How to Practice Sporting Clays ft Ed Solomons

Published on March 16, 2025
Duration: 43:06

This video provides expert-level guidance on improving sporting clays performance, emphasizing the critical link between sound mechanics, visual focus, and mental strategy. Instructor Ed Solomons details techniques like soft and hard focus, the importance of 'quiet eye,' and how to approach practice with specific objectives. The content also delves into practical aspects such as ammunition selection for difficult targets and managing eye dominance, offering actionable advice for shooters aiming to elevate their game.

Quick Summary

To improve at sporting clays, focus on sound mechanics and visual techniques like 'quiet eye,' which involves keeping your eyes still on the target before and during your shot. For difficult targets, consider larger shot sizes, and understand that target movement significantly aids breakability. Practice with specific objectives, prioritizing quality over quantity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Sporting Clays Practice
  2. 00:49Confidence, Vision Clarity, and Mental Pressure
  3. 02:35Understanding Soft Focus vs. Hard Focus
  4. 04:06The 'Look Harder' Myth
  5. 05:41Clay Shooting Stand Examples
  6. 06:53Rabbit Clay Breakability Challenges
  7. 08:06Choke Selection and Shot Size Impact
  8. 09:13Hydration and Nutrition for Shooters
  9. 11:16Static Clay Breakability Test
  10. 13:34Impact of Target Movement on Breakability
  11. 15:08Left Eye Dominance Issues in Shooting
  12. 17:54How to Practice Sporting Clays Effectively
  13. 18:13The Role of Coaching in Improvement
  14. 24:06Physical vs. Mental Training
  15. 25:31Defining a Good Mental Game
  16. 31:14Practicing with Purpose and Structure
  17. 33:13Understanding 'Quiet Eye' Technique
  18. 39:18Pre-Planning and Subconscious Flow State
  19. 42:15Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'quiet eye' in shooting?

Quiet eye refers to keeping your eyes still and focused on a specific point, typically the target, before and during the initiation of your movement. It's about maintaining a stable gaze to process visual information accurately and execute smooth, precise actions.

How does target movement affect breakability in sporting clays?

Target movement significantly enhances breakability. A moving clay, even if slightly further away, is generally easier to break than a static one because the spin and momentum contribute to shattering it upon impact, unlike a stationary target which relies solely on pellet energy.

Should I use larger shot sizes for difficult sporting clay targets?

For challenging targets like slow-moving rabbits or clays that are proving hard to break, increasing your shot size (e.g., from 7.5 to 6.5 or 6) can be beneficial. Larger shot provides more energy and a denser pattern, increasing the likelihood of a clean break.

What's the difference between soft focus and hard focus in shooting?

Soft focus is when your eyes are at rest, allowing targets to enter your peripheral vision. Hard focus is the deliberate, smooth, and accurate movement of your eyes to concentrate on a specific part of the target or the target as a whole for the shot.

How important is the mental game in sporting clays?

While important, the mental game is less critical than technical proficiency for most shooters. A strong mental game cannot compensate for poor mechanics; sound technique forms the foundation upon which mental fortitude can be built.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from TGS Outdoors

View all →