Watching

Watching better shooters execute their shots

 

When you’re attending registered shoots, watch the shooters that consistently shoot ‘the scores’ that put them in the winners’ circle.

By watching how they shoot their particular shots you can compare them and see what they might be doing to shoot shots you may not hit consistently or ones that you want to hit in a different way.

Many years ago, Steve Tucker, a gentleman I used to shoot with, became an excellent skeet doubles shooter. He was already a ‘AAA’ class shooter in doubles as well as regular skeet, but he wanted to bring his doubles scores to a higher level. He learned a method of shooting both targets with in an area of about 20 feet, at the center of the field. His style was almost musical.

I watched Steve and attempted to shoot his style, but I could never get it right.
I also spent many hours watching other ‘champion’ doubles shooters trying to learn how I might improve my doubles game.

Several years ago I moved to Oklahoma and was privileged on several occasions to see the young Stewart McCoin, also a ‘AAA’ shooter, shoot his doubles. He had a completely different style than Steve’s.

On station 4, coming back, (my most difficult station) he would shoot the first target quickly, continue his barrel movement out on the angle the first bird would have traveled until he saw the second target, shoot it or reverse his move and shoot it.

I’m not exactly sure of how he executed his shots but, on that station, coming back I began to shoot that first bird quicker by changing my hold point to his, and I now hit that pair with some regularity.

This is just one example of what taking the time to watch better shooters perform can do for you. They have learned or developed methods that work for them and they could work for you too.

Shoot often, shoot well and stay safe.

Barry Hartmann is an NSSA Master Level and NRA Certified shotgun instructor who can help you improve your skills at American Skeet and wingshooting. To contact Barry, email him at threeat8@aol.com or give him a call at (918)803-2393.