Even a generation ago, it was taken for granted that most Americans could shoot.
Today, with the increasing urbanization of America (and all over the world), there are many people who have not been exposed to guns and shooting. There are many people who use rifles, but are not very successful with them.
Take for example the Appleseed program here; in one weekend, it can make competent shooters out of raw beginners as well as people who have been shooting for a long time. Many times, young kids who have never touched a rifle will start out shooting the grizzled old guy next to them, who claims to have been shooting since he was knee high to a grasshopper.
I believe that almost anyone can be taught to shoot well. Before one picks up a rifle, however, it would help to know the theory behind the teaching methods.
Keep in mind there are many ways to teach something but the basics won't change much.
I recently found this booklet on the the net and I thought some of you might be interested in reading it.
An interesting read, it is not very long but covers some of the basics:
"Shoot-to-Live" 1945 (Practical Shooting with the Enfield Rifle )
Presenting the Johnson Method of Musketry Coaching As Adopted By the Canadian Army, Ottawa, Chief of the General Staff.
Download and read it here ( A free .pdf document)
with you , i hope he is not going to lost in dangerous territory. 