Complete Guide to Sporting Clays for Beginners
Everything you need to know for your first round of sporting clays
Improve Your Game
A few key techniques will help you break more targets. Knowing common mistakes helps you avoid them.
Key Techniques
Focus on the Target, Not the Bead
Watch the clay, not your gun sight. Your peripheral vision aligns the gun—like catching a ball.
Keep Both Eyes Open
Better depth perception and target tracking. If you have a dominant eye issue, a coach can help adjust.
Follow Through
Continue your swing after pulling the trigger. The shot takes time to leave the barrel.
Common Mistakes
Lifting Your Head
Peeking at the target changes your sight picture. Keep your cheek firmly on the stock.
Stopping Your Swing
Stopping when you pull the trigger means the target moves past your aim point.
Overthinking
"Riding" the target too long leads to inconsistency. Commit and pull the trigger.
When to Get a Coach
A qualified coach can identify issues with your stance, mount, and swing that you can't see yourself. Consider a lesson:
- • After 2-3 visits if you're struggling with specific targets
- • When you plateau and can't improve your scores
- • Before buying your own shotgun (ensure proper gun fit)
Sources & References (2)
- National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA)
- National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) - Firearm Safety
Last updated: November 2024