Sporting Clays Tip, February 2011

PIECES!

February 2011 Sporting Clays Tip

by Dan Schindler

There are many important elements to the Paragon Instructor certification class and I'd like to share with you one of the most important. You being the shooter reading this, possibly considering instruction.

Obviously, the instructor candidates in the class share a desire "to help." That's one of the reasons why they come to this class, to learn how to assist you competently when called upon. On day 1 of the class - the candidates are inclined to believe (once trained) that they can provide what the student is "missing." That's partially correct with one small clarification. Let's start with what an instructor can add, can contribute: a safe working environment, usable information, clear communication and support.

What new instructors sometimes forget is this: when you walk through the door, you are exactly like a puzzle. And all the pieces are already there. Yes, your pieces are out of order and a few others may be temporarily misplaced. But everything you need - short of assembling all the pieces - you already have. The shooting skill itself will begin to appear as the pieces are assembled. That will come shortly. Because most if not all the building parts - you walked in the door with. All you need are the "directions."

I share this with you because students seem to share an underlying current of doubt when they step into the shooting box. This is, in every way, perfectly understandable. It's our nature. But I ask you to remember - your "potential" to increase your skill level is always right in front of you, waiting to be discovered. Thousands upon thousands of successful lessons have proven this to be absolutely true. That you can increase your level of shooting skills is a given. There is no doubt, especially in the Paragon instructor's mind, because you already have all the parts. Eye-hand coordination, determination, physical dexterity, intelligence, willingness, everything you need to move your skills to the next level are already present and accounted for before instruction begins. Your Paragon instructor can show you how to assemble this - quickly and successfully.

PS: This is why good shooting isn't nearly as hard as you might think it is!