'Mind & Body' - Clay Shooting Essentials ft Ed Solomons

Published on June 19, 2022
Duration: 14:57

This guide synthesizes expert instruction from Ed Solomons on fundamental clay shooting techniques. It covers establishing a stable and balanced stance, the importance of setting feet for the kill point, and a refined pre-shot routine involving hold points and target acquisition. The instruction also touches on basic gun fit considerations for beginners and the strategic approach to reading paired targets.

Quick Summary

Master clay shooting fundamentals by setting your feet for the kill point, ensuring a comfortable, balanced stance. Develop a pre-shot routine involving a hold point and smooth target tracking. For beginners, prioritize adequate gun fit for vision over precision, and learn to read paired targets by observing their flight characteristics.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction: Mindset and Stance
  2. 00:26Setting Foot Position
  3. 00:47Common Foot Position Mistakes
  4. 01:06Foot Flexibility and Balance
  5. 01:43Comfortable Gun Mount
  6. 02:38Pre-Shot Routine Basics
  7. 03:26Gun Up vs. Gun Down
  8. 04:05Target Specific Mounting
  9. 04:40When to Get a Gun Fit
  10. 05:54Initial Gun Fit vs. Long-term
  11. 06:48Sight Picture and Rib View
  12. 08:00Absence of a Gun Bead
  13. 08:49Reading Paired Targets
  14. 10:30Target Type Differences
  15. 11:03Instructor's 'Cheat Mount'
  16. 12:08Beginner Practice Philosophy
  17. 13:09Disputing the 'Catching a Ball' Analogy
  18. 13:32Tailoring Coaching to Objectives
  19. 14:20Personalized Approach to Shooting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important part of setting your stance for clay shooting?

The most crucial aspect is setting your feet for the back end of the shot, where you intend to break the targets. This position should be comfortable and balanced, allowing you to shoot without restriction.

How should a beginner approach gun fit for clay shooting?

For beginners, focus on a 'super basic' gun fit, prioritizing adequate length and comb height to see properly over the gun's rib. Consistent shooting should come first; precise fitting can be addressed later.

What is the difference between battue and midi clay targets?

Battue targets fly flatter and faster, maintaining speed over distance. Midi targets tend to arc more and slow down quicker. Recognizing these differences by observing the first target in a pair is vital for effective shooting.

Why is it important to see both targets in a pair during clay shooting practice?

Seeing both targets in a pair, even in practice, helps you understand their trajectory, speed, and type. This allows for a proper pre-shot routine and prevents using the first shot as an inefficient 'range finder'.

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