A Non-Negotiable Basic for Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet Shooters

Looking down on our sport from a higher viewpoint, we see a lot of components and moving parts. Here are some of the important ones, remembering that we’re all trying to put these not only into a successful working order but a dependable working order: shotgun; ammunition; chokes; shooting lenses; gun fit; set-up and swing fundamentals; swing cadence; a punctual target intercept; bird / barrel alignment; target presentations; breakpoints; shooting methods; scoring strategies on each and every Field; sight pictures; distractions and expectations; not to mention the mental game.

So, where do we begin? Well…there’s already been a few billion words and recommendations printed on equipment selection, so let’s move on.

It is my experienced opinion that the set-up and swing fundamentals…the basics…Gun Management skills…come first for very good reasons. The number 1 reason is that Gun Management (gun control) skills must be present for us to be consistently successful in the shooting box. These skills are the platform, the very foundation upon which our entire game is to be built. That platform, i.e., Gun Management skills, must come first.

Understandably, there will always be long discussions and debates on which equipment; which scoring strategy; which breakpoint; which shooting method will be best. That’s all beneficial. But, I ask you, if we have the very best shotgun; the very best ammunition and chokes; the best shooting method; the best scoring strategy; how dependable can the results be if one swing after another is crippled by hidden, unintentional inconsistencies? 

Thoughts, opinions, perceptions, and beliefs are all fine but reality rules in the shooting box. The harsh, unyielding reality is, the target won’t forgive set-up and swing errors…at least not consistently. While countless thousands of targets are broken by swings burdened by mistakes, long runs simply can’t occur. Sorry…won’t happen. That’s the reality. Proof? The proof is on our scorecard. 

Of course, there’s value in debating the breakpoints, best choke, ammunition and method to use. What I am saying is this. Learning and applying the basics, Gun Management skills must come first.  

Many believe the mental game to be a very high priority. I wholeheartedly concur. Should it come first? Well…first we’d learn all the do’s and don’ts…then build a fantastic Pre-Shot Routine…then call for the bird and turn loose our malfunctioning swing. Good plan, faulty swing = XOOXOX. There’s no mystery here on where the O’s come from…a swing that’s not consistent. Once we get the set-up and swing basics working consistently…Gun Management skills…everything else can now fall in place. XXXXXX.

"Advanced skills are not complicated…being nothing more than the basics mastered." 

Thanks for stopping by. Be safe and I hope to see you out on the course.

Daniel Schindler

Paragon School of Sporting

Paragon Master Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructor (US)

NSCA Level III Instructor (US)

Guild of Shooting Instructors, (UK - 1 of 39 Worldwide) 

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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

 Yes, Dan's books help you take the MYSTERY out of missing targets and help you quickly learn steps to shoot more CONSISTENTLY!  Order Dan's 3 books NOW!

New Release...Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer...

and is 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, 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.

A few Facebook comments Dan Schindler's Books:

Don N Lisha Sante Got my three book set. Read book I and can’t put book II down. Can’t wait to apply all I’ve learned tomorrow now that the rains gone.

Steve Powers I got my copy about a month ago. I’ve read it twice, cover to cover & reviewed the sequence of steps multiple times. Good Book.

Jim Butler I've read my copies twice now and it has absolutely picked up my game. Joined a sporting clays league this spring. Increased my top score by 7. Thought them to be expensive at first, but now find them extremely valuable now. Thank You !!!

Telford Scott Great book !! Simple steps with great results!!

Randall C. Burl Best investment a shooter could make!

David Parks Received mine yesterday and have one chapter left to read. Can’t wait to get to the range and practice the new techniques I have learned. Now I feel like I have a system to work with instead of shoot and hope.

Bill Fibelkorn Called the number on their website, ( leary of ordering through Facebook posts) and Mr. Schlinder himself answered the phone. One of the most pleasant people I have ever talked to about anything. Whenever I get a chance to get down his way, I am going to get in touch with him to shoot. Got my books this weekend, read the first one and it reminded me of the basics. Just started on the second one, going to keep reading them over and over. The best reading you have for shooting clays.