Puzzling Pair   How do I decide which target to take first on a true pair?   For most true pairs, the question of which target to engage first is fairly straightforward. For others, the choice can be perplexing. When faced with a puzzling pair, I encourage my students to ask themselves these five questions during the pre-shot planning phase: 1.) Which sequence allows me to go from a lower break point to a higher break point? In going from a low break point to a higher break point, your eyes can go directly up to the second target after breaking the first target. If you have … [Read more...]

Pre-Shot Routine   What is the best pre-shot routine?   Some shooters confuse pre-shot planning and pre-shot routines, so let’s untangle this first. In sporting clays, a shooter’s pre-shot process should be divided into two very distinct phases: pre-shot planning and pre-shot routine. Pre-shot planning is the process you use to observe, plan and test your plan prior to stepping into the station. This is a very analytical process whereby you observe the flight path and behavior of the target, choose your break points, and determine where you are going to hold, where you are … [Read more...]

Teals   Teal targets cause me more problems than any other type of target. What's the key to shooting teals?    I divide teal targets into two distinct types: one that is within range at the peak (i.e., the point at which the target reaches its maximum height), and one that is outgoing and out of range at its peak. For a target that is within range, I recommend a “cut-off and collapse” or “catch move” technique. Your break point is immediately after the target reaches its peak. Initiate your move as the target is launched. Move the gun along a line that is slightly offset from … [Read more...]

Good Gun Mount   What's the best way to perfect my mount?   The best way to perfect your mount is to practice to perfection, but first let me share with you my five rules of movement: 1) Keep the weight of the gun in your hands and lead with the front hand, 2) Keep the head still, 3) Move at a comfortable pace, 4) Mount to the cheek, not the shoulder, and 5) Commit to the finish (i.e., commit to your break point and watch the target break). Never forget that a good gun mount starts with a proper stance and ready position. The following are the most common flaws I see in a … [Read more...]

High or Low Gun   I'm a new shooter and I'm confused about if I should be shooting mounted or low-gun. I see different shooters shooting in all different ways. What do you recommend?    The only technique that is wrong is the one that doesn’t work. Conversely, the right technique is the one that yields a consistently positive result. What we are really speaking of here is “draw length” — the distance between the comb of the stock and the cheek when a shooter is in the ready position and calling for a target. There are a number of top shooters who are pre-mounted shooters and have … [Read more...]