Coach vs instructor
Do I need a coach or instructor?
Whether you’re just getting started on your shooting journey, or you’re already an experienced shot, we always recommend finding an instructor or coach, depending on your ability!
Everyone starts somewhere, and we all could do with a helping hand sometimes. Coaches and instructors are for anyone and everyone within shooting, so we thought we would share some ideas below which can help you make the most of your resources!
If you can afford to invest in lessons, please do. A good coach and/or instructor will be able to help you develop your technique from an early stage, you’ll be able to progress quicker and you’ll pick up less bad habits!
You can have lessons as frequently as you wish, you’re in the driving seat. If you’re starting out, this could be a little more regulary, or if you’re a seasoned shot, this could be a refresher once a quarter!
No one is above needing a coach, World and Olympic Champions still have coaches and everyone is on their own journey!
What’s the difference between a coach and an instructor?
Instructor: someone who can help teach the basics and build your foundation. Instructors are great for helping people get started on their shooting journey and getting people to hit targets!
Coach: a coach is someone who is experienced and professional, who can help you achieve your potential within shooting! They can not only develop your technical skills, but help you with tools that will benefit your mental, physical, environmental and tactical skills too.
What are the benefits?
Instructors can help us:
Learn how to handle a shotgun properly.
Learn gun safety.
Learn the basics of shooting.
Build confidence.
Have fun!
Coaches can help us:
Develop our technical skill.
Build consistency.
Work on mental, tactical, environmental and physical skills.
Develop competition management.
How to get started in shooting
If you’ve never shot before, or are just starting to find your feet, there are loads of ways to get involved in shooting and find an instructor.
Get involved
Find your nearest ground: head to the website of your country and get in touch to find out where your local shooting ground is
Book a lesson: find an instructor at your local ground and work with them to learn gun safety, how to handle a shotgun properly and build your confidence.
Join The Women’s Shooting Network: you can book a range of events with The Women’s Shooting Network (all abilities welcome, no licence needed), from tuition, to have-a-go days and coaching clinics!
Apply for your licence: if you love the sport, you can apply for a shotgun licence with your local police force. These can take a while to process, so apply when you feel ready!
Take the next step
Find a coach: one person who you trust implicitly, is worth a thousand voices. A good coach will help you find your way within shooting, help you develop your technique and build your confidence.
Ask questions: if you find a coach (or instructor, if you’re just starting out), make the most out of your time with them. Ask as many questions as you can and remember that no question is a silly question.
Ask for feedback: talk through your shooting with your coach and establish what needs work (and how they suggest you work on it). You can then work on this in your own time, as well as during lessons with them.
Try something new: if you feel like you’re getting stuck, you can always try a new coach, ground or discipline!
There can be so many voices that will try to help you along the way, but this can sometimes be overwhelming. Choose a coach with you like and trust, as this means you’ll be able to get the most out of your sessions with them!
Remember: your coach/instructor wants you to enjoy the sport, but they also want you to do well! Your experience with them is important and a reflection of their ability to run a great lesson, so they will want you to reach out if you need to! If you need to clarify your understanding, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat things or explain something another way!
How to find a coach
A good coach can be hard to find, but they are worth it!
You can find coaches in a number of ways:
Word of mouth: ask around in your shooting circle or other shooters who they would recommend.
Google: search for ‘shotgun coaches’ near you and do some research before reaching out.
Instagram: search for hashtags such as #shotguncoach #shootingcoach and check out the profiles who post these hashtags. Reach out to them via DM if they take your fancy!
Get in touch with us via email and we can recommend our favourite coaches for all disciplines!
Shooting is about having fun, as well as trying to hit as many targets as possible - make sure you remember this along the road! We all learn at different paces, so it’s important we are kind to ourselves when we’re shooting.
If there is a shooting-related subject that you are interested in, or that you’d like us to discuss in a future, drop us an email at hello@womensshootingnetwork.com - we’d love to hear from you!
