It's all worth it

[Furface]

For the previous six weeks, a colleague and I have been running a Beginners' Course, with the usual ups and downs, sometimes dragging ourselves down to the club on cold grey evenings, hoping torrential rain would mean a postponement. Every week the students turn up, enthusiastic, and actually quite good. After the last lesson, 8 of twelve join the club. Last night was their first time as new members. Still sticking together, they spent a couple of hours diligently trying out 30 yards. Then one tentatively asked me if they were allowed to shoot "at that long distance" - 50 yards. No probs, so off they trot. And for the next 40 minutes - long after other club members have finished - they seemed consumed by joy, delighted when any one of them hit, delighted when any one missed. Anyone watching would have though archery was great fun. Which it is.
So, thank you to my students for showing me again how good life can be.

[Little Miss Purple]

That's exactly how we feel about archery - the biggest thing for us is to have a friendly helpful club who are there to encourage us and to enjoy our highs and lows. We both appreciate and understand the time that a coach gives to newbie's and how that can reflect on the unwillingness to give up that time. I feel sure that weeks / months down the line everyone in the club is proud when personal goals are achieved or even the club represented at a competition.

I am still trying to hit the target with all my arrows but with practice I know I'll get there, I also know that no matter how good or bad a day I have the rest of the members always have a supportive word to give.

[cliveanne]

I agree, it is worth it. I have run & helped at several courses over the years, at our club as a club coach, evening classes through the local education authority, & private 1-1 lessons. The coaching course was not the easiest of tasks, but it was most enjoyable & it taught me a lot. Since then I find that most of my learning experiences come from my pupils, they are the best teachers you could wish to find, everybody is different, they have their own needs & it is up to you, as a coach to find out what those needs are. It certainly keeps us on our toes.
Q: Have you ever tried to bring in "Blind shooting" as part of your courses?
I have, to the beginner after 4-5 weeks. I find it works.

[Cakemeister]

I couldn't agree more Furface. Now we've got to keep them coming and get them improving!

(A colleague)