Here’s the long way around to improving. Load the cart with a flat of shells, some hope and a trial-and-error approach to each target. Unfortunately, all this will do is reinforce our old, inconsistent habits that we’ll later want to change. Been there, done that. There’s a better way. Thankfully, it’s not complicated. 

To advance a skill, consider this commonsense order of progression:

Correct repetition of a reliable method builds critical familiarity.

Familiarity creates competence.

Competence creates confidence.

Confidence creates trust.

Trust creates XXXXXXXX. 

Our previous Truth article generated a lot of positive feedback, requesting a follow up.

At the top of my list…shooting methods. Here, when one wishes to be consistent, choosing the right method on the target in front of us becomes very important.

When executed correctly…the method must work, on time, every time.

That asks a lot of the method. True. The question is…Do those methods exist?   I guarantee you Paragon methods do as my students from Novice to Master class will confirm.

I’m not saying other methods won’t work. I am saying, using a method that doesn’t meet this standard promises you inconsistent results. Why would anyone choose to use a method that only works sometimes? One that can’t be trusted? Standing in front of an instructor, you have every right to expect your instructor’s methods to work dependably, full time, with you behind the trigger, not the instructor. Don’t count on an unreliable method to work for you.

There are two reasons why we miss. 1) Shooter error. 2) Method unpredictable. Number One is totally acceptable. Number Two…not so much. Solution? Find the trustworthy method and execute it correctly.

The clay target games are not complicated. For example, let’s discuss one of the three basic target presentations in Sporting Clays: Quartering.

Many who come to my classes say they were told there are maybe four to eight, or more, quartering target presentations. Long, short, slow, fast, this angle and that…each requiring a different shooting method. Is this wrong? I’ll leave that up to you. Those beliefs sure do one thing though…they unnecessarily create confusion, or at best, some uncertainty on what method to use where. 

Paragon has one simple, easy to see quartering presentation that effectively separates it from a crossing target. This past summer, after XXXXX with his first five shots, my Master class student turned to me and said, “Your Paragon quartering method is ridiculously simple, not to mention deadly.” This is why Paragon students love quartering target presentations. XXXXXX can be expected. Close, far, incoming, outgoing…target speed and distance become irrelevant. Why complicate unnecessarily?

Closing thoughts on our building consistency in the shooting box…more XX’s on our score card.

Success lies in our relentless execution of the basics. There is no substitute for correct practice.

Thanks for spending time with us. Be safe and we hope to see you out on the course.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you tired of being lost, confused and frustrated? If you want to move your shooting to the next level quickly, contact Dan Schindler on the Paragon School of Sporting website or give him a call at (828) 693-6600 to discuss the best path for you to quickly move your shooting to the next level and take the frustration and mystery out of missing targets. 

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XXXX

About Dan Schindler

Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!  

Dan Schindler's Books

"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors

and parents of youth shooters."

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.

To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.

Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels. It is filled with valuable information and clay target truths. It is entertaining and a culmination of three decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.

Here's what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...

 Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition

To The Target (Book II)

Beyond The Target (Book III)    Currently Out of Stock