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...]
Ask the Instructor: Books and Videos
Books and Videos What do you think of books and videos for learning how to shoot? Books and DVDs definitely have their place in the learning process of a shooter. With that said, however, there is no substitute for time behind the gun, pulling the trigger and breaking targets. The great majority of people, and therefore shooters, learn best by “feeling” the movement of a shotgun and the shot, not by seeing, hearing or reading about it. As an instructor, if I can get you to understand what a particular gun movement feels like as you execute a shot on a target, it is much … [Read more...]
Ask the Instructor: Blue Skies
Blue Skies I’ve committed to my kill points, finally, and it has taken my shooting to another level! Thank you! One question: How do I address target kill points with no background reference? The short answer is, you need to “vector,” or triangulate, off of known reference points. You should always “plot” your kill points and hold points using available terrain features behind each target’s flight line. Trees, branches, bushes, rocks, trap machines or other identifiable terrain features will provide potential landmarks you can use to plot your kill points and hold points. … [Read more...]
Ask the Instructor: Rib Height
Rib Height I’m going to buy a new gun and can’t make up my mind between a high rib or flat rib. What do you recommend? High-rib guns originated and are more prevalent in the trap-shooting world because, in this discipline, all targets emanate from under the sight plane of the shotgun. Increasing the height of the rib over the top barrel allows the shooter to acquire trap-like targets and low quartering-away targets earlier in the flight path as compared to shooting with a flat-rib shotgun. High-rib shotguns may also be more comfortable for a shooter with an upright stance … [Read more...]
Ask the Instructor: Rabbit Targets
Rabbit Targets I'm inconsistent when shooting rabbit targets. Sometimes I break them OK; especially medium speed and closer targets. Other times I can’t seem to hit them at all. I do find that I am consistent when I get a good bounce and can shoot them in the air. I need help. Rabbits are deceptive. Due to this target’s proximity to the ground, the rabbit appears to be moving faster than it really is. Our natural reaction is to generate excess gun speed, resulting in the most common miss on a rabbit: in front. However, most of our squad mates will tell us that we are … [Read more...]
