The 2025 ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, held from May 20-26, introduced a major advancement in the way shooting sports are presented to global audiences. For the first time in an International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) event, live broadcast coverage featured new target tracker technology—offering real-time visualizations of a shooter’s aim and barrel movement.
Each finalist in the rifle and pistol events was equipped with a lightweight, 20-gram tracking device mounted to their firearm. The device followed the movement of the barrel before each shot, capturing critical data previously invisible to the naked eye. Using laser-based tracking, the system showed viewers how steady an athlete’s aim was and the exact line of aim leading up to the shot. A squiggly line animated across the screen just before the final score appeared, revealing even the smallest micro-adjustments made during targeting.
The innovation was developed in collaboration with the German Shooting Sport Federation and serves as a preview for the 2026 ISSF Junior World Championships, also set to be hosted in Suhl. While such tracking tools are already used by athletes and coaches during training, this marks the first time the technology has been implemented in a live ISSF competition.
“Every sport must continue to develop in order to keep up with the times and remain attractive. We believe that shooting has great potential, and the target tracking approach is a first step in this direction,” Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo, Secretary General of the ISSF, said. “I am firmly convinced that this will significantly increase the excitement and added value of the broadcasts.”
This trial signals a forward-thinking shift in how shooting competitions are presented to audiences—enhancing viewer engagement, transparency and appreciation for the precision behind the sport.
For more on the International Shooting Sport Federation and upcoming events, visit issf-sports.org.
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