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AT just 17, Kyal Sharpe is poised to burst onto the scene of one of the world's most unique shooting disciplines.
The Tallangatta High School student has spent his weekends and free time steadily establishing himself as one of the premier Practical shooters in the country.
Sharpe's discipline is unique in that the shooter is always moving, as opposed to regular clay target shooting.
The teenager competes in International Practical Shooting Confederation events, which revolve around shooting targets across a course as accurately as possible, as quickly as possible. It's a sport that requires sharp reflexes, and an even sharper mind.
“It can be as much a mental game as it is a test of your raw shooting skill,” Sharpe said.
"The courses can be quite complex, you have to plan all your reloads beforehand and make sure you're being as efficient as possible.
“You generally shoot 12 stages at a state level competition, which goes up to more than 20 for a national level meet.
“International shoots can have as many as 30 different courses.”
Long shoots can be mentally taxing for competitors, with course knowledge an absolute must for high level competition.
“You get a match package before every meet that contains sketches of the courses,” Sharpe said.
“Everybody gets between five and ten minutes to walk through each course before you shoot it.
“You have to memorise your targets, your reloads, which way to go.
“It can be quite challenging at times.”
With the courses different at every single meet, Sharpe said getting the fundamentals right was an absolute necessity.
“You have to practice reloading, target acquisition and footwork constantly,” he said.
“Even knowing which foot to take off on after each shot is important.”
Competing at such a high level in such a unique sport has drawn the attention of some of Sharpe’s mates.
“They all think it’s pretty cool, a few of the them have been a bit intrigued by what I do,” he said.
“IPSC is probably as close to a spectator sport as shooting can get.
“It’s a much more dynamic sport in a lot of ways, and the better you perform, the harder you have to train to remain competitive.
“I do live fire training every weekend, and I do dry fire training at least three times a week, as well as gym sessions for fitness and speed.”
Sharpe has one goal in mind for 2016.
“I’ll be in Indonesia in August for my first international event, I want to perform well,” he said.