We start developing the foundations of QE from day one, long before shooters even know the term.
The first priority is getting athletes comfortable shooting with both eyes open. This sets the stage for everything that comes later:
Wider field of view
Faster target recognition
Better depth perception
Following up on our conversation about practice formats - I’ve been thinking a lot about team leadership and how other programs use their captains throughout the season.
This year, each of our teams (Crivitz, Coleman, and Wausaukee) now has a coach-selected Team Captain. All of them are solid shooters, great examples on the line, and natural leaders. Beyond the basic expectations (sportsmanship, squad management, setting the tone), I want to start bringing them deeper into the planning side of the program.
Here’s why:
We’ve got a core group of athletes with real potential — the kind of potential that could put us in the running for a National Championship next summer.But I’m careful not to project that ambition onto them. I want that fire to come from them, not from me. When the athletes decide what they want, that’s when you can build a plan they’ll actually buy into.
So I’m curious how other coaches…
We are doing that this year too. One issue is our top shooters are in other programs too. Sporting, AIM and local leagues. Funding is not easy too.
Hey everyone — I’m really curious to hear how your teams run practice.
With our program growing across Crivitz, Coleman, and Wausaukee - and only two trap fields to work with - our practices tend to look the same every week: squad up, shoot a couple rounds of trap, and coach specific fundamentals during those rounds. It works, but I feel like we're leaving a lot of potential development on the table.
I’ve been wanting to incorporate more station work, specific drills, and maybe even small-group fundamental sessions… but with our numbers, time, and two fields, it’s tough to experiment without breaking the flow.
So I’d love to hear from coaches who run larger or fast-growing teams:
(footwork, hold points, breakpoints, gun mount, eye exercises, etc.)
Jim, reading your post reinforces what I’ve been trying to build into our own program: a system that teaches shooting skills, yes, but also life skills. With the right culture and the right mentors, kids grow in ways they never expected.
Thanks for sharing this - it’s a reminder of why all of us volunteer our time. It matters more than we realize.
We have a good shooter who is cross eye dominant. Right dominate left shooter. It also changes. We tried switching to right hand shooter but it hasn’t been successful. We also tried taping right lens but hasn’t worked for her. I’m pretty sure a different coach could help in this case. Found 2 others like that on our team and we have a new shooter coming in left dominate right hand shooter. His dad insists he can switch. I’m fortunate to have a couple lefty’s to help. Toughest obstacle to overcome is getting enough time to help them one on one.
With above being said it can be challenging to get them settled down and coach quiet eye. I know it works!
Randall probably knows who the first athlete is.