Common, I see this in lessons, competition, and while watching social shooters. Like leaving the house with the hot coffee pot still plugged in, it’s that important message in the shooting box we shouldn’t, but do forget. We step off the cart and Earl steps into the box. I’m holding the controller, my thumb on the button. Earl looks serious today as he evaluates the A and B trap, 2 challenging target presentations. After the show birds, preparation in place, he asks for the A trap and begins by only shooting singles. Earl shoots very well on the A trap. 5 singles = XXXXX. 5 good breaks. He then asks me for singles again, off trap B, which is another crafty ...
To expand on my recommended 2018 New Years Resolutions, please consider the following. These are just a few of the basics, commonly overlooked or unintentionally compromised. First…there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using our natural, eye-hand coordination to break targets. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t start here, and it works. Literally, millions of targets have been broken this way. That’s a truth. Here, however, is the other side of that truth. Using your raw, unrefined instincts to break targets inevitably leads to inconsistencies in your swing and lost targets. To break targets on purpose takes a certain correctness built into each ...
2018 New Year's Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap Resolutions 1. I will take pride in my equipment…but I will depend solely on my skills to break targets. 2. If I miss a target…I will learn why I missed so I can correct the error and break all the remaining targets on this Field. 3. If I hit a target (X)…I will learn why I broke the bird so I can repeat that successful shot, on purpose, again and again. 4. If my 2017 strategy to improve my shooting and scores is not working…I won’t repeat that unsuccessful strategy and, instead, devise a better plan for 2018. 5. I will learn the fundamentals and basics…which is what it will take ...
As you know, changing chokes from field to field is very common. And it can be to our advantage, depending on the reasons for changing and how the choke is being used. For example, a few years back in a match, I observed an elderly gentleman prepare for a crossing target under his feet, inbound across a ravine. The common breakpoint on this A target was under 25 yards. Visibly anxious, he was vacillating, unsure of what choke to put in. He stepped into the box less than confident. I was on deck behind him. He very clearly shot behind the first two A birds, stopping his gun each time because he incorrectly thought he was too far in front. He ...
Target setters are a devious bunch and, have no doubt, we’re all the better for it. This particular true pair presentation can be shot either way and has us wondering which bird first, the A or B trap? Watching some of the shooters ahead of us hasn’t helped since there are just as many shooting the A trap first as there are shooting the B trap first and few are running this station. Choosing which bird first isn’t obvious but there is a way to untangle this and put the odds in our favor. At the call, as a true pair, watch both birds carefully as they come into their last half or last third of their flight. Which bird do you ...