Use of MODERN Training Aids with Youth

[navybowhunter]

My daughter and I have been practicing daily now for about 8 days on the SCATT.  I am starting her in supported prone, off a sandbag for now.  Goal is to keep things fun for her.

Here is where the immense value of the SCATT is helping.  We had her on the 10 meter air rifle target, and she has been working hard on that one.  It is a TOUGH target as the software automatically accounts for the time delay associated with the air rifles. 

We have also been working a modified ball/dummy drill.  Can't really do "ball/live" fire in my garage.  BUT.....we can and have been videoing her daily in position, set up as shooter/coach, and critique the video after the session.  She can see her eye flinch and blinks.  Pretty cool, and it has been of value.

Here is a short video of the B&D:
https://youtu.be/bpnAFovyUCM

Here is a short video of the 10 M target on the SCATT:
https://youtu.be/qUGggycZR0M

Well...I posted the vids on Facebook last night, and the coaches came out of the woodwork! LOL  Most have no clue...are not shooters and do not understand.  A friend suggested I get her on the NRA 200 yard target to see what she does on that.  I figured why not, so we all headed out to the garage and got on it.

She AMAZED me!  The difference in the hold/trace from the 10M target to the 200 yard target was amazing.  200 yard target is easier!

She is well on her way.  If this video doesn't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will!  Just her excitement after the first shot!  Glad we weren't shooting LIVE ammo!  Nothing like the excitement of an 8 yr old!

Here is the 200 yard vid:
https://youtu.be/MEYvrJnyvD8

HIGHLY recommend the SCATT and also the camera on your smart phone.  Team up with a buddy and have them video you in position.  It will help a lot!

R/
Chris

[Charles McKinley]

Chris you are doing a great job.

For cheaper live fire the Crosman M4-177 is a nice little airgun.  The sights are adjustable and it is accurate enough for Appleseed targets.  Reproduce them at 40% for 10m.

You will have to pump it up for her for each shot. 

Chuck

[navybowhunter]

Thanks Charles!

The MAR-177 was a consideration prior to getting a SCATT.  IF she continues down the path, a CMP Air Rifle will be procured.

For now....fundamentals for slow prone....and slow transition to unsupported (sling) prone.  If she continues to hold interest....time for Daddy to break out the wallet!

LOL

R/
Chris

[Charles McKinley]

I love my 853's (I bought 4) but they are heavy.  You may also have to shorten the stock some more to fit her.  This is easily done on a band saw or hand saw.  It makes the rifle even more front heavy.

[navybowhunter]

So,

I have a few videos on how we are training.  Appleseeds 6 steps are great for this.  The white board stays in her room, and she reads it often.

She understands Sight Alignment and Picture, I am sure we will revisit sight alignment at a future date as it is a REAL BIG DEAL that one needs to master.  One can be a little off at say 25 yards, and still be OK.  Not so much at 600 yards.  It has to be Perfect.....but she gets it enough for now.

Breathing is where we are at now.  She needs to work on that.  It is a fundamental, but one of the easier ones to grasp.  We will work on that this week, along with NPOA discussion/drills.

Anyways.....a short vid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIcM8rtrzpw


R/
Chris