Coaches Newsletter

A Little Bit of Nerve Control

Posted On: 04-21-2026

No matter how calm and cool one thinks they might be in tough sporting situations, one must have some sense of anxiety to perform.  It seems odd I know, but there is plenty of research to support the fact that being a little anxious improves performance, but only to a degree.  Unfortunately, some of...

Be Coachable

Posted On: 04-13-2026

If I know much at all it is that change is difficult no matter who you are or how you process things in your life.  Bottom line is we all hate change.  I see change in two ways, first we are forced to make a change based on our environment, social life, or physiological...

Practice with a Purpose

Posted On: 01-25-2026

Practice, practice, practice is what we all know will make us better.  But will it?  I mean if as a coach practice is more of a time and place then will all practice make one better?  I think you know where I am going with this and that is not all practice makes one...

The Legs Have It

Posted On: 01-03-2026

How we take advantage of our legs is often never discussed as a component to good shooting.  It seems most of us have spent a great deal of time focusing on things other than the stance or another way to think about this is the foundation.  Trite I know, but all great things that...

1/4″

Posted On: 11-24-2025

It is probably one of the most difficult components of shooting in any shooting sport: lifting your head off the comb.  I mean who doesn’t want to see what is happening!  In golf one is taught from an early age to keep their head down and watch the ball.  While a physical action, it...

C-L-A

Posted On: 10-29-2025

This is not that new, but worth implementing in your training for your squad.  CLA or Constraints Led Approach is a method used that employs game day situations as opposed to the traditional step-by-step method used by most to build skill sets.  Let me elaborate with a scenario or two.  I first off am...

So Why NRA Certification

Posted On: 09-13-2025

The National Rifle Association offers several levels of certification that assist individuals in their efforts to coach and help youth shooters.  The benefits are extensive and having those credentials goes a long way to ensuring those one works with are getting the best instruction available with outcomes supporting all shooting sports.  Per the NRA...

NRA Level I Certification

Posted On: 09-12-2025

The Level 1 Shotgun NRA class is now on the NRA system. Here is the link you can send out.https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspx?Courseid=894869.   The class is at  Prairie Grove Shooting Sports ,1420 County Rd 276, Columbia MO 65202.  8:00am to 5:00pm on Nov 8, 2025 and 8:00am to 3:00pm on Nov 9, 2025. They need to  Bring Cash or Check...

MYSSA 2025 Fall Classic

Posted On: 09-09-2025

Hope you will join us at the Missouri Trapshooters Association in Linn Creek on September 27. Information and registration are below. Registration Link: www.youth-trapshooting.com Additional Information: [email protected]

Three Electronics that might help your coaching

Posted On: 08-18-2025

I watch it and I do it – that is stand behind a shooter and try to determine how they hit or why they missed a target.  First, a coach’s eye is not down the barrel, so going back to a barrel being off just a little on the 16-yard line and the resultant...

Midway USA Foundation Accounts

Posted On: 08-16-2025

Folks if your team or you know a team listed below please let them know their accounts are inactive. Midway USA Foundation requires all accounts to add at least $100 to their accounts each year. If this does not occur the potential for those accounts to be closed and the funds removed is possible....

It’s Windy

Posted On: 07-23-2025

It never fails that a shoot occurs with wind.  No matter what we do we cannot avoid what Mother Nature creates so learning to shoot in the wind takes a little thought.  I remember when I was getting my private pilot’s license my instructor would call on the worse day of weather wise to...

Learning is Hard

Posted On: 07-01-2025

I have been working with youth and adult shooters for many years.  I am always humbled by how much distress I cause those I am trying to help but of course my intentions are good.  So, what if I put the shoe on the other foot and became the pupil instead of the teacher...

Try Something Different

Posted On: 05-29-2025

The other day I was at the range and had the opportunity to shoot doubles trap.  This is not something I have done before so I figured whatever.  I was of course hesitant to try, but one very simple up-front comment I overheard was simply, “shoot the straight away first”.  That is exactly what...

Team Balance

Posted On: 04-30-2025

Start with fundamentals for all.   Be consistent even if some are better.  It has always been the case that most people want to learn only what they do not know and disregard what they already know.  I say that in response to starting EVERYONE with the basics.  It might be aggravating to some, but...

Follow Through

Posted On: 03-21-2025

I see this idea in two ways: first to shoot better and second as purely style.  In the former it looks good, and it appears to the casual observer that the shooter is paying attention to the flight of the target even though they may have hit or missed the target.  I hope you...

