Conversations with Youth Shooters

Posted On: 06-23-2022

This summer I hosted the ninth edition of the Mid-America Trap Academy.  Over three days we worked with 60 youth shooters in helping them become better trap shooters.  Ages ranged from 11 – 18 and let me say there were some really good shooters in this group.  Over the years, we have, I believe, contributed to 4-H National Champions, Grand America National Champions, State Champions and All-America shooters.  One thing I know from all of these champions is the great parental support their parents provide. 

Recently, I received a few emails after our June Academy that went like this:

“He enjoyed it immensely and told his Dad and I all the new improvements and techniques he learned when he got home.”

“This is the best testimony we can give for your trap academy.  We cannot tell you how much we appreciate all you taught our daughter and the confidence you gave her.”

“Just thought I would call to say thank you and let you know he shot his first 25 and then did another 25 on the second round.”

I am not making a shameless plug here, but rather hoping to show how special the relationships are between trap shooting parents and their youth shooters.  We had parents with us all day, every day, so that kind of dedication is awesome.  I cannot say enough for conversing with your youth shooters and taking the time to learn from them what they accomplished each practice and each event.  Being positive and encouraging is so important. 

So let me offer up one more idea.  I can remember back on my father playing basketball with me.  He was old school, but was a good player in his day.  We laughed about how I shot a jump shot and he shot a set-shot.  No matter how I tried to show and teach him he just could not break his old habits, but we had so much fun talking, sharing and shooting baskets.  I think something fun would be for you the youth shooter to take your mother and father to the range and teach them what you have learned.  Show them how you shoot trap and let them experience the fun you have shooting. 

What I see as the outcome is many kids learn more by teaching and showing than just listening to instruction.  In fact, one of the best teaching methods is to ask youth to show you what they just learned.  Your parental participation helps them reinforce what they are learning and exploring in trap shooting.  Do this as often as you can with your youth shooter.  Encourage their coaches to do the same. 

This summer get to the range with your youth shooter.  See what they do, learn from them and as you do so well keep supporting these great youth shooters. 

David R. Vaught, Ph.D.