Lessons 2.1-2.n, As Required

[Steve Swartz]

Now we get to the first important node in the decision tree for the coach and the student.

The coach and student need to work together to help the student achieve two things:

- Clarity in where the student wants to go with the activity
- Focus on what the requirements will be for that level/nature of participation

I will focus the remainder of these discussions on the student who desires to participate in precision competition shooting, either "national style" (NRA Conventional Pistol) or "international style" (ISSF). We will branch off in a moment to look only at international.

The specific activities include of course the dialogue about the students goals, objectives and desires and what types of shooting activities are available.

For skill development, the activities will focus on developing the "Basic Fundamentals" (as opposed to "Intermediate" and "Advanced" Fundamentals).

Good courses/materials have already been developed at this level. The new Position Pistol Shooting course of fire may be appropriate. The NRA course of fire is good. The intent is to get the student to a level where they are:

1) Having fun
2) Developing basic competence/confidence
3) Gets to the point where they want to enter a competition

Re-enforce the primacy of Sight Alignment-Trigger Control.

Training activities centered around dry fire against neutral surface (either seated or standing) to allow student to refine grip etc. fundamentals.

Make extensive use of Ball and Dummy drills at range sessions (against neutral surface and bull; engage in conversation about disruptive role of the bull with respect to fundamentals; engage in level 2 "Align vs. Aim" discussion ie sight alignment vs. sight picture).

Introduce the concept of the "shot plan" for delivering a single precision slow fire shot.

It is during this cycle that many students begin to lose interest (depending on age, goals, and desire). Exposure to reactive targets, etc. will help in this regard.

Introduce the idea of "organizing training" and using goal setting and monitoring; at least at an informal level.

If the student presses on, and formal competition ("In It To Win It" attitude), then take it to the next level . . .

[Steve Swartz]

The saga continues, following three phases:

Phase 1: Tyro to Competitor; Lessons 0-2.n

- Getting the novice plinker interested in competition

Phase 2: Developing the Competitor; Lessons 3.1-3.n

- Getting the competitor to matches and developing confidence and skills

Phase 3: Competitor to Athlete; Lessons 4-N

- Getting the Duffer into finals at national level

I realize and understand that most of you participating on this board aren't really interested in anything below Phase 3; my apologies for all of this "Foreplay" but I think it may be useful to take the journey with me as this gets sorted out . . .

[Guest]

Didn't coach Russ go over all this last month?

[blue62]

Steve

Great stuff I appreciate the time and effort you put into not only these posts but all your post here at TT.

Dave