Shortcut to a Dead End

"Not all shooting methods get along with each other.

How we assemble our methods makes all the difference."

One of my Paragon Instructors called and voiced his disappointment about 2 of his regular students who decided to explore some new shooting methods they saw on a video. They decided it would be a good idea to attend a Big Dawg shooting clinic a hundred miles from their home course to see this first-hand. Now, 3 weeks later, both of their shooting games are in the dumpster. They are asking why, and, please HELP!! Which he will. His call to me was about why these gentlemen did this since his training with them had been paying off – big time!

Good question. So, why have their performances plummeted?

Let’s start here. No one, including the 2 shooters in this conversation, should ever be faulted for wanting to improve their shooting. An understandable goal, worthy of respect. And please, let me be very, very clear about this point. I’m sure the Big Dawg Instructor over yonder did in fact have some valuable messages to share. If the 2 students’ intentions were to add an informational pearl or two to their current training to improve their performances, good on them. That’s smart. However, if they went looking for BIG things – like changing their fundamental and currently successful training to break a few more targets – not so good.

Each of these student’s shooting game – their “shooting system” – their “foundation” – had been working and working well. Their system was visibly consistent and dependable. The emphasis being on both consistency and dependability, i.e., trustworthiness. Real, measurable shooting improvement was well underway, as shown on their scorecards. During their time with the Big Dawg, he suggested they change their system on a good many of their targets. Which they then did. Sort of. At least they tried to. For 3 weeks. Results? An appreciable loss of their “new and improved” method dependability and a steadily rising number of lost targets. 

Why? Because mixing “basic” shooting (golf, tennis, etc.) methods is a sure-fire recipe for confusion and disappointment. None of which says one method or the other, by itself, might not work spectacularly? Putting these 2 methods together, however – not so much – OXXOXOOX.  A truth proven countless times. 

Our mission is skill development.

The development will be slow, if at all,

when using an overly complicated,

problematic system.

To set up a game we can trust asks us to seriously test the one, basic condition for each method we plan to use. That one condition is dependability. Test and retest each and every method until you are absolutely certain about reliability. Once confirmed, IMHO, you are now firmly on track, building a trustworthy shooting system.

To complete this system, we’ll test multiple, very specific methods on how each handles different target presentations like crossing, quartering and chandelles. For example, one method may be outstanding on one target presentation and fail miserably on another. We not only have to know how to execute each method but also know where each one does and does not work. Knowing how – and where to use multiple methods in our toolbox – is an essential component in our improvement.

Once your system gets traction, it can now “safely” be refined / polished “slightly” to gain further improvement. These are the pearls I spoke of earlier to handle certain, more cantankerous presentations. Adding this refinement – to an already dependable shooting system, at the right time – can be highly rewarding. However, changing your system in a major way – by mixing various “popular” methods into your system – brings great risk to your shooting game and your scores. BTW, that’s old news to the many who’ve gone down that painful and frustrating road. A mistake not repeated. Ask my beloved British mentors, Peter & Wendy Crabtree, how Dan knows that.

Each and every method has a specific purpose. There is no “one” do all method. To be prepared for our many current presentations, it’s essential to have multiple, consistent and reliable methods in our toolbox.

I’m suggesting, learn and confirm the strengths and weaknesses of each method – where each method works best on which target presentations. Once established, embrace and trust those methods. Your performances in the shooting box and your scores will be depending on those methods. And you can – if your system is set up cleanly!

Thank you again for spending time with us here. God bless – be safe – I genuinely look forward to seeing 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

"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors

and parents of youth shooters."

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's 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 what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition

To The Target (Book II)

Beyond The Target (Book III)