safety procedures, course length, required materials, and teaching methods to be followed when conducting the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course.
Outline the content of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course.

3. Structure of the Lesson Plan
Please place your lesson plans inside your binders or access your lesson plans on your laptop or Ipad.

4. Two Lesson Plans
and

5. Structure of the NRA Lesson Plans
Introduction
Basic – Objective based
Student to instructor ratio
Total Participant Involvement (TPI)
Breaks
Safety
Establish Emergency procedures
Live ammunition policy in class, and out on the range
Student verification of unloaded firearms
Terminology

6. Structure of the NRA Lesson Plans (continued…)
Course outline
Goal
Length of course
Student text (Online access)
Course lessons
Required Materials
Learning Objectives
Times
Location
Training aids
Materials/Resources/Activities
13330

7. Structure of the NRA Lesson Plans (continued…)
Content
Instructional notes
Lesson plan walk-through(Practical exercises)
Student exam and grading key
Performance Requirements Checklist
The NRA Student Handbook
NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting

8. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you:
State the goal of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course
What is the goal?
Describe the Structure of The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans.
What is the structure?
Describe the NRA policies on safety, course length, required materials, and hands‑on teaching methodology.
What are some examples of these?
Outline the content of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course.
What is listed in the right column? The middle? The left?

9. What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Teaching Pistol Lesson I: Pistol Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling.

10. Teaching Pistol Lesson I: Pistol Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling.

11. Lesson VII Learning Objectives
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to teach:
Effectively teach parts and operation of revolvers and semi- automatic pistols according to NRA lesson plans.
Effectively teach the NRA fundamental rules of safe gun-handling.
Conduct a safe pistol handling Practical Exercise.

12. Turn to Lesson I in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, your students should be able to:
State the course goal and any special requirements for the lessons.
Identify the principal parts of a pistol and the types of pistol actions, and demonstrate how they function.
State, explain and apply the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling.
Demonstrate how handle a pistol in a safe manner.

13. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1: Will conduct a brief presentation on Section D. Gun Owner’s Responsibilities, Section E. introduce lesson (REVIEW the learning objectives),  
Group 2: Will conduct a brief presentation on Section F. Why American’s Own Pistols, and Section G. the types of pistol actions.
Group 3: Will explain section H. Revolver knowledge and Demonstrate how they operate Section J 1-2.
All Groups: Will explain Section I Semi-automatic Pistol Knowledge, and demonstrate how they function Section J 3.
Group 1: Will explain Section K Safe Gun handling. 
Group 2: Will conduct Section L safe Pistol Handling Practical.
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes
USE Training aids for your presentations

14. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you now:
Effectively teach the parts and operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols according to NRA lesson plans
What sorts of training aids would you use for this?
Effectively teach the NRA fundamental rules of safe gun handling.
What would you ask a student to ensure they understand the concept of safe direction? How often does it change?
Conduct a safe pistol handling Practical Exercise.
What must you take into consideration when setting up this exercise?

15. What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Teaching Pistol Lesson II : Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting

16. Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting

17. Lesson VIII Learning Objectives
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to teach:
Effectively teach ammunition components, types, and the firing sequence of a cartridge according to NRA lesson plans.
Effectively teach ammunition identification, storage, and malfunctions according to NRA lesson plans.
Explain the importance of determining eye dominance in beginning pistol shooters, and conduct an eye dominance exercise.
Effectively teach the five fundamentals of pistol shooting according to NRA lesson plans.

18. Turn to Lesson II in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, your students should be able to:
Identify the different components of a pistol cartridge.
Explain the firing sequence of a cartridge.
Explain how to properly identify and store ammunition
State the major types of cartridge malfunctions, and how to react to them.
Explain the fundamentals of pistol shooting

19. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1: Explain Section B 1-5 Pistol Ammunition
Group 2: Explain Section B 6 Cartridge Malfunctions and Section C REVIEW Safe Gun Handling Rules.
Group 3: Demonstrate D Dominant Eye and conduct a Dominant Eye Drill and Section G Fundamentals of Pistol shooting.
All Candidates: will need to demonstrate with a partner that they can conduct Section E (position) and Section F (Grip),
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes
USE Training aids for your presentations

20. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you:
Effectively teach ammunition components, types, and the firing sequence of a cartridge according to NRA lesson plans.
What Training Aids would you use for this?
Effectively teach ammunition identification, storage, and malfunctions according to NRA lesson plans.
What safety concerns do you want to emphasize in regard to these?
Explain the importance of determining eye dominance in beginning pistol shooters, and conduct an eye dominance exercise.
How would you explain the importance of eye dominance?
Effectively teach the five fundamentals of pistol shooting according to NRA lesson plans.
What are the two most important fundamentals?

