“It really isn’t that hard, once you see the light.”

It is said, as the years accumulate and we get older, we get wiser. And, it is my experienced opinion, a good confirmation is equally valuable as a revelation. Which is why millions of others and I know with certainty that practice is so absolutely necessary to measurably improve a skill.

At Paragon, our school’s primary # 1 purpose is to competently and effectively help individuals get to where they want to go. It is a 2-fold mission involving both teaching and learning. The better the former, the greater the latter. Both are Instructor responsibilities. The Paragon School of Sporting was founded on these principles. At its core there is the highest standard of teaching – a professional and personal responsibility to all our students and why it is our experienced opinion that competent instruction should also include a specific, results-oriented outline on “practice basics” after the lessons. With an honest attempt to provide clarity and brevity, here are our thoughts on the basics of practice:

Goals… Improvement is a non-stop, ongoing process. So, goals are simply mile markers subject to change as you progress and improve. To reach each goal, focus intently on your tasks.

Practice… is all about learning. Learning is the purpose, the meaning, the goal, the gratifications, all the reward of practice. With the exception of winning the lottery, the learning must come first – success second.

Basics… There are dozens of ways to break targets – some more dependable than others. But one thing is certain – only a game built on the fundamentals can be truly trusted. 

Steps… Before we begin to practice, we must first know and understand specifically what to practice which include gun and mental management methods. 

Consistency… Perfection is not our goal. It will be the consistency with which we apply correctly working our methods that assures real skill advancement. This consistency occurs in the box and then onto our scorecard.  

Missing… a miss is an error – not a fault. Mistakes are inevitable – FOR EVERYONE. Was that another miss caused by frustration? Or was it seeing the miss as an opportunity to correct the process and break the next target? It’s how we respond to our error that ultimately decides what happens next. Ultimately, only one choice moves our game upward.

Patience… is not about patience at all. It’s all about our persistent, gentle self-forgiveness in the shooting box. 

Preparation… is not for our great moments, but it is for those stressful, seemingly unfair times when our performance, character, and determination are being sorely tested. It will be our dogged preparation that wins the day – overcoming every doubt and what our mind deviously whispered could not happen. 

Tenacity… fall down seven – stand up eight. Tenacity always rules the day – NOT talent. Stubbornness is a virtue.  

Success… lives at the top of the mountain. There is a sign on the path pointing upward. It says Practice, Practice, Practice – but always with a written plan. Some go up faster, some slower. No one gets to the top without climbing. 

Results… If you truly want to make what seems impossible entirely possible – practice with the plan. 

Find the Positive… because repetitious negativity at the very least reinforces mediocrity.

Courage… without it the commitment to improve will be temporary – at best.

Love… if you don’t love your practicing – and you may count on this – what you take out WILL be less than what you put in.

Adversity… is the birthplace of excellence.

I hope this piece has inspired.  

Great to have you here. Be safe and savor every day of our glorious Fall season!

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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: 

Take Your Best Shot (Book I) is all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting.

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, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan' life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer and much more.