The Z

 

“I’ve heard you talk about a ‘Z.’ What is the Z, and how should we plan for a target pair?”

 

One fundamental principle of shotgunning is that gun movement between hold points and break points should always be straight lines.

We plan these straight-line movements during pre-shot planning. When shooting pairs, the movement of our shotgun should be three straight lines between four points — like a Z. As you call for the target pair, you initiate your move from your initial hold point. You move to the break point of target #1,then to the hold point of target #2 and finally to the breakpoint of target #2. So, as you conduct pre-shot planning, you observe the locations of the traps and the speed and trajectory of the targets. You select and visually plot (“landmark”) your break points and observe each target’s line and speedat the break points. Once you know how you want your barrels to move to and through the break points, you can now plot your move from hold point #1, to break point #1, to hold point #2 and to break point #2. Again, you should always use a distinctive point in the distance or on the horizon to plot each of these four points. The act of landmarking is critical to the repeatability of your move through your second, third and fourth pair at a station.

What if, as you plan your target pair, you determine that the break point of your first target is an ideal hold point for your second target? Well, then you no longer have a Z. You have an L: Two straight lines between three points. What if the break point of a trap-like target happens to be a good break pointfor your second target? You have an I.

Whether your shot plan results in a Z, an L or an I, the key is that you must plan and plot your hold points and break points, plan for straight-line moves, and commit to your plan. After all, if you start your gun and end your shot in the same place for every target of every pair, you have unlocked one of the key elements of consistency.

Don Currie is NSCA’s Chief Instructor, an Orvis Wingshooting School instructor, and Master Class competitor. To get free shooting tips and videos, sign up for his monthly newsletter. You can also see more tips from Currie at www.doncurrie.com.