21. Questions
What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be the Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method

22. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method

23. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the importance of concentration for the success of beginning pistol shooters.
List various ways the instructor can enhance the student’s ability to concentrate.
Describe the NRA eight-step method for training beginning pistol shooters.
Describe the coach/pupil method and ball and dummy technique and explain the value of using them in the training process.

24. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
Excluding safety, what is the most important element essential to the success of a beginning pistol shooter?

25. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
CONCENTRATION!

26. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
What is concentration?

27. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
The ability to focus all of one’s attention and energy to accomplish a specific task.

28. Basic Shooting Instructional Method
If concentration is so important to the
success of a beginning pistol shooter, what
Implication does this have for an instructor?

29. Basic Shooting Instructional Method
Everything the instructor does must be directed towards enhancing the shooter’s ability to concentrate!

30. Basic Shooting Instructional Method
What are some ways the instructor can enhance a student’s ability to concentrate?

31. What are ways to enhance concentration?
Small caliber ammunition for less recoil (.22 standard velocity)
Proper grip size
Manageable gun weight (but not too light)
Medium barrel length
Gun functional and mechanism clean
Good quality ammunition
Target close to shooter
Target relatively large
Target blank
Good lighting
Fair weather

32. Ways to enhance concentration (continued)
Little wind
Comfortable clothing
Instructor does not over-instruct
Adequate hearing and eye protection
Avoid or control background noise
Keep spectators to a minimum
Stress fun as opposed to competition

33. Object of Concentration
The student must learn to concentrate on the two most important fundamentals:
Sight alignment (Aiming)
Focus on the front sight
Trigger squeeze

34. Pistol Instructional Method
NRA’s eight-step method for teaching beginning pistol shooters.
Lesson III-6 of the Pistol Lesson Plans.
Study the position
Practice position without a gun
Practice position with gun
Align position with target
Dry fire exercise
Live fire exercise
Make appropriate sight adjustments
Resume live firing

35. Instructional Techniques
What is the coach/pupil method?
What is the ball and dummy technique?

36. Instructional Techniques
The Coach/Pupil method is two students who alternately play the roles of coach and pupil under the supervision of an instructor.
Demonstration of coach/pupil method
The Ball and Dummy technique is, student fires a gun not knowing if it is loaded or unloaded.

37. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you:
Explain the importance of concentration for the success of beginning pistol shooters.
What is its importance?
List various ways the instructor can enhance the students’ ability to concentrate.
What are some examples?
Describe the NRA eight-step method for training beginning Pistol shooters
What are the steps in this method? What does align the position with the target mean?
Describe the coach/pupil method and ball and dummy technique, and explain the value of using them in the training process.
What is the value of coach/pupil?

38. What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Teaching Lesson III Shooting Positions and Shooting Qualification

39. Shooting Positions and Shooting Qualification

40. Lesson X Learning Objectives
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Effectively teach the learning steps to shoot from the benchrest position.
Effectively teach the learning steps to shoot from the isosceles position.
Effectively conduct the shooting qualification.

41. Turn to Lesson III in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, your students should be able to:
Demonstrate the learning steps to assume the benchrest position, and shoot from the benchrest position.
Demonstrate the learning steps to assume the isosceles position, and shoot from the isosceles position.
Shoot the course qualification.

42. Assignments
Training Counselor : The Training Counselor will assume the role as an instructor, and facilitate Section B, Range Safety Briefing
All Candidates: Must teach section C-D, the benchrest and two handed standing isosceles position, to another candidate, using the 8 step method.
All Candidates: Section F: Conduct the Shooting Qualification for another candidate.
This is a Live Fire Exercise Be sure to use Coach/Pupil method where applicable
REMEMBER: BE A STUDENT AND SHOOT LIKE ONE!
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes
USE Training aids for your presentations

43. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you:
Effectively teach the learning steps to shoot from the benchrest position.
What are the steps you will use to do this?
Effectively teach the learning steps to shoot from the isosceles position.
Effectively conduct the shooting qualification.
What is the required course of fire in order to pass a basic student?