Can you learn from your mistakes?

Posted On: 02-18-2025

For all of us Chiefs fans the loss was a tough one indeed.  Afterwards, we heard Patrick Mahomes saying he would learn from his mistakes that day and grow stronger and better.  So, I ask how does one learn if one makes shooting mistakes?  I had the opportunity the other day to watch a...

Possible source of Ammunition

Posted On: 01-27-2025

From: Josh Clowes <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:03 AMTo: Undisclosed recipients:Subject: C.L.A.Y.S Youth & Collegiate Shell Program – Josh Clowes- Crow Shooting Supply Hello, Josh Clowes here from Crow Wholesale. I am reaching out to today to make sure that all registered youth, high school, and collegiate level shooting teams know about the...

Follow Through

Posted On: 01-26-2025

I see this idea in two ways: first to shoot better and second as purely style.  In the former it looks good, and it appears to the casual observer that the shooter is paying attention to the flight of the target even though they may have hit or missed the target.  I hope you...

Passion

Posted On: 12-29-2024

I hear this often especially in sports.  He or she has so much passion.  I sometimes wonder if the person being described really understands what passion means. Webster’s Dictionary provides intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction among many other related definitions.  Others add: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some...

A Few Practice Tips

Posted On: 11-25-2024

In the most basic terms, all good shooters start with good footwork.  However, of all the things I work with this is by far the most difficult to change.  Everyone learns to shoot from someone, but their learning is more emulating the person teaching them rather than a good start at proper footwork.  As...

Recruiting

Posted On: 11-10-2024

Of all the things team leadership often struggles with it is recruiting.  As coaches one must consider a broad range of ways to encourage youth shooters to join a team.  First off assumptions need to be overcome.  As an example, many youth shooters have taken Hunter Education.  While that would be a large group...

The Lead

Posted On: 10-02-2024

I have discussed this before but want to add a little detail to the conversation.  In shooting one needs to think of a “Lead” in more than one dimension.  Often all one thinks of is getting ahead of a target without refining the lead to include being above or below the target.  Geometrically we...

NRA Level I Training

Posted On: 10-02-2024

MYSSA is proud to provide at a reduced rate NRA Level I Training. The two-day training will occur November 2 through November 3, 2024 at Prairie Grove Shooting Complex east of Columbia MO. There are two fees associated with the training: A $50 registration fee payable to MYSSA and after the course, all who...

NRA Level I Training

Posted On: 09-05-2024

NRA Level 1 Shotgun Coach School Class time and date: 11/2/2024 Saturday 9:00:00 AM through Sunday, November 3, 2024 5:00 PM Registration Deadline: Friday, October 25, 2024 Registration fee: $50.00 (see below) Prairie Grove Shooting Sport 1420 County Rd 276 Columbia, MO 65202 US Contact- RODNEY ZELLER 5738193289 or [email protected] James P. Walls MYSSA,...

MYSSA Fall Classic 2024 – October 5

Posted On: 08-31-2024

MISSOURI YOUTH SPORT SHOOTING ALLIANCE Fall Classic October 5, 2024 At Missouri Trapshooters Association, Linn Creek, MO Registration:  www.youth-trapshooting.com Program Event #1-100 16 yard singles Entry Fee:  $42 per shooter Program Event #2-100 Sporting Clays Entry Fee:  $45 per shooter Make checks payable to MTA Visa, Mastercard accepted plus 3%. Start Time October 5: ...

Trapisms

Posted On: 08-14-2024

Here a few short statements one can use to coach kids and help them throughout their shooting careers. Pick a plan and stick with it Stop blaming your gun If it fits – wear it Feel the pressure of the comb on your cheek Don’t over concentrate Control your breathing Dismount your gun on...

Squad Rhythm

Posted On: 07-23-2024

I love watching teams shoot in rhythm.  Each shooter gets dialed in and across the five-member team something really cool starts to happen.  Each shooter is feeding off the shooter to their right and left.  Just like any sport teamwork will assist in higher scores, more consistent shooting and a result representative of a...

Coaches – How Kids Learn

Posted On: 06-18-2024

As an educator across my career and like many of you, knowing how kids learn is so important.  We accept that some kids are tactile hands-on learners and others are visual and auditory.  As I mentioned many of you are educators, but for those that are not, how do we cross into a learned...

Follow the Line

Posted On: 05-25-2024

If there is one thing, I know about trap shooting it is targets follow a line.  While not completely linear they do leave the trap machine, and head into the field with remarkable predictability.  When I say line, bear with me that all targets exit the house and according to ATA Section XIII-E must:...

