She came to River Bend with a large group of friends, maybe fifteen ladies, most of whom had never touched a firearm. Surrounded by their anxious looks, I expressed comfort in each handshake. The atmosphere softened as smiles began to replace looks of concern.
Seating them around a large conference table, I opened by explaining that anyone who did not want to shoot today didn’t have to. A rush of relief went across many faces, knowing they didn’t have to touch a gun. I did, however, ask them to come and watch, to support their friends in the shooting box. Everyone agreed, anticipation replacing fears.
Eye-dominance checks and adjustments completed, eye and ear protection in hand, off we went.
Assembling at the 5-Stand, I had the guns, low recoil ammunition and friendly targets all set. Eager, my first shooter needed no further invitations. “Give me a shell Dan, let’s GO!!!” Keeping my instruction short, success secure, the only sound louder than the gun was the thunderous cheering behind us. Target pieces still falling out of the sky, the next target was already on its way. Thoroughly enjoying themselves, pride showed brightly on the face in the shooting box.
And so it went, each lady having her turn, some asking if we could do this again tomorrow. Ever mindful of safety and what was happening around me, more than once I noticed a lady in the back watching everything. She was quiet and for some reason, peripherally held my attention. As my last and final shooter stepped out, I saw this lady’s hand go up, requesting a turn.
The silence was deafening, her friends already knowing what this was about. Approaching slowly, everything about her was apprehensive about doing this, everything except her eyes. Her fiercely determined expression told me this wasn’t just about shooting. I could feel her friends support pressing against my back. The look on my face reassured her…YOU CAN DO THIS! Missing her first target only deepened her resolve to get this done! Her audience stone still, my every finger and toe crossed, I pushed the button. X. X. X. X. X. Not a dry eye behind me, applause erupted as she stepped out.
As I collected today’s gear, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was shown to my place in the circle of hands around her. In the middle, head down, tears on her cheeks, she braced herself to speak.
“I’ve been told all my life that I would fail…fail at everything. As a child and then as a teen-ager, my parents, teachers and classmates all said I would never succeed and that I would disappoint everyone around me. For too long, every single day, from sunrise to sunset, fear has beaten me down. Not today. Today, I won. A gun, a few shells and a little encouragement showed me they were all wrong. I will never, ever again be the victim of their mistaken beliefs. Thank you, Mr. Schindler.”
Thank you Ma’am.
Thanks for spending time with us. Be safe and we hope to see you out on the course.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Are you tired of being lost, confused and frustrated? If you want to move your shooting to the next level quickly, contact Dan Schindler at Paragon School of Sporting or give him a call at (828) 693-6600 to discuss the best path for you to quickly move your shooting to the next level and take the frustration and mystery out of missing targets.
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About Dan Schindler
Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!
Dan Schindler's Books
"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors
and parents of youth shooters."
Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.
To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.
Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels. It is filled with valuable information and clay target truths. It is entertaining and a culmination of three decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.
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