44. What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Evaluating and Improving Performance of Beginning Pistol Shooters

45. Evaluating and Improving Performance of Beginning Pistol Shooters

46. Evaluating and Improving Performance of Beginning Pistol Shooters
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the definition, purpose, and process of evaluating beginning Pistol shooters.
Explain how to provide feedback in a positive manner.
Discuss ways to improve the performance of beginning Pistol shooters.

47. What takes place during evaluation?

48. “Evaluation”
Evaluation is a determination of whether, and to what extent training has taken place.

49. What is the ultimate purpose of evaluation?

50. “Purpose”
Ultimately, the purpose of evaluation is to improve the performance of the student in whom we are attempting to develop knowledge, skills and attitude!

51. “Process”
What are some of the things an instructor needs to do when making an evaluation?

52. “Process”
An instructor needs to know the correct behavior to look for, how to look for it, and how to provide feedback to enhance the student’s ability to perform it!

53. “Standard”
What behaviors are we looking for in beginning Pistol shooters on the firing line?

54. “Standard”
Instructors must look for conformity to certain standards, namely, the safe and correct execution of the fundamentals of Pistol shooting!

55. “Method”
What method should instructors use to determine that the fundamentals are being executed properly?

56. “Method”
Primarily, observation of the gun while the student is shooting. Occasionally, the instructor should also watch the shooter, and take a look at the target between shots.

57. How does an instructor provide feedback?

58. “Feedback!”
Always involve your students in the evaluation process by encouraging self-analysis, and by directing the student to perform the correct action, not by describing the incorrect action. Always keep your feedback positive.

59. “Feedback!” People may forget what you DID,
They may forget what you SAID,
But they will NEVER forget how you made them FEEL!

60. Common Difficulties Among Beginning Pistol Shooters
Difficulty in concentrating
Difficulty in relaxing
Incorrect body position
Incorrect gun position
Incorrect sight alignment/picture
Improper breath control
Incorrect trigger control
Incorrect follow-through
Use of non-dominant eye

61. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you:
Explain the definition, purpose, and process of evaluating beginning Pistol shooters.
What is the definition? Purpose? What are examples of the process?
Explain how to provide feedback in a positive manner.
How do you do this?
Discuss ways to improve the performance of beginning Pistol shooters.
Can you give some examples of how to do this?

62. What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Teaching Lesson IV Scoring Targets, and Selecting and Maintaining a pistol

63. Scoring Targets, and Selecting and Maintaining a pistol

64. Lesson XI Learning Objectives
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Effectively teach students to properly score a target.
Explain to students basic guidelines for selecting a pistol.
Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol and ensure your student can clean a pistol safely.

65. Turn to Lesson IV in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, your students should be able to:
Properly Score a pistol target
Explain the basic guidelines for selecting and purchasing a pistol
Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol.
Demonstrate how to safely clean a pistol.

66. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Each candidate will conduct exercises as follows:
Group 1: Scoring targets, Section B
Group 2: Selecting and purchasing a pistol, Section C
Group 3: Explain and demonstrate how to Care for a pistol, Section D
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes
USE Training aids for your presentations

67. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you now:
Effectively teach students to properly score a target.
What training aids would you use for this?
Explain to students basic guidelines for selecting a pistol.
What is the primary question students should ask in this regard?
Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol and ensure your student can clean a pistol safely.
What considerations should you have when setting up this practical?

68. What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Teaching Lesson V: Continued Opportunities for Skill Development, Exam and Course Conclusion

69. Continued Opportunities for Skill Development

70. Learning Objectives Lesson XIII and Exam and Course Conclusion
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain how to improve their shooting skills through participation in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program, and competitive shooting.
Describe the benefits of joining an NRA-affiliated shooting club.
Describe the objectives, programs, and benefits to members of the National Rifle Association.

71. Turn to Lesson V in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, your students should be able to:
Identify several ways to pursue pistol shooting activities after the course.
Successfully complete the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Written examination.

