My sisters and I started air rifle and archery at the youngest age acceptable at our local club. To start, our coach determined our maturity level for archery based on height. Our coach has always been so encouraging since our first year. GiGi and I were the only girls in the Air Rifle League, and the two of us won 1st-3rd place in every category as individual shooters as well as within our teams. My sister and I were on different teams too. That was my first year that I started archery, and I was the youngest shooter and only girl in that league.
My coach, Baba, and Mama worked hard with me, and I placed in every single category as a sole shooter as well as my team. Anyways, these pictures were taken the fall right before our travels, and JoJo was finally old and tall enough to join both sports–it took her a good day with our coach and Papa. She’s really awesome too; we’re so happy for her!
Anyways, GiGi and I started pellets instead of B-Bs. How incredibly cool is that? I even elevated to have 5-bullseye targets instead of 3 because I shoot too many perfect-10s. We always ask our coach: What do you think helps us shoot so well? With more than 30 years of coaching, he said girls although a minority in these sports, listen better, concentrate better, are more flexible, and have a longer attention span and willingness to learn every technique of these sports rather than just shoot, shoot, and shoot haphazardly.
I guess its true, but he added one big difference between us and his hundreds of students is that he never saw parents so dedicated, interested, or involved (Baba or Mama attended the driving range every single time never leaving us alone). Even this fall, Papa took Baba’s place. Our parents are such big supporters…I’ll never forget the funny jokes Baba whispers n my ears as I aim. Mama’s always so cheerful: “You can do it!” and “Awesome! Great job!” Papa cheers us on too, with this awesome accent. It’s so much fun, want to go with us next time?
Are you a shooter or archer? We’re always looking to improve, so if you have tips to share, please share them below.
As shared here, Sport Science is is a discipline that studies the application of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving sporting performance. Human movement is a related scientific discipline that studies human movement in all contexts including that of sport.
Hi JuJu!
I think that you are doing REALLY great and I love how you were able to get so many perfect tens! I really wanted to try archery but It just isn’t available where I live.
Anyway keep up the good work and remember that you are doing really well!
Khadija X
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