Open Choke or Tight Choke? 

Posted On: 04-20-2024

I did a little reading about chokes and choke tubes and I feel they are worth sharing.  Andy Kirkland provides a download through the Institute of Clay Shooting Instructors so credit him on my newfound wisdom.  The hyperlink above is a download link so the document will be available to you as well. In...

Gun Safety

Posted On: 03-25-2024

As any shooter knows gun safety it without a doubt the most important element of all shooting sports.  I can say though how quickly one forgets the rules.  It happens and hopefully no one gets hurt.  There are lots of lists of rules, but the National Rifle Association provides three we must always pay...

What does that Black Line mean?

Posted On: 02-20-2024

Amateur Trap Shooting Handbook Section VII – Official Scoring: Procedure E: Part 10: Page 30. When firing, the contestant’s feet must be behind the firing mark at 16- yards, or behind the mark for the Handicap yardage assigned to him/ her, depending upon the event being participated in. The contestant must stand with at...

Reducing Distractions

Posted On: 02-06-2024

I am always observing little things that cause distractions among youth shooters.  Here are a few: Glasses slipping down the nose.  Fix this with some nose piece pads or have your glasses adjusted to fit better. Earmuffs bumping the gun stock – This one bugs me for two reasons – first you need ear...

Baby Steps

Posted On: 01-26-2024

At some point you shot your first round of trap.  If like some, you finally hit one, caught the bug and each day you have one thing on your mind – how many can I hit today.  Great in theory but so wrong in practice.  As a shooter you must start to see this...

MYSSA. NRA Level I Certification Course

Posted On: 01-01-2024

Registration is open as of today for MYSSA’s Level I NRA Certification course. It will be held in Columbia at Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports February 24 and 25. There is a $25 registration fee. After the course, all who pass will be required to complete their credentials through the NRA at a cost of...

The Eyes Have It

Posted On: 12-24-2023

The idea that somehow, we walk, talk to people, drive and operate our bodies unconsciously because of our eyes sometimes is understated.  Obviously if we close our eyes we would all struggle to even walk much less drive (don’t do it!).  In shooting the eyes control it all with our argument.  One thing I...

Start Planning Now

Posted On: 11-23-2023

As the end of the year approaches, now is the time to start getting ready for the 2024 season.  So where to start?  I would start by doing a little reading and exploring the internet on trap shooting.  Amazon offers many books on shooting that I know are informative and provide tips you may...

Coaching

Posted On: 10-26-2023

I spent a great deal of my youth being coached.  That carried forward in college and by the time I was through playing “coached” sports I was burned out on coaches.  I had a variety of coaching styles imposed on me, a few good ones and a few that should likely be brought up...

Minimize the thought process 

Posted On: 09-25-2023

When I work with youth shooters, I often notice they cannot explain what is supposed to be happening prior to calling pull and then executing the shot. For many they are just trying to resolve after they shoot why they missed. Of course, this only conflicts with the next shot and they are not...

2023 MYSSA Fall Classic T-Shirts

Posted On: 09-11-2023

Don’t forget to pre-order your 2023 Fall Classic T-shirts – All you need to know is here: https://forms.gle/mQTCQB34wRDRTwFD6

Start the Season with New Goals

Posted On: 08-18-2023

I have always reminded youth shooters of the importance of goals.  I will not here reiterate my thoughts.  What I will say is this is also a great time to drop old habits and begin with something new.    In the summer at my Annual Trap Academy one of the things I see most...

2023 Fall Classic

Posted On: 08-18-2023

The 2023 MYSSA Fall Classic will be held Saturday October 7, 2023 at the Missouri Trapshooters Association in Linn Creek Missouri. This is the fourteenth annual Fall Classic. REGISTRATION OPEN AUGUST 18, 2023 www.youth-trapshooting.com Please see information sheet for further squadding details. If you do not have an account for registration site, please email...

Embrace Recoil

Posted On: 07-18-2023

Recoil is the direct result of firing the shotgun.  In most cases the foot-pounds of energy is slightly above 25, but that number is enough to get the attention of the shooter and make most struggle to overcome the effect.  If one takes the time to watch a shooter they would see the explosive...

Its all about the Lead

Posted On: 06-26-2023

I have spent considerable time with youth and adult shooters and if there is one consistent flaw in shooting it is their inability to actually lead a target.  I believe this trait starts very early in their shooting careers as they are taught to “see” the target and then shoot ahead of the target. ...

