The # 1, Highest Scoring, All Time Very Best Sporting Clays Method In The World

A day without sunshine is like,

you know…night.

~Steve Martin

 If I may, a few words about seeing what’s hiding in plain sight…

In my work, I hear many different opinions expressed on what methods work best in Sporting Clays. It would be fair to say, shooters generally disagree on this topic. Big Dawg names are voiced in support of the method being defended. So, who’s right?

Emotions cloud objectivity when examining a method, so, here, I’m asking us to look at the best shooting method from a more neutral and, hopefully, unbiased point of view.

We could approach this by kneeling in the weeds and pointing out why this is the “best” shooting method with all its wonderful advantages. No harm in that and those benefits can be learned by anyone who is willing to take the time to listen objectively, research, and study.

So…what is the # 1, very best shooting method in Sporting Clays? The answer is: that depends. It depends? In my experienced opinion, the very best method depends on the following criteria: 1) a shooter’s natural ability and commitment to adapt to the method…2) target presentation specifics which are ever-changing…and 3) method dependability, consistency, and repeatability…on each of those presentations.  

Before you dispute my “it depends” response as wavering…wait…there’s more!

"A blinding flash of the obvious?"

~ Michael Holmes, MD

Big Dawg A and Big Dawg B are both making very convincing arguments on why his (or her) method is indeed “the best.” Big Dawg A says do it this way for these reasons…humbly mentioning his HOA’s. Big Dawg B says nope, sorry, here’s the right way with another list of good reasons…and please don’t forget his room of trophies. Who’s right? In my opinion, they both are, provided both give fair consideration to shooter abilities…target presentation specifics…and method dependability, consistency, and repeatability…on each presentation. 

To keep us from going in a circle here, I’m suggesting that each of these Big Dawg shooters has what I call a “foundation” method…a “signature” swing that puts them in the winner’s circle time and again. From that, we can safely conclude there are maybe 4 or 5 well-known methods that can be used on a wide assortment of target presentations…successfully. However, there is NO “one“ method that can promise success on ALL target presentations. As my esteemed friend and Paragon Senior Instructor Bob Lockett (RIP) pointed out…”That dog won’t hunt.” 

The problem at this point is…

there is no problem. 

Where there are established, proven, foundation methods that work downright gloriously on some target presentations…often many presentations…there are also other methods that work on everything else. Dependably. And those “everything else” targets are getting more and more common and popular every day. Which suggests…to put up a good score on today’s targets will require a lot more than using just a foundation method. I’m not saying that method isn’t very important because it is. It does all the heavy lifting for us. We trust and count on it from shooting box to shooting box…and rightfully so.

And right on schedule…time and time again…one of the long-established methods has indeed proven itself to handle particular target presentations somewhat better than other methods. Which means…again in my opinion…a target presentation’s history of X’s and O’s…that history will have a say in which method is best.

None of this is said to change anyone’s mind on which method to use…foundation or otherwise…but to respectfully remind us that every method has its strengths and weaknesses. It won’t be hard at all to find a presentation that will reveal a method’s shortcomings. In this particular shooting box…changing to another method…or modifying our signature swing slightly…might very well be the “best” method on this presentation.  There’s a truth so often omitted in discussions on what’s best. And these presentations are everywhere. 

Our shooting may not get better by chance…

but a change in our tactics might very well improve our odds.

Speaking of methods…as important as they definitely are…and for the record, emphasis on definitely…methods are simply tools. Study the presentation carefully…create a strategy. Reach into YOUR shooting toolbox, pick up the method that works best for you, and go break targets! However, once in hand, should the method fail to be dependable on this presentation…don’t hesitate to change what you are doing.  

I say this because I believe our trust in our foundation method…our signature swing…should have one condition…that condition being the target presentation in front of us. Which method works best in this shooting box? When needed, improvising our approach to a target…an ART in our game…is too often overlooked, and deserves more of our attention. 

Of course, there is no formula for happiness in shooting…

except, perhaps, our reward from savoring

those irreplaceable lessons we learn. 

A true gentleman and highly respected shooter, this Big Dawg’s winning records have repeatedly proven his method works. From one of his students, I was appreciative when shown the preferred method. In order to expand my shooting and instructional knowledge, I spent months working with and testing this method. I learned where I thought it worked best…where I thought it didn’t…at least not to the level of consistency I prefer. Irreplaceable conclusions were collected…and please, there are NO criticisms intended or implied here. Knowing what method not to use is just as valuable as knowing what method is. And why putting the time in to evaluate and organize your methods is so important.

We shooters differ in ages, experiences, time available, physical limitations, skill levels, and goals. Everyone learns differently…we all have things we can and cannot do….we use methods differently. As a Coach, all my lessons with students are tailored to the individual I’m working with. Meaning there should be…and there ARE “best” methods for each of us. This suggests keeping an open mind when choosing which signature swing works best for YOU on the majority of your targets…and, by doing so, adding X’s to your score card.

To conclude…just as others will choose their best methods…Paragon Instructors and our students trust our methods which have long stood the test of time, and…on today’s target presentations… do in fact meet the dependability criteria emphasized here.  

Thanks for joining me here. God bless…stay 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

 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!

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.

Here's a few Facebook comments on Dan Schindler's and Dan's Books:

Mark Engen, DVM 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 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.

Don N Lisha Sante Got my three-book set. Read Take Your Best Shot (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.

" 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.