Focus on NSW October-December 2001 – COACHING FOR BETTER SHOOTING
Dieter Wilhelmi MSpSc., BSc.
All shooters who wish to improve their scores should consider the services of a coach. This is irrespective if they are competing in ‘D’ grade or in ‘Master’ grade. Many shooters have learnt to shoot in the following way:
- Observing and asking other competitors (friends/elite)
- Researching relevant information (books/articles)
- Coaching Seminars
- Private Coaching
Let’s look at some of the relative strength and weaknesses of these approaches:
1 . Observing and asking other competitors
Strength:
Watching and asking other competitors about shooting can assist you in your sport. You can develop an understanding of what other people are doing and provide insight into the performance of your sport. You also receive information in regards to the physiological and psychological demands of your sport.
Weakness:
Observation has limitations. Your eyes need to be trained in knowing what to look for and you require knowledge and experience to correctly interpret the information presented. Also knowing what to attend to in your observation becomes critical and takes considerable experience. Often athletes misinterpret information that they have observed! Asking questions is great however, what exactly do you need to know and secondly do they have the ability to convey the information that you require? For example many elite athletes cannot explain either what they are doing or how they are executing a particular skill. This is also a reason why many ex elite athletes are unable to become effective coaches. Ahhh, even talent has its limitations! Some competitors restrict themselves to information only from other elite athletes. This is a very limited approach as it totally negates the ‘talent’ factor of these athletes and ignores that most sports coaches who have demonstrated success at elite levels were not themselves elite competitors!
2. Researching relevant information (books articles)
Strength:
This is great for general information on the various shooting techniques. By observing the principles in most approved texts you will be directed towards the correct fundamentals of shooting.
Weakness:
The critical weakness is that it is limited to generalised information. Books do not discuss individual differences in regards to style, technical execution, psychological and training approaches. Consequently they should not become your only source of ,coaching’! Do Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, Cathy Freeman or Ian Thorpe head for they’re nearest bookshelf to improve their performance or do they go back to their coach? Having coached professionally for most of my life it has constantly amazed me how some shooters tend to use this approach as their main source of ‘coaching’.
3. Coaching Seminars
Strength:
Seminars can keep you up to date with the latest developments. Generally, you have an opportunity in asking questions that are relevant to your needs. It is also a great opportunity in meeting and networking with other competitors.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes the topics chosen are not of great interest too you or the information is too general in its content. Additionally, with time being a key element in the delivery of a coaching seminar a lot of individual information that you would like to gain is often left unanswered.
4. Private Coaching
Strength:
You receive individualised information that is delivered and communicated in a purposeful and meaningful way. Every sport uses this as the pre dominant way of improving athletic performance. The key point here is that the information is INDIVIDUALISED. If you are serious in increasing you overall shooting performance then obtain the services of a qualified coach! What are the criteria in selecting a coach? Look for the following attributes a) compatibility with your personality, b) communication that is meaningful to you c) experience and d) knowledge of the relevant shooting discipline.
Weaknesses:
Not all qualified coaches are suitable for you. This can be due to their experience base (they may be better with a beginner then with an advanced shooters or visa versa) or their individual coaching delivery style may not suit you. If this is the case ask your coach to recommend someone else. Professional coaches know that they are not compatible with everyone. They should not take offence to that question and will always act in your best interest.
Conclusion
Some people who play sport at recreational level try and coach themselves through books or observation. Sometimes these people observe professional coaches give athletes advice and then go out and use this information on themselves or even worse their friends! However, what they often neglect to understand is that the information provided is individualised. The art of coaching is to develop an understanding of the competitor, their individual style, technique and most importantly developing a way of communicating this to the individual concerned. This means that everybody cannot and should not use information provided to others! It may be correct but it may not be appropriate for you. Finally, even if you are happy and content to shoot purely for recreational enjoyment, do yourself a favour and receive some private coaching sessions. You will not believe the added increase in the fun and enjoyment you will receive out of the of our sport. Good shooting.
About the Author
Dieter Wilhelmi MSpSe., BSc.
Dieter has been a full time coach for over twenty-five years. Dieter is a qualified coach in three sports and competed at International level in Sport and has served Pistol Australia as the National Program Director for The National Training Squad. Dieter is a Life member of the Australian Davis Cup Foundation and competes when time permits in shooting and acrobatic competition flying. He holds a Masters Degree (Coaching) and has lectured for The University New South Wales and The Australian College of Physical Education in Sport Coaching and Sport Business. He is currently Director of Australian Athletic Business Pty Ltd, which is an International based Sport Consulting Group.