So What’s in a Shell Anyway?

Posted On: 05-31-2023

It is always challenging to explain to a youth shooter how in the world they missed a 4.25” clay target moving at 45 miles per hour with shotgun.  After all, perhaps they have been to the pattern board and seen all the holes their shot shell produced and still not sure how they missed...

So what’s in the shell?

Posted On: 05-18-2023

It is always challenging to explain to a youth shooter how in the world they missed a 4.25” clay target moving at 45 miles per hour with shotgun.  After all, perhaps they have been to the pattern board and seen all the holes their shot shell produced and still not sure how they missed...

Every Team Has One

Posted On: 04-16-2023

You wonder what I am going to say?  Every Team has one is my reference to a novice shooter.  That shooter on the squad that typically is in a learning curve trying their hardest to get better.  For a squad to score high all five shooters have to shoot well but we also know...

Finding a Focus Point – The Clock Face

Posted On: 03-24-2023

As trap shooters we have to be able to discern the smallest detail of the target.  It is easy to see the full target, but perhaps what we miss are things like, its direction, speed, and percent of the target open to our vision.  Like everything in trap we have a split second to...

Would Patrick Mahomes be a Great Trap Shooter?

Posted On: 02-22-2023

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. In a very quick word the answer is yes!  Let me walk you through my logic.  First I want to break this down to before he enters the field, on the field and after he leaves the field.  Patrick Mahomes is a creature of habit.  Admittedly he is not that...

Everyone Can Be a Leader

Posted On: 01-21-2023

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. As we begin the spring season take a minute to assess where you stand as a leader.  I use the term leader not to mean a one and only, but instead a leader among leaders, everyone moving in the same direction towards a goal.  I said the word “goal”, but...

NRA Level I Training Offered by MYSSA – $25

Posted On: 01-18-2023

The Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance (MYSSA) is proud to announce our support of NRA Level I training for State of Missouri residents.  February 25 and 26, 2023 at the Missouri Trap Shooters Association in Linn Creek, Missouri, MYSSA will provide training at little cost ($25 registration fee) to a maximum of 25 participants. ...

Three Things that Ruin an Offense

Posted On: 12-24-2022

I know we don’t think of shooting sports in terms of offense and defense, but I am always trying to make analogous cases for comparing shooting sports to other sports.  I recently read these three things as reasons for a ruined offense in basketball and it makes sense in our shooting world: Let’s start...

Shooting and the Basics

Posted On: 11-29-2022

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. The art of clay target shooting begins with the basics.  Yes, I said art and yes, I said basics.  I think we all understand the purpose of the shotgun and that is to deliver shot to the target.  Or at least shot into the air.  If we really want to...

More on Why We Miss

Posted On: 10-27-2022

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. In a perfect world, young trap shooters would never miss.  Nice to visualize, but we know better.  Maybe one could not think of these errors as misses, but rather as obstructions to perfection.  After all perfection is our goal.  I watch youth shooters and wonder what goes through their minds...

Shooting with Rhythm

Posted On: 09-26-2022

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. I use the Garmin Xero S1 in lessons and what it reveals to shooters sometimes takes them back a bit.  Ask your youth shooters how long they have once they pull the trigger to hit a target and the responses will typically be 2-3 seconds.  The reality is the time...

Plan Ahead

Posted On: 09-26-2022

The year 2023, will be upon us faster than we likely want, but with that comes the idea of planning ahead for shoots.  The Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance (MYSSA) wants you to be sure and take advantage of the early shoots that begin in the spring.  These Spring Break Em’s are a great...

MYSSA Fall Classic Information

Posted On: 08-31-2022

MYSSA Fall Classic – October 8 and 9

Posted On: 08-31-2022

Pre-Shot Routine

Posted On: 07-22-2022

I know most youth shooters know this idea and practice the pre-shot routine (PSR).  The question is do they understand how important it is to their shooting success.  It takes very little observation to notice professional shooters and their PSR’s, so recently I watched a video provided by Federal Ammunition featuring Kayle Browning.  Way...

Hold Points

Posted On: 06-23-2022

I have worked with many youth shooters that when asked, “Where are your hold points?” They just look totally confused.  I am sure may have heard of the terms or maybe were quickly instructed as to what hold points mean, but many need a refresher.  First off hold points are a beginning element of...

Coaches

Posted On: 05-22-2022

I often see posts on Facebook of inspirational words.  Proactive Coaching is a great source and worth taking a visit to for some good inspiration.  Here is one I saw last week: “Coaches, one of our goals should be to foster our players’ love of the game.  Help them enjoy it so much that...

