Clay Target Nation, April 2019

ACCEPTING COACHING of his chosen activity The UKs Clay Pigeon Shooting Association actually makes a distinction between instructors and coaches An instructor regurgitates information 58 WWW NSSA NSCA ORG APRIL 2019 where a coach has the ability to analyze a situation make an assessment and then present a solution based on the situation at hand i e client abilities environment etc Its the communication and analytical skills that separate the instructors and coaches in any sport For some these skills come naturally they are innate For others the abilities are learned only acquired through education dedication and experience Even those blessed with the intuitive feeling those born with that intrinsic gift of knowing cannot progress without experience They all require the hands on application to fully understand their craft There is no substitute for that experience These skills of communication and analysis are paramount and if your desire is to coach seriously these capabilities are a requirement In my case it took years to develop Im still working on it and far from mastering it My concern is that many of my clients and other shooters are victims of bad information information that reduces their enjoyment of the game and sends them to me or completely out of the sport Skeet shooting is my passion and my desire is that the sport continues thrives and prospers into the future Be careful what you say and try to pay attention to how you are talking to whomever you are talking to Most importantly pay particular attention to how they are hearing your message The bottom line is that when you stop learning you stop functioning and you stop living The famous Japanese artist Hoksai when asked at age 70 about his illustrious career responded I am still learning but at 80 I will be better at 90 I will achieve even a higher level at 100 I will transcend at 110 I cant wait You will obviously seek direction as much as your desire dictates Your goals and personality will guide this But realize your potential may not just lie within yourself but with continuous observation These observations will generate both internally and externally the latter from qualified sources that can direct and nurture your abilities to their potential So whether you are just starting out or are an accomplished shooter you can increase your potential with good instruction If you should decide to seek help come prepared empty your cup and enjoy the learning experience another tune up At the end of the session he looked at me and said I feel so stupid This is the same stuff you have been telling me for the past five years He may have felt that way but he was far from lacking in intelligence First of all as stated above over time he had forgotten or gotten away from what he knew to be right He just needed to be reminded More importantly not only did he progress during our fifth session together but he also probably got more out of that session than all the others because of his elevated position on his personal learning curve He was also far from stupid because he recognized he had a problem acted to correct it corrected it and therefore increased his performance and enjoyment q Well meaning squadmates can offer advice but nothing beats a skilled coach who can diagnose problems in your game p Even the author a master intructor and multi time World Champion seeks coaching to keep himself on track u For information about Todd Bender Performance Systems International go to the Clinic Schedule Page at toddbenderintl com or contact Todd Bender at todd benderintl@ gmail com