To begin, I think it’s important to start by saying there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using our natural, eye-hand coordination to break targets. Literally, billions of targets have been broken this way . . . but not consistently. To break targets consistently—on purpose—takes a certain amount of correctness built into each set-up and swing, deliberately. None of which are required . . . unless you decide to seek more consistency, better shooting performances, and higher scores.

If you are one of these individuals, the basics, the fundamentals, become indispensable. Good shooters know this, which explains why their swing looks so smooth, so controlled. It would be fair to say exact. Not careful mind you because it’s not . . . it's unhurried and intentional. And while our shooting method ranks high in priority, our set-up before the call and our swing mechanics are far more important. Set-up and gun control come first, our strategy and shooting method second.

Here are just a few of the basics, commonly overlooked or unintentionally compromised.

Foot position should favor your Breakpoint, not the trap machine. If the foot position favors the trap machine on a crossing target, and especially a fast crosser, as the bird comes into the Breakpoint, the hips can’t turn and will lock, causing the swing to slow down dramatically (stop?). As the muzzle decelerates, the lead (forward allowance) collapses and the bird is missed behind. Unfortunately, the shooting buddy who tells you where the miss went isn’t helping you because why you missed isn’t being corrected. Thus, this same bird will likely be missed again.

In our set-up, our Muzzle Hold Points (MHP) are critical to making sure the target is intercepted on time. Careless MHP’s place the muzzle where it will have to chase after the target, putting the target intercept much later in the swing, or maybe not at all? This random, additional (inconsistent) movement not only compromises swing precision but takes more time, extra time that targets seldom give us. This will be costly on our score sheet. Swing precision is a key basic with a lot less room for errors than you may think. Setting up incorrectly, before the trap fires, has already compromised swing precision.   

Unquestionably, excessive gun (swing) speed is the number one cause of loss of gun control. Right here is where swing consistency is lost. More often than not, the out-of-control muzzle flashes past the target in the early or middle part of the swing, where it becomes almost impossible to fix the swing before time runs out. My second book, To The Target, clearly explains this and how to avoid it. Your shooting “method” may put the target intercept slightly behind, on, or in front of the target, but compromising that consistent placement quickly leads to missing.

These are just a few of the crucial basics. Together, they are the foundation for consistency and precision in your set-up and swing. Assemble them correctly . . . XXXXXX. This we can do, then repeat, on purpose, without mystery or any confusion.

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

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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 the MYSTERY out of missing targets and help you quickly learn steps to shoot more CONSISTENTLY!  Order Books!

Newest 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's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer and much more.

Testimonials

"Take Your Best Shot is the best clay and wingshooting shooting primer on the market that I have ever seen. The brilliance of its simplicity aids in getting across the correct messages for successful shooting for ANY clay/wingshooting shooter, let alone a new shooter. As a master instructor, founder/Head Coach of the Jacksonville University Shooting Team (a national championship program), and JU faculty member, Take Your Best Shot is standard reading for ALL of our varsity shooters. Dan has managed to capture the basics beautifully, and he has placed them in an easy, simple-to-follow, witty presentation. My students love the book and read it time and again. Highly recommend, no matter what your level of shooting experience and expertise."

David T. Dobson, M.B.A.

Paragon Master Instructor

NSCA Instructor, Level III

NSSA Instructor, Level III

Mark Engen These three books are a must-read for all clay target shooters. They are clear, concise, logical instructions on how to shoot clay targets and how to improve your scores. Taking a lesson from Dan would be very advantageous & help hasten the learning process. He has been my instructor for 15 years. With each lesson, I always come away amazed at how much I have learned & how my scores improve. 
He also emphasizes how important it is to practice regularly & stay with his advice & recommendations to really learn new skills to improve your scores. He has helped me tremendously & I highly recommend him.