Visualization   In a recent edition of “Ask the Instructor,” you talked about the mental process and the three elements of a pre-shot routine: (1) deep breathing, (2) visualization, and (3) a trigger thought. Can you describe visualization in greater detail?   You have hit upon an important point. When we talk about “visualization” as part of a shooter’s pre-shot routine, we immediately think of “picturing” the pair you are about to break – visually imagining the targets launching and seeing the targets break at the break points. But there is an important distinction between … [Read more...]

Bad Follow-Through   I have a good friend who shoots sporting clays with me regularly. He tends to push the gun away from the target at a very fast speed. I have been trying to get him to stop this, but I think it is now a bad habit. Why does he do this?   Experience tells me that, at some point during your friend’s shooting career, he had a problem with visual follow-through and has now overcompensated for it. As a shooter softens focus on a target in an attempt to aim, the gun stops or slows down and the shooter misses behind. I’m also speculating that, at some point, someone … [Read more...]

The Right Load   What are your thoughts on the best 12-gauge load for sporting clays regarding shot size, weight and speed? Am I handicapping myself if I shoot a lighter payload, like 7/8-ounce shells?   My advice is to stick with a shell that works for you. According to the NSCA rule book, for sporting clays, if you are shooting 12-gauge lead shot, you are limited to a maximum of 1 1/8-ounce load. Shot size must be between 7 1/2 and 9. For steel shot, shot size of up to 6 is permitted. When shooting FITASC, the maximum permitted load is 1 ounce (28 grams) and spreader shells … [Read more...]