TargetTalk

I was wondering what is good consideration for coach….. are it’s worth for him to spend his time to work with particular student or not, and if he should invest his time ? :(

It depends whether you are just talking about the financial profit/investment or are also taking satisfaction into the equation.

Some coaches will work with anyone provided they are being paid.

Others will work for no financial reward but only with those who will benefit from coaching.

The coach must decide what he/she wants to get from the coach/shooter relationship. That decision should be based on a realistic appraisal of his/her coaching abilities and the rapport with the shooter.

The NRA, USAS, and CMP have cooperated on developing a coach training/certification program.

The "Level I" and "Level II- Certified" programs are very useful. The ASEP on-line course spends a bit of time (the first three - four chapters of the text) helping the individual coach develop his or her own coaching philosophy based on their own desires and personal objectives.

It's good training and very beneficial- both for professional coaches and, I believe, athletes desiring to compete at a "World Class" level.

The intro course is conducted across the country; contact me off line and I can get yoiu additional information (or just look for "Coch Training/Certification" on NRA website).

Steve

I'm not sure if that was your question (What do coaches look for in athletes?), but I have been struggling with this one for awhile. It comes up every now and then.

First off, I like to think that I'm a decent pistol coach. Hell, I look great on paper. ;-) That being said, in Canada, I've been hired or fired by the best. I am not a professional coach, and by day, I am a respectable corporate trainer with a large bank. The pay is okay and meets most of my needs.

I don't look for money when I'm coaching. In fact, I couldn't care less if you're rich and hiring. If I ask for cash from an individual, it is because I'm not really interested or I'm too busy. Not getting paid allows me the freedom to pick and choose who I work with. As a volunteer, I make the rules about my time.

Personally, I am looking for high performance athletes, or individuals who have the potential to become one.

What specifically am I looking for:
- fitness - you need this in order to train at an international level;
- shooting experience - how long in the sport, what did you do, etc.;
- resources available to them (financial/family support - sport is expensive and time consuming);
- character/temperment/personality - if I don't like them, I don't want to spend my time with them (I'm not Mother Teresa and I accept that this view goes both ways);
- training maturity/work ethic * (speak to this in a bit).

While initial talent is important, I think what wins the day is an athlete's consistent work ethic and training maturity. To get to the top, you have to take preparation seriously. You need to have that internal motivation to get up and work. You need to figure out (somehow) what you must do to improve and then doggedly chase it down. You have to be willing to sacrifice comfort to make improvements. You must take charge of your future -today-.

As a coach, I put a lot into my development within the sport. I've travelled extensively to obtain and deliver coaching instruction. I've taken night courses (urg: school!) I've coached at various world cups, national matches, and provincial games. I can say that I haven't had a vacation in about 7 years. And then there is the actual financial costs involved. I've put a lot into my development as a coach. I still have a long way to go and try to learn something every day. I am committed.

So, my expectation is that the athlete commitment will match mine. If an athlete doesn't care to train, that's cool. It is their life, not mine. Life is about choices. As such, I choose not to work with that person. I can't make someone become a better shooter. I can assist in their development, only if they are committed and self-motivated.

After doing this for a few years, I don't chase athletes anymore, whether a junior or a senior. If they want to work with me, I'm excited. But they need to pay me with their hard work and dedication. At the end of the day, that's what I look for in an athlete.

Yes, I'm waxing philosophical.
Patrick

It was rhetorical question of course. Buy the way I ‘m very happy to read your input guys and would like you to thank all of you for input. I’m still believe in Great Future of our Olympic Target Shooting Sport Pistol and Rifle and I wish the Best for Coaches and their Athletes to Make Great Performance in 2008 Olympic Games!
Thank you all Patrick, David and Steve!
Ruslan