Hold Point   I've always been told to keep my eyes centered in my head to follow the bird (ocular center) and turn my head toward the visual hold point. I see in your video that you say to cut your eyes back to the visual hold point, and if needed, turn your head slightly. Can you clarify?   Proper shot execution requires acute visual focus and a head and muzzle that are synchronized with the target through the break point. Movement to a target must include an acute visual "fix" on the target together with a brief period, prior to shot execution, when the head is quiet and … [Read more...]

Puzzling Pair   For a true pair, how should I decide which target to shoot first? Is there a formula to help figure it out if the choice isn't obvious?   You need to consider a variety of scenarios as you visualize the pair during pre-shot planning. These are four questions I encourage my students to ask when they encounter a puzzling pair. 1) Which target do I see first? 2) What target is visible the latest (after the other target disappears from view)? 3) Which order of engagement would enable me to move my gun up to the break point of the second target? 4) Which … [Read more...]

Break Points   You saw me shoot practice at Nationals, and when I asked you why I missed one of the targets you said, "you hesitated at the break point." I recognize that I do this, but how do I stop?   Committing to your break points will require a bit of a mindset change but will contribute immeasurably to your consistency. Ready? Commitment to your break points must be very strong for all targets you engage. Most shooters end their shots when it looks right from behind the gun instead of at a specific point along the target's flight path. If you correctly chose your break … [Read more...]

Early Trigger Pull   I tend to pull the trigger before I want to. How do I fix this?   I am assuming the issue is with both barrels. If the second barrel is discharging immediately after the first, that's a different problem. Having said that, there are three possible causes of "premature" execution: 1) Trigger pull is too light. A good trigger pressure is about 4-½ pounds. Some shooters prefer it a bit lighter or heavier, but for most, anything in the 3- to 3-½-pound range or lighter will be too light and result in occasional accidental discharges. 2) You're overgripping … [Read more...]