72. Assignments Each candidate will conduct exercises as follows:
Group 1: The NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, Section B-1
Group 2: Training, Competitive shooting opportunities, and NRA-affiliated clubs, Sections B-2 through B-4
Group 3: The National Rifle Association, Section C

73. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you now:
Explain how to improve their shooting skills through participation in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program, and competitive shooting.
What training aids would you use for this?
Describe the benefits of joining an NRA-affiliated shooting club.
What are some examples of these?
Describe the objectives, programs, and benefits to members of the National Rifle Association.
What are some of the programs? What about the benefits?

74. What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be: Using the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course Evaluation, Performance Requirements Checklist and Pistol Instructor Examination

75. Using the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course Evaluation, Performance Requirements Checklist and Pistol Instructor Examination

76. Learning Objectives Lesson XIII and Exam and Course Conclusion
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the importance of completing the Performance Requirements Checklist.
Explain the role of student evaluations in instructor development.
Explain the importance of recognizing students upon successful completion of a training course.
Explain how to finalize credentialing with the National Rifle Association.

77. The Role of the Performance Requirements Checklist
What role do you believe the Performance Requirements Checklist plays in the training process?

78. The Role of the Performance Requirements Checklist
Determines whether training has taken place
Determines progress
Determines if additional training may be necessary to develop the desired knowledge, skills, and attitude
Validates that each objective has been completed

79. The Role of the Performance Requirements Checklist
The checklist provides a guide to enable an instructor to validate that each objective has been completed, which includes the acknowledgement of the student. If a student is not comfortable signing off on a particular objective, the instructor should revisit this area of the course with them; until they are confident they can perform the particular skill.
Note that Instructors should complete the Performance Requirements Checklist with their students and maintain a copy for their records.

80. The Role of Student Evaluations
What role do you believe student evaluations play in the instructor development process?

81. The Role of Student Evaluations
Instructors need to strive for constant improvement in their organizational and teaching skills. Their students are important sources of input in this process.

82. The Role of Student Evaluations
Instructors will be receiving evaluations from their students when they conduct the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting, and NRA sends electronic surveys to students as well.

83. Instructor Course Evaluation
Take a few moments to complete your evaluation for this course.

84. The Role of Recognition in Training
What role do you believe student
recognition plays in the training process?

85. What is the Role of Recognition in Training?
Encourages Efforts
Rewards Proficiency
Encourages Participation
Motivates

86. Instructor Examination
NRA Pistol Instructor Examination
Open book
May use your notes
Lesson plans
Handbook
You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam.

87. Instructor Examination
Review examination
Exchange examinations
Passing Score for instructor examination:
Certified Instructor 90% or higher
Assistant Instructor 85% or higher
Apprentice Instructor 85% or higher

88. WWW.NRAINSTRUCTORS.ORG Trainer’s Guide: Appendix A
Step #1
Step #2

89. WWW.NRAINSTRUCTORS.ORG Trainer’s Guide: Appendix A
Step #3

90. WWW.NRAINSTRUCTORS.ORG Trainer’s Guide: Appendix A
Step #4

91. WWW.NRAINSTRUCTORS.ORG Trainer’s Guide: Appendix A
REGISTRATION COMPLETE!

92. WWW.NRAINSTRUCTORS.ORG Trainer’s Guide: Appendix A
SIGNING IN

93. WWW.NRAINSTRUCTORS.ORG Trainer’s Guide: Appendix A
Paying for Certifications
Disclaimer

94. Paying for Certifications Trainer’s Guide: Appendix A

95. Paying for Certifications

96. ID Cards/Certificates
Step #1
Step #2

97. Reporting Training Using NRAINSTRUCTORS.ORG
Step #1
Step #2
Step #3 Contact Your Training Counselor
Last resort contact NRA Training Department.

98. Learning Objectives: As a result of your participation in this lesson, can you now:
Explain the importance of completing the Performance Requirements Checklist.
Why is this so important for the instructor?
Explain the role of student evaluations in instructor development.
What are some examples of how this affects development?
Explain the importance of recognizing students upon successful completion of a training course.
What does this do when you give students recognition?
 Explain how to finalize credentialing with the National Rifle Association.
What site do you go to so that you can complete this task? When? What about renewals?

99. What ARE Your Questions?

100. Thank You!