1. The Principles of Marksmanship Instruction

2. Principles of Marksmanship Instruction
Principles that should be the foundation of all marksmanship instruction
Principles focused on developing the best and most effective teaching methods for new shooters
Principles that help new shooters:
Learn rifle target skills more quickly and effectively
Establish a foundation for their future development regardless of their personal goals
Enjoy their marksmanship experience more
Are more likely to become life-long participants

3. #1: Teach Safety First, Last and Always
Safety instruction and discipline must be part of all shooting activities
Keep safety simple, not complex
Focus on critical performance factors: Muzzle, Action, Trigger, Target
Real safety requires practice, not just intellectual awareness
Continue safety emphasis at all levels

4. #2: Start with the Most Appropriate Rifle
Rifles must be appropriate for the age, physical size and maturity of the junior
Junior must handle rifle comfortably and safety
Rifle must offer appropriate competition opportunity
Advance junior to another rifle when they are ready
10-13 years
12-15 years
13-16 years
13-18 years

5. #3: Use the Correct Stock Length
A rifle that is too long (or too short) cannot be handled comfortably
Have stocks of variable lengths available
Fit stocks to individual shooters
Shorter stock lengths facilitate ease of handling, better rifle control, better positions.

6. #4: Use Big Targets
Start with a target big enough to contain all well-executed shots.
Misses are negative—hits are positive.
Graduate to the official target when shot groups merit advancement

7. #5: Work Ethic and Interest are Keys
Shooting is a motor skill developed through correct repetitions
Natural ability has little or nothing to do with shooting advancement
Some shooters do poorly at first—some do well—neither is an indication of ultimate success
Continue to encourage every shooter in your program

8. #6: Present Shooting as an Olympic Sport
The Olympic dream, with its imagery, idealism and world-wide stature, is the single most important attractor that shooting has for youth.

9. #7: At First, Teach Only Key Points
Introduce new positions by presenting the fewest teaching points needed
Teach only key points for each position—standing key points shown on right:
Common mistakes:
Teaching the whole clinic—to much information
Teaching nothing or teaching the wrong key points
#3—head up/rifle up, achieved with correct support hand position
#2—place elbow/arm on side, keep elbow under rifle
#1—turn body 90º, stand with side to target

10. #8: Use the Step Method
Use the “Step Method” to teach new shooting positions
Teaching steps:
Body position only--without the rifle
Position with the rifle—without the sling (sling positions—always find hand stop position before adding sling)
Position with the rifle and the sling
Go back to step method to correct serious position problems
STEP B
STEP A
STEP C

11. #9: Add Details One at a Time
Refine and improve positions by teaching one new teaching point at a time
Shooters can only master one new thing at a time
Teach—practice—automate—teach again
A teaching progression for standing is shown on the right:
#9/10—pre-shot balance/relaxation checks
#7—head position
#6-Right hand and arm
#1—correct hand position
#4—hip under rifle, hip angle
#5—full relaxation of arm before each shot
#3—legs straight & relaxed
#2—Foot position, body-target angle

12. #10: Keep It Positive, Supportive, Enjoyable
Apply corrections calmly & quietly—stay in control
Give positive corrections—highlight the correct action, not the incorrect one
Accept every participant as a person of worth and potential
Young people, discipline, challenges and fun do go together

13. #11: It’s Positive Repetitions—Not Magic
Shooting ability is developed through positive repetitions—correctly executed position, shots and techniques
Believe in training--minimize changes or experimenting—there are no secrets or magic answers
Use a shooters diary to understand, master and reinforce positive repetitions

14. #12: Stress Shooters’ Growth, Not Winning
Keep the emphasis on the shooters and their growth not on winning.
Respect every shooter’s goals
Make sure shooting’s life skills live in your program:
Self control, self discipline, emotional control
Concentration skills, goal-setting, achievement
Fairplay, teamwork, leadership
Rewards of hard work, training and competition