Elevating My Coaching Journey: Embracing Certifications and New Opportunities in Shooting Sports

Since my last update, I have taken significant steps to deepen my expertise and expand my role in the shooting sports community. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, marked by new certifications, advanced training, and exciting business ventures. I want to share these developments with you, highlighting how they shape my coaching approach and the opportunities ahead.

Advancing Certification and Training

One of the most important milestones has been becoming a certified NRA National Coach Development Staff Member in the Rifle Discipline. This certification reflects a commitment to high coaching standards and provides me with tools to better support athletes at all levels; It also allows me to train Level 1 Rifle Coaches, which hopefully will allow me to inspire the next generation of coaches.

Earlier this year, I earned a Class C licensed Certified Shooting Sport Coach credential through the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). The training was intensive and inspiring, involving sessions with some of the best minds in the sport:

• Vesa Nissinen, who introduced me to the DEEPcoach Framework, a method that enhances coaching effectiveness through structured development.

• Paul Hughes, who shared insights on Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and mental mindset strategies, which are crucial for performance under pressure.

• Jack Bale, who focused on skill acquisition and gamification, helping me design engaging and effective practice routines.

• Rolf Vanderveld, Anjali Bhagwat, and Ray Kane, who expanded on lessons I first learned from Anton Belak, enriching my understanding of technical and tactical coaching.

  
  

I also completed the ISSF ParaShooting Coach General Coursework and am eagerly awaiting the Rifle Discipline-specific course. This will allow me to better support athletes with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and tailored coaching.

Integrating Mental Skills into Junior Coaching

Mental training is becoming a bigger part of my coaching philosophy. I have started introducing my junior shooters to concepts from ACT, such as the Hexaflex, Choice Point, and Triflex models. These tools help young athletes develop psychological flexibility, make better decisions, and manage stress during competition.

To strengthen this aspect, I am currently enrolled in sports psychology courses. This ongoing education complements my ISSF training and allows me to bring evidence-based mental skills coaching to my athletes.

Learning from the Best: Training with Mary Tucker

I had the privilege of attending training sessions with Mary Tucker, a two-time Olympian. Learning from her has been an incredible experience, and one I didn't think I'd ever have. Mary’s approach to the sport at the highest level offers insights that go beyond technique, including preparation, focus, and resilience.

Our friendship continues to grow, and I look forward to meeting her in person at the upcoming Winter Air Gun Championships from December 10th to 14th. This event will be a great opportunity to observe elite competition and bring fresh ideas back to my coaching.

Expanding Business Horizons with Petaluma Gun and Reloading Supply

In a bold move, I partnered with my business associates to take over Petaluma Gun and Reloading Supply. This new role involves managing training outreach and overseeing back-of-house gunsmithing services. It’s a big change from running my home shop, but it allows me to serve a wider community and provide a consistent, high-quality experience, and meet the ever growing needs of my training focus.

While I still maintain my licensing at my home shop, my focus has shifted due to frequent travel for smallbore and air rifle matches across the country. Most orders and customer interactions now go through Petaluma Gun and Reloading Supply, where we aim to maintain the same level of care and expertise.

This expansion means I spend more time at the shop, balancing hands-on work with coaching and competition travel. It’s a demanding schedule, but one that fuels my passion for the sport and the community.

What This Means for My Coaching and You

These certifications, trainings, and business developments are not just personal achievements. They directly benefit the athletes I coach and the customers I serve. Here’s how:

• Improved coaching quality through advanced methods and mental skills training.

• Access to inclusive coaching for ParaShooting athletes.

• Enhanced training programs that incorporate skill acquisition and gamification, as well as Mental Modeling.

• Stronger community connections through partnerships and outreach.

• Reliable gunsmithing and supply services with a focus on quality and customer experience.

I look forward to seeing you all at the new shop and updating you with future info regarding classes, trainings, and where life is taking me next!