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| Deborah Boyle, Master Instructor/CMP Program Manager, explains what is a
preparation
period and how to use it. |
For years, CMP has offered training in air rifle to experienced juniors and their coaches through the CMP Three-Position Junior Air Rifle Camps. This past weekend the focus was shifted to shooters who have never fired in a match. The CMP Match Day Clinic was designed to walk juniors and their coaches through the process of a three-position air rifle match. The idea was to provide those in attendance with the tools to coordinate and host their own matches, and foster connections among junior programs in Ohio.
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| Gary Anderson, DCM, reviews cadets' targets during the shot calling technique exercise.
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The one-day clinic was held at the Red Horse Squadron gymnasium at Camp Perry, and was led by CMP Director Gary Anderson. The clinic was filled to capacity with 30 JROTC and 4-H sporter shooters in attendance from the Northern Ohio area.
The morning portion of the clinic included an overview of safety along with classroom and range instruction. CMP provided instructors for each team, while team coaches took part in a scoring clinic. Several objectives covered in the morning session were dry-firing, shot calling, and proper use of preparation period and sighter shots.
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| Craig Swihart, from the National Coaches Development Staff, coaching cadets during live fire exercises.
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After lunch the participants prepared for their first shoulder-to-shoulder 3x10 match which included finals. Unlike a regular match though, each stage was interfused with instruction both on the line and between stages. After each stage, athletes moved between the range and classroom. This allowed for discussion about the stage that had just concluded, and an explanation of what was expected in the next portion of the event. The objective was to break the match into its individual components so that a first time competitor would gain an understanding of how and why a match is conducted in a particular manner. Emphasis was also placed on the times allowed for each stage. The goal was to teach shooters to utilize the time provided in a match, a common issue with beginners who often rush through each stage.
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| Franklin Heights High School was the top team with a 866.
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At the end of the match the top team and top three individuals were awarded. Franklin Heights High School was the top team of the day with a 866. The top shooter was Robert Perkins of Lorain Southview High School with a 240+65 final. He was followed by Franklin Heights teammates Brandon Jenkins 233+60 final, and Rion Ward 210+62 final.
Franklin Heights Coach, CAPT Tom Lennon USN (Ret), felt his cadets had a valuable experience at the Match Day Clinic. “I found the clinic very worthwhile. The shooters got a lot of hands on time and close observation by experienced CMP coaches. The clinic was competitive which added to the experience. Also emphasized was the importance of getting your shooters involved in matches as often as possible, and setting up competitions with other schools which leads to improvement. I look forward to attending future clinics and encourage others to do the same,” said CAPT Lennon.
CMP would like to thank all involved in making the first Match Day Clinic a success. For pictures from the match visit, http://www.odcmp.com/Photos/06/CMP_Match_Clinic_Jan/index.htm.
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