Just Less Than A Second

Posted On: 04-26-2022

I tell this story often to youth shooters in relating the time they really have in the act of trap shooting.  I offer that it takes less than a couple of seconds to shoot an entire round of trap.  Most are confused and question my math, but as I explain it becomes clear when...

Choke Tubes

Posted On: 03-24-2022

The variety of choke tubes on the market is huge.  With exception of those guns that have fixed chokes every other gun has options.  The purpose of this coaches newsletter though is not to explore those brands, but to better understand what standards exist for choke tubes.  The question many might ask is, “Are...

Know Your Shells

Posted On: 02-28-2022

In many instances you may not have a choice as to the shot and powder charge you use for trap shooting.  Often a #8 shot is the go to, so that is what you shoot.  Lets talk a little more about shot and charges so if you do have a choice you can make...

Getting Ready for 2022

Posted On: 02-01-2022

Each year presents new challenges and how we address those challenges sets the stage for success.  Goals always come to the top and creating both obtainable goals and measurable goals is perhaps the most important piece of getting ready.  What is a goal?  For shooters it may be a lot of different components to...

Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance – Board of Directors

Posted On: 12-26-2021

There are some great people that work tirelessly to ensure the future of youth shooting sports in Missouri.  MYSSA was formed as the Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance in 2006 because of several concerns among the state’s youth shooting programs. There was no communication between organizations, no coordination for activities, and importantly, no consistent...

It’s the off Season – Get That Journal Ready for 2022

Posted On: 11-28-2021

There are still a few warm days ahead to get out and shoot, but winter is close and soon the off-season will give all a chance to think back on the last year, assess where you are now and prepare for the future.  I have noted this before but keep a journal of all...

Hold Points

Posted On: 10-25-2021

Over time working with youth shooters this has become one issue I see lacks understanding.  The range of confusion runs from having no idea what a hold is, to placing those arbitrary hold points in concrete.  For the basics there are five hold points starting with the left edge or corner of the trap...

The “Eyes” Have It

Posted On: 09-29-2021

When I work with youth shooters, I often ask the question, “What are you seeing before you shoot?” Their response is typically, “The target!”  For them a silly question, but my purpose is to sort out how detailed their image of the target is right before pulling the trigger.  My argument here is can...

What Identifies you?

Posted On: 08-30-2021

I was reading in the New York Times an article on the late Charlie Watts, the drummer for the Rolling Stones for nearly 60 years.  I was like many a fan of the Stones.  What caught me as relatable to youth shooting in that article were these statements by Ben Sisario, “His distinctive drumming...

Catch Your Breath

Posted On: 07-28-2021

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. At my annual trap academy, I provide breathing exercises to help youth shooters better control their emotions and anxiety as they both prepare to shoot and during a round.  I have had numerous comments and feedback from shooters that have used these methods to their advantage and believe in the...

Gun Show or Gun Mount?

Posted On: 06-28-2021

Over the years I have witnessed a wide variety of so-called gun mounts.  I have seen guns pointing to the sky, guns swinging in all directions and recently more of the crouched over, gun broken, and then closed after the mount.  It is a good show indeed, but much of this is for show...

Momentum

Posted On: 06-01-2021

In sports, momentum is often the edge needed to win.  As youth shooters you have to know when to recognize and grab that momentum.  In the world of physics momentum is the quantity of motion measured as a product its mass and velocity.  The more momentum the more power or impact.  In sports we...

Know your Eyes and Sunglasses

Posted On: 04-29-2021

The use of sunglasses while shooting has both positive and negative impacts on seeing targets.  Regardless of whether you wear glasses or not, using the correct lens color when shooting clay targets is more important than one might think.   While you may wear store-bought sunglasses, those may or may not be the best for...

The Donkey and the Carrot

Posted On: 04-06-2021

Most of us likely remember the fable of the Donkey and the Carrot.  In the story the poor farmer struggles to get his trusty steed to work so he places a carrot on a stick out in front of the donkey.  The fable appears to offer a perfect solution to getting a good days...

A Few Words For Youth Shooters

Posted On: 03-03-2021

Karla Harrison Duck, quail, deer and many other hunters like to put their targets on the dinner table. There hasn’t yet been a recipe created to make clay targets good to eat. So why shoot them? The legendary trapshooter, Leo Harrison III always said that trapshooting was just a fun thing. It was a...

