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 by seasons end they are disappointed it’s over but can’t wait for the next one to start. This is such a short phase of their life. Let’s help make it a memorable one.”
In a simple way this statement reinforces that through thick and thin the shooting sports must remain fun, enjoyable, inspirable, and create excitement for the next time at the range. As coaches this is really our role. The positives.
Here is another;
“Every year in a young person’s life is important but from our experience, we think the 8th and 9th grade years are critical. They are choosing paths, wanting independence and there are many outside influences. As an athlete, they are taking a BIG step in talent and competition. It is the stage where performance really starts to matter. This is an age where the adults in their lives need to be really present. Teacher/coaches… see them as they can be, not where they are…Parents…stay close to their personal decisions but release them to coaches and teachers who “get it” and truly care.
For coaches influencing youth shooters is a privilege clearly passed onto from parents, so many great opportunities to reinforce leadership, great shooting, humility, and competitive prowess. I think back to my 9th grade year starting to play football. Our coach of which I had many over the years was one of the best. Each page of our playbook had inspirational statements of which I repeat here from memory affirming their importance in my memory bank. Things like, “A chain is only as strong and it’s weakest link”, “You reap what you sow.” and “When the going gets tough the tough get going” each stuck in my mind. For us coaches we too have that ability to forever be retained as good influencers.
As one last one;
“For Leaders, you have to be smarter than you are stubborn and a better listener then an talker.”
Pass this on every day. As coaches we have to prepare ourselves to help make youth shooters better. To do that we need to listen and learn and then share with our teams. We have to do our best to be educated in methods, know how to instruct and finally how to inspire these kids to do their best. I can assure you in doing so you will be a longtime memory, mentor and leader in their hearts and minds.
David R. Vaught, Ph.D.
Executive Director