“I want to give my wife some shooting lessons for her birthday”
My first reaction is always “Sure, but it will cost you double to show up. And if you speak, it will cost you triple.” But what we tell him is that it is up to the lady. If she will feel the least bit intimidated by having him watch, then the answer is “No.” If she says it doesn’t matter or she would like him to come, then it’s okay, but he is limited in his actions.
I personally like to have the shooting partner there, so they can find keywords to say to each other to solve any difficulty they have with a target. One or two keywords are usually all that is needed to correct a miss. Telling a woman to be three feet in front of a bird doesn’t tell her anything. She must be more specific with where she is looking on the target. Those magical three feet are different for everyone. It is a perceived difference to each individual, therefore, it will be different for each person, and useless information. Instead of helping, it has become confusing. Then frustration sets in. Sound familiar?
We have found that the ladies are more interested in learning how the process works. They don’t have to hit every target, but they must understand how the gun works, how the shot column works, and how to use their eyes. This all makes sense to them and they understand that the hitting of the targets will come, but learning how the process works is more important. The desire to hit the target is there, but it’s not their first priority. This is quite different from a man’s perspective of “Got to hit that target no matter what. If I load more shells into the gun and shoot more, I’m sure I will hit it eventually.” Sound familiar?
Gentlemen, the reason the ladies are taking this sport up is because it is fun. It’s fun to be with friends and it’s great therapy to break those targets. Let’s keep it fun.
Don’t put your perception of a good time as hitting every target off on her. Once you put pressure on her to hit the target, the more frustrating it is. Let her make the mistakes and correct them without interference. She doesn’t need to become dependent upon you to tell her what to do. We tell our students to make their own corrections – and not to rely on anyone else.
Should you come to the lesson? If it’s okay with your wife you are welcome. Who knows? You probably will learn something, too.
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