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 even great shooters have bad days so overall scores are impacted by low scores.
How a team works with this is really just one of many ways they will eventually become successful. Teams work together to pull up young shooters to the level the team needs, to be on the podium. So the range of “Every team has one,” goes from a poor shooter to an excellent shooter that shoots poorly. As a coach here are some things you can do.
First, meet with the shooter to make sure there are not extenuating circumstances that are impacting their shooting. The range of possibilities is huge, family, school, or friends may be influencing and keeping a youth shooter from concentrating. Talk about ways to focus and perhaps add in some ways to meditate to make sure they can clear their mind before shooting. Reinforce the idea of fun and be sure to provide that the team is supportive of ALL shooters.
Second, get back to setting goals that are obtainable, measurable and realistic. Start small for events and practice. Consider practice goals that can be translated to events. Is a 15 of 25 realistic? If not, go lower and work towards raising the goals.
Third, work towards ways to build teamwork. Try different methods like getting your “A” squad talking to each other, try some team building exercises easily found online. If they all believe in each other the possibilities are immense. Strong shooters gain respect of younger shooters and this works both ways.
Fourth, consider a team leader as a designated role. Talk to them about ways to gain interaction with the rest of the team and think about how a leader as a surrogate to the coach can encourage, support and even instruct others on the team to shoot well. Each practice they grow as a team and each event they see the benefits.
Finally, think about rewards for shooters and teams. These can be as simple as boxes of shells, patches, after practice sodas, or snacks. There is plenty of science behind rewards and how motivating they can be to help achieve success.
In all of these remember while the team has squads, they are all a part of the overall team. Don’t neglect the “B” and “C” squads, as eventually they will be your “A” squad. Be supportive and positive as a coach, but find ways to motivate the team to success. Be mindful, as the slogan goes, “There is no “I” in team.
Dr. Vaught
Executive Director