If your child has expressed an interest in target shooting, you probably have a few questions. What does it involve? Is it suitable for someone their age? Do you need to know anything about the sport yourself?
At Align Shooting, we welcome children from the age of eight who have done little or no shooting before. This introduction will help you understand the activity and decide whether it could be something your child would enjoy.
What does the sport involve?
The idea is straightforward: participants use an air rifle to aim at a stationary target ten metres away. The challenge is to place each shot as accurately and consistently as possible.
An air rifle uses compressed air or gas to propel a small pellet. The target has concentric scoring rings, with shots nearer the centre earning higher scores. As shooters gain experience, they work towards placing their shots closer together and nearer the middle.
For a beginner, however, the score is only part of learning. Becoming familiar with the equipment, following instructions and developing a consistent approach are all part of getting started.
Where do we shoot?
We turn community, village and sports halls into temporary shooting ranges using our bespoke equipment. Behind the target stands, a large pellet-proof backstop curtain forms the rear of the target area.
The stands hold both paper targets and metal reactive targets, which give students a visible response when hit. Our usual layout has ten shooting lanes and accommodates classes of up to 20 students, with provision for shooting from either a seated or standing position.
Why might my child enjoy it?
There is something satisfying about trying a new skill, finding out what helps and gradually seeing progress. Target shooting gives children a clear challenge, with feedback they can see on the target.
Some children enjoy the concentration involved. Others like having a personal goal to work towards or sharing an activity with other young people. An achievement might be a better score, but it could also be understanding an instruction or completing a familiar routine with greater independence.
Although each student shoots at their own target, learning is very much a shared experience. Our squad-based coaching encourages young people to work together, share what they’re learning and support each other’s progress. They can improve at their own pace alongside like-minded peers, with guidance from our instructors and coaches throughout.
There is no need to decide at the outset whether your child wants to compete. Enjoying the activity and wanting to learn more are good reasons to get involved.
Can a complete beginner take part?
Absolutely. Our beginner sessions are designed for children with little or no shooting experience, and parents don’t need any knowledge of the sport either.
We usually welcome children from the age of eight, although we may accept younger children following a discussion with their parent and an assessment of whether they can safely manage the rifle with the support we provide.
We also ask parents to consider whether their child will be comfortable taking part in a two-hour session, including the concentration and physical effort involved.
Our rifles have been adapted for smaller children, and rifle rests help support the weight while they build confidence. Our shooting tables are height-adjustable too, allowing us to arrange a comfortable position for each beginner.
If you’re unsure whether your child will be able to manage a session, a phone call is the best place to start. We’ll be happy to talk through their needs.
How do we help children learn?
Our teaching follows a simple, tried-and-tested approach: we explain, demonstrate, then give your child the chance to try for themselves.
Students have time to practise, ask questions and discover what works for them. Our instructors guide that exploration, keeping safe handling and good technique at the heart of each activity.
Once the foundations have been introduced in the Taster Class, each session has a clear focus for developing skills. We use a variety of games and fun shooting challenges to give practice a purpose and keep students engaged.
How do we get started?
Every student begins with a Taster Class, where range safety and responsible rifle handling come first. It’s an opportunity to meet the instructors, explore the activity and find out whether your child would enjoy returning.
Parents are always welcome to stay and watch. If you have any questions, our Head Coach, Mal West, will be happy to help.
For a closer look at what happens during that first visit, read our next post: “Your Child’s First Target Shooting Session: What to Expect at Align Shooting.”