In a recent episode of the House of Glory podcast, Eric Egretaud, a manager for the French Shooting Federation and former coach for the Japanese team, provided a fascinating look into the world of shooting sport. The podcast offers a comprehensive overview of his career, and the challenges and successes of both the French and Japanese shooting ecosystems.
A Coach’s Journey Across Continents
Egretaud began his career as a pistol shooter at the age of 35 , eventually transitioning into coaching. He worked with both the French and Japanese junior teams before taking on his current role as the manager for all junior shooting teams in France . His experience in Japan provided a unique perspective, highlighting the country’s amazing single training center but also noting the frustratingly low number of junior athletes due to strict age regulations .
The French Shooting Scene: Challenges and Opportunities
According to Egretaud, the French system for scouting talent is well-structured, starting at the club level and moving up to the national level . However, he notes a key challenge: the lack of a proactive approach to scouting, with clubs primarily waiting for new members to join rather than actively recruiting in schools . A major hurdle for French athletes is the difficulty in becoming a professional shooter. With very few athletes securing contracts with the police or army, most must juggle part-time work with their rigorous training schedules . Egretaud also points out the concerning trend of a decreasing budget for the French Ministry of Sport and a lack of former athletes returning as coaches , which hinders the development of the sport.
The Power of Mindset
Beyond the technical aspects of the sport, Egretaud emphasizes the importance of mindset. He advises athletes to “enjoy more the shooting,” viewing it not just as a competition but as a form of introspection and pleasure . His personal motto for athletes is, “Better is the enemy of good,” suggesting that an excessive pursuit of perfection can be counterproductive . Egretaud concludes by stating that the biggest challenge for shooters is “not to be afraid” and that self-confidence is the key to winning an Olympic medal.
This podcast episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the world of shooting sports, providing a candid and honest look at the realities of coaching and competition at the national and international levels.
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