November 2019 Coaches Newsletter

Posted On: 11-10-2019

We often struggle with motivating youth shooters to try new methods and techniques.  Many times they try our suggestions for a while and when presented with lower scores they often revert back their old methods.  I get it, those worked – to a point.  I recently had the chance to work with a group of youth shooters and many shot with one eye closed and used a stance that just seemed awkward.  If I could accomplish anything it would be shooting with two eyes open to start and then factor in the foot placement.  What is important here is to take things slowly.  Trying to change too many elements of a shooter at once often leads to failure and a misunderstanding of what really worked.  Start with one thing and work through it.

I also know what many times reverts a shooter are low scores and failure to make a squad after making changes.  Give those changes a chance to develop.  Might take a few weeks of shooting and lots of targets, but most youth shooters learn to adapt and grow.  Look for feedback – not necessarily scores, but positive comments during conversations about the changes.  Be positive and reinforce the need to stick with the changes. 

I am always encouraged by how well youth shooters learn and adapt.  They are moldable at this point in their shooting careers so take advantage of this early.  Finally, as coaches, don’t be so concerned about scores as you squad but look for dedication to change, passion and willingness to compete.  History provides us a long list of winners that started out as underdogs.  Take a chance on them in competition with their newly learned skills, you never know how that might rise to a higher level of excellence.

Dr. David Vaught