Pattern Your Shotgun Now

Posted On: 03-03-2021

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. I have provided a couple blogs on chokes and shot stream patterns so this last one is about how to pattern.  I can assure you there are right ways and wrong ways to ensure you know your choke.  Most approach this effort at 40 yards, point their gun at a...

Reading List for Coaches

Posted On: 02-06-2021

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. Coaches you are teachers.  To teach you have to learn.  I have provided a reading list of books that might help.  All I believe are available on Amazon and once you read one pass it on to shooters and parents.  Some are for trap and some are for other clay...

Preparing your team for 2021

Posted On: 01-07-2021

David R. Vaught, Ph.D. Coaches, the success of your team does indeed rest upon your shoulders.  Maybe not something you want or expect, but you are the leaders and the force behind the team’s preparation, execution and competitive edge.  While shooting is likely dormant for a few weeks, now is the time to set...

Making an impact: expanding the role of peer mentoring in youth shooting programs

Posted On: 10-03-2020

Dr. John J. Picone, MYSSA Board Member During my career as an educator I have worked with a vast number of students under a variety of conditions.  From special needs students in elementary school settings to graduate students struggling toward thesis completion, I have witnessed first-hand the process of student growth across virtually all...

Trapism’s

Posted On: 08-06-2020

We all have coaches that we remember and ones we wish we could forget.  I had a football coach many years ago that I keep in my memories even today.  He was positive and constructive, but more to the point he captured my attention daily with his words of wisdom.  Coach Davies was soft...

Team Dysfunction

Posted On: 07-06-2020

Coaches as you prepare for fall and begin to organize your team into a cohesive, functional winning machine, here are a few things to consider about teams. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Dysfunction #1: Absence of Trust The fear of being vulnerable with team members prevents the building of trust within the team....

Finding the Right Gun on a Budget

Posted On: 06-04-2020

I have been blessed to be around some really great trap shooters.  I do not consider myself as one of those, but I do recognize the parts and pieces that make them great shooters.  To begin we need a gun and we need the mental and physical aspects of shooting to succeed, but maybe...

Coaches Take Your Time

Posted On: 05-05-2020

Coaches I know you all want to get back to the line and help youth shooters.  With recent restrictions on staying at home being revised, we can only hope soon even fewer restrictions will be in place.  Businesses will begin to open and with that ranges will once again become active with social distancing...

Footwork

Posted On: 04-06-2020

I think we might over look this critical piece of shooting.  The 16-yard line is our mark, but how our feet align with that mark shows marked differences, especially among youth shooters.  I think back to sports I played in school and footwork was no less important for basketball, football, tennis, and baseball than...

Working with the Media and Communicating about Target Shooting

Posted On: 03-06-2020

During your time as a shooting sports coach, it is likely you will be approached by the media or have other opportunities to communicate about target shooting. The following information is provided to ensure you have appropriate content to engage in positive communication about shooting sports. Words Matter Key messages help present clear, consistent,...

Training, Practice & Competition. Lets break that down.

Posted On: 02-07-2020

As opportunities increase for our youth to become involved in shooting sports, they naturally want to compete. Many Missouri schools, through physical ed, FFA or clubs offer Archery in the Schools, FFA or club trap shooting and the new Student Air Rifle program. All of these have a statewide competition where all participants are eligible...

Team Recruitment

Posted On: 01-14-2020

As many coaches flipped calendars to 2020, their thoughts leaped to recruitment and team publicity for the competition season.  With many teams starting to hold practices when the snow is still flying, encouraging young athletes to join in January or February is tough.  More often, you receive inquiries after you have already been working...

December 2019 Coaches Newsletter

Posted On: 12-10-2019

December 2019 Coaches Newsletter Coaches the winter months are a great time to address gun fit with your young shooters.  This is the time to look into having work done before the start of the season. Start by setting up an event where you can evaluate each shooter individually.  First check the length of...

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...

October 2019 Coaches Newsletter

Posted On: 10-12-2019

It’s now “off-season” for most shotgun teams. Here are some preparation ideas for next year. Remember to apply for your MidwayUSA Foundation grant by December 15 if you’re in that grant cycle. Don’t leave free money on the table so to speak. If you do not have an endowment account with the Foundation, it’s...

Coaches Newsletter

Posted On: 09-10-2019

Coaches, You are receiving the inaugural newsletter from the new Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance (MYSSA) website. On the 10th of each month we will send a newsletter to your email address. If you were previously receiving an email occasionally from MYSSA, this new newsletter will replace those emails. Our purpose with this newsletter...