4 Practical Tips for Improving Your Clay Shooting Skills
Reaching your full potential as a recreational or competitive clay pigeon shooter is easier than you might think. Here are a few simple tips from the experts.
In shooting as in any sport or life skill, practice makes perfect. But what if you’re practising the wrong skills? Forming the wrong habits can make it much harder to improve down the line, especially for beginners in the clay shooting world.
If you’re hoping to improve your clay shooting skills, a few simple tips will never steer you wrong. In this blog, we'll connect you with four tried-and-true ways to help you hit the mark like a pro- whether you’re just starting or looking to level up. This is the eighth entry in Castellani’s blog series all about clay shooting. Let's dive in and elevate your skills...
Start Each Clay Shoot Smart (with Patience)
Many beginners set themselves up for a tough ride by calling for the target right away. Are you guilty of that mistake? If you’re stepping into the stand, loading your gun, calling ‘Pull!’ and only then looking for the target, you’re making things harder for yourself than they need to be.
Instead, take a cue from experienced shooters. An experienced shot will watch the targets carefully while waiting their turn. They will assess the speed, distance and angle of each target in the pair, find the visual pick-up point, and decide on the best hold-point and kill-point. They will step into the stand, settle their feet, take a breath and go through a carefully rehearsed pre-shot routine before taking the gun to the hold-point, and only then calling for the target.No need to rush.
Minimal Movement Leads to Maximum Precision
Ever watched an elite competitive shooter do their thing? Notice how little their gun moves? That’s a sign of excellent control- not just of their own nerves, but also of their actual kit. Don’t let your equipment direct how you move- YOU are in control, and often you’ll need to move much less than you think you might.
The second target is often hit in the same spot as the first, so there’s no need for wild swings. Keep it neat, tidy, and precise.
Mental Focus is a Clay Shooter’s Most Powerful Tool
Ask any top competitor and they’ll confirm: mental focus makes all the difference. Your mental approach is a game-changer. If you're in it for a laid-back weekend with pals, great! But serious competition requires a different mindset.
The goal is a mind that you can completely clear of distractions and stress when you’re on the stands. Like any other skill, it takes practice to sharpen your focus. It gets easier if you get a good night's sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated, as well as by practising regularly, and exploring different shooting grounds that force you to expand your comfort zone.
Seek Guidance from the Clay Shooting Pros
Practice and self-analysis can only take you so far. While friends and fellow competitors/recreational shooters may offer well-meaning advice, nothing beats professional help. A qualified instructor or coach should always be your most-used resource.
Ready to Elevate Your Game? Find a CPSA Qualified Instructor. Take the next step by finding a CPSA qualified instructor or coach. You can find one here. They're experts who can help you fine-tune your skills and boost your confidence on the shooting range, so reaching out is worth the effort.
Remember, every shot is a step towards improvement. Embrace the journey, stay focused, and soon you'll be hitting those clays with style!
Along the way, Castellani can equip you with everything you need to succeed. View our product range for industry-leading equipment, take a look at our blog for more free tips and resources, or get the full Beginner’s Guide to Clay Shooting at the link below.
