My nephew is visiting us in June and we will take him out shooting to the range. Wondering if anyone has tips/advice on how to coach a new shooter (he is 13 so not that small anymore). What to watch for, what verbal ques to use, etc.
Start with SAFETY BRIEFING, going over the rules slowly and methodically.
From there, I would get him seated with the rifle (empty) and let him get his body where he feels comfortable. Then, slow n steady, walk through proper posture, BREATHING TECHNIQUE and getting the sight picture.
Once you have gone over things, let him ask questions, etc. put one round in the mag or chamber and let him squeeze off one round.
AFTER that, when weapon is safe, ask him for his thoughts, how it felt, and if he has any questions.
Barring anything glaring, let him shoot and get comfortable. That’s my $.02 worth.
I’d do safety talk while in the car going to a used goods store to buy some glass stuff and an old radio and other crap to shoot. Make sure it’s super fun and safe, and only accomplish those goals. Let the coaching begin when he asks for tips.
Safety and reactive targets to hold his attention. Balloons and clay pigeons.
Safety Safety Safety!!
Take your time explaining the importance of safety.
Always keeping the the fire arm pointed in a safe direction.
How to load and unload how the safety works
Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded!!
Choose a light calibre so they don’t develop a finch.
Make it fun!!
Small sample size, but I have taught my three sons to shoot and taken a couple of their friends to the range, so I have some experience with new youth shooters. I agree with much of what what said. Reactive targets like bottles, soda cans, clay pigeons, etc are fun, but many ranges in my area only allow paper targets. Definitely safety briefing. I had my boys memorize the basic gun safety rules. I like to start youth shooters on a .22 rimfire, but I think a mild recoiling centerfire would be fine too. Regardless, when they started I would load one round for them at a time. The other thing I would add, is not to focus too much on “marksmanship” which will come later, but focus on having fun and getting comfortable with shooting. I’m not sure too much instruction up front in helpful until they have some practical experience.
Safety of course and the 4 rules, but after that
A good ear protection If the experience hurts its not going to be fun. before you go to the range explain all the parts of the gun and how they work and let them handle the gun at the house ( unloaded of course) It’s all a gradient of understanding and comfort good luck. and by the way words and terms that are not understood are key reason for failure in studying a subject.
Safety was drilled into me by father at the very beginning. It must be unconscious habit and at the same time top of mind. We unfortunately did not practice hearing protection when hunting. Yes for shooting but not while hunting. Big mistake. I miss my non-ringing ears. Drill that in.
Test the safety behaviors on unloaded guns until automatic. Have them critic you and point out if you do something wrong. I think they learn better if they can show you what you do wrong and it really sticks with them. Safely of course. They need to be confident enough to tell an adult if they are doing something wrong which can be hard for them. I think this makes them own safety for themselves and everyone around them. And no adult should say anything negative if they are told so - they need to reinforce that they are correct. They need to learn that they are self responsible for firearm safety and not relying on what to be told by an adult.
A. dont let him go by any thing he doesnt understand. The gun industry loves to throw nomenclatue around.
B. Good ear protection
C. Dont over step the gradient. Get him comfotable and having fun first.