9 Easy Steps to Bust More Clays
By PJ DelHomme
Bring your A-game to the line every time.
Members of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance tend to break things, namely clay pigeons. The USA hosts 25+ sporting clays and trap shooting events across the country every year. We might get together for a day to shoot clays and raise money for a good cause (see shoot schedule), or we might call on our union brothers and sisters to volunteer their skills to help improve shooting facilities in their communities. Either way, the USA and our members love to shoot, and we love getting other people into shooting. That’s why we want to help you become a better shot. We’ve put together a few pointers for you the next time you head to the gun club.
1. The Stance
Think of your stance as the foundation. Without a solid base, the whole thing might come tumbling down. When you lean into it, put about 60 percent of your weight on your front foot. It’s like you’re ready to chase after that clay if it dares to escape. Keep your feet comfortably apart, about shoulder width. Position your body at a 45-degree angle to where the target is flying. It’s like giving the clay a side-eye before you blast it.
Put about 60% of your weight on your front foot and lean into it like you’re ready to chase after the clay.
2. Swing
A smooth, controlled swing is essential for tracking and hitting moving targets: Keep both eyes open but focus with your dominant eye. Let your eyes lead the way, and your gun will follow.
Your swing should be as smooth as you follow the target’s flight path like it owes you money.
3. Be the Target
Laser-like focus is your secret weapon in sporting clays. Once that target’s airborne, zero in on its front edge or leading ring. That’s your bullseye. Ignore the gun. Don’t look at your barrel. Trust your mount and keep your eyes on the clay.
Once that target’s airborne, zero in on its front edge or leading ring.
4. Lead the Target
Leading the target in sporting clays is like throwing a football to a wide receiver. You’ve got to aim where they’re going, not where they are. Keep your barrel in front of the target throughout the shot. This takes practice. Play around with different lead distances. Every target and angle is a new puzzle to solve. For crossing targets, try starting behind, accelerating through, and firing when you hit the sweet spot.
Aim where the target is going – not where it is.
5. Trigger Pull
How you pull the trigger can significantly impact your accuracy. If you jerk or snatch the trigger, you will miss every time. Gently squeeze it. As you squeeze, don’t stop your swing. Follow through. You can work on this one in the offseason with an unloaded shotgun.
6. Get Your Head in the Game
Before you even think about pulling that trigger, you need a solid pre-shot routine.
Take a deep breath to calm your nerves. Picture that clay pigeon’s flight path in your mind’s eye. See yourself blasting it. Visualize success. Set your stance and mount that gun like you mean it.
7. Use the Right Gear
The right equipment can make learning to shoot clays a much more enjoyable experience.
Find a shotgun that fits. It should feel like an extension of your arm. Play around with different chokes. Use safety gear like shooting glasses and earplugs and consider a shooting vest.
8. Learn from a Pro
Sporting clays and trap shooting is a social activity. It’s always more fun with friends, which makes it easier to learn. Join a gun club or league. It’s like finding your tribe but with more shotguns. Watch the pros shoot and make a mental note of their stance, mount, and swing. Better yet, take some lessons. And finally, enter a contest. Nothing sharpens your skills like a little friendly competition.
Sporting clays and trap shooting are a social sports.
9. Play the Mental Game
Clay shooting isn’t just about muscle memory. It’s a mental game, too. If you picture yourself as an Olympic champion, then you might actually become one. Clays shooting isn’t like powerlifting or skiing moguls. It might beat you up mentally, but you’re not likely to blow out a knee. Learn to find your zen when the pressure is thick. Take deep breaths. Focus on one target at a time. Find your rhythm and stick to it.
Sporting clays is all about having fun while pushing yourself to improve. When you practice, focus on one of these tips each time you go out. You might surprise yourself each and every time.
PJ DelHomme writes and edits content from western Montana. He runs Crazy Canyon Media and Crazy Canyon Journal.
