Over the 8th to 10th of May Ashburton Pistol Club and Christchurch Pistol Club held training sessions with Greg Yelavich, well known shooter and coach with years of experience and insight into pistol shooting.
On Friday Greg and assistant Thomas Nobes headed to Ashburton Pistol Club to check out & assist the juniors that had competed in last year's secondary school competition. Considering the juniors had not picked up an air pistol since the competition in July/August last year they really enjoyed themselves. The one on one teaching and playing games were great (still under the heading of learning techniques but more enjoyable). Feedback from a few I spoke with have said they really enjoyed themselves (could be due to the fact they got out of school for the day).
Now I was definitely privileged to attend both days training held at Christchurch Pistol Club along with other juniors and seasoned shooters from Christchurch. Being very new to the sport I figured I needed all the ideas and encouragement I could get. I had not personally met Greg before so my initial thought was he might talk far above my level and not relate to the novice shooter. Well I can say this is not so, it was easy to listen and learn from Greg .You just have to be open to ideas and possible change.
The one to one evaluations and fault finding was excellent, even seasoned shooters were targeted for this. (Proves the yearly training is beneficial just to keep those bad habits from creeping back in). It is a bit daunting to have someone peer that closely at your stance, grip and aim of fire. With areas of adjustment to stance, grip hold and grip shape (thought my gun grip would never be the same again after its transformation) we put things into practice. At the end of each range of skills, game or practice (trying the correct way this time), we had group theory training and learned more things to remember (our enforced arm rest schedule and a chance for Greg to enforce he really does know what he is quoting). The techniques we learned produced some impressive results that we are all keen to implement into practices.
The reality is that what you 'do', and what you 'think you do' are two very different things. Reading all the books and articles on pistol shooting will improve your knowledge, but will not enable you to objectively apply this knowledge. Also it all depends on your dedication to the sport to how far you succeed.
At the end of the weekend everyone including the juniors really enjoyed themselves (sore arms forgotten), and I know I have a better understanding into the discipline and focus needed to succeed in air pistol shooting whether it be at a A-C grade level or Olympic standard. These training sessions are definitely recommended regardless of what level of experience you have.
I would like to thank Greg and assistant Thomas for their time, insight and expertise. Also thanks to all concerned at the Christchurch and Ashburton Pistol Clubs for making the weekend possible.
