Shoot the Skeet – Episode 1 – Dad to Coach: Support Systems

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Howdy Howdy Shotgun shooters! Welcome to my first episode of Shoot the Skeet! Words cannot express how excited I am to introduce my guest for today, my dad and full-time shooting coach, John Moon!

Dad to Shooting Coach

Growing up on a hunting ranch, I was well averse to a shotgun, Dad made sure of that. Dad has been hunting since he could pick up a gun so when I loved it too he took it and ran.

At the ripe age of 11, Dad sat me down and we discussed competitive shooting and buying my first competition shotgun, a Zoli. When I said of course I want to do that, his entire face beamed. From then on he became my full-time shooting coach, dedicating hours a day to making me the best. Having a support system like that completely changed my game, especially mentally.

However, Dad had to learn to coach me not just on the physical aspect of shooting but the mental as well. Which was a challenge in itself as a strong-willed and very competitive kid. He was an all-around coach being:

1. Fun Dad/nice coach:
   • who always made it a competition between the two of us
   • Helped when I needed it
   • Encouraged me
2. Supportive Dad/ upset coach
   • Coach: made sure that I knew he was disappointed with my last shot
   • Dad: stepped in to tell me what was wrong and to “get ’em next time”.
3. Encouraging Dad/ quiet coach
   • Sometimes on the sporting course, I am sad to say that frustration gets the better of me and puts me in quite the mood.
   • Dad: there to dance, sing a little song, or make a joke to keep me in a good mood.
   • Coach: he knows to be quiet at this time because it will frustrate me more to hear what I should be doing.

Shotgun Shooting Coaches and Support Systems

As youth shooters, I believe we take for granted how much our support system does for us. This can be coaches, parents, or anyone who takes time out of their day to contribute to your skill. Small things such as:

• Watch your form and where you are on the clay/skeet
• keep you grounded and focused
• Remind you that we shoot for fun at the end of the day and to relax 🙂
• A harsh critic
• An understanding and sympathetic supporter
• A shoulder to cry on when the frustration kicks in

We may take these small things for granted, however for your mental shooting game it is one of the most important aspects. Don’t take for granted your coaches and supporters, they may be the difference between a 99 and a 100!

Be sure to tune in to my next episode of Shoot the Skeet, starring two very special guests!