The Real Secret to Good Shooting

Determination to perform better in the shooting box is a good thing. It’s another, however, to understand how to do that correctly and intentionally. We do that by putting our attention on the basics, what we are doing behind the muzzle of our gun. Specifically…step-by-step…to “build a dependable swing.” You can trust me on this, every Big Dawg shooter knows how. HOW is the home address of consistency and XXXXXX.

A predictable X starts before the target is called for. These are our “set-up” steps to create the X swing. Because pre-shot set-up mistakes will be costly. The term I use for these mistakes is random gun movement (RGM). Say hello to RGM…say goodbye to precision and any consistency in our shooting. Each set-up mistake automatically puts our next swing in repair mode. And that’s before we call for the target!! OXXOOOXO. In plain, simple language, I’ve listed and explained these set-up steps in my first book, Take Your Best Shot, (Book I) 3^rd Edition. The simple, crystal-clear methods are outlined in my 3 books: Take Your Best Shot, To The Target and Beyond The Target.

“You can practice shooting 8 hours a day,

but if your technique is wrong, then all 

you’ve become is very good at shooting the

wrong way. Get the fundamentals down

and the level of everything you do will rise.”

Michael Jordan

Before and during the swing, here's why reducing RGM is so important. When the trap fires, every movement of our gun will decide what happens downrange at the target. Every single move. Even 1” of RGM in our swing will be costly on our scorecard. Here’s a quote, an RGM example from a previous article, The Perfect Swing XXXXXX.

To demonstrate a swing error…RGM…here are a few mathematical truths. Please consider these everyday distances and the consequences:

1.      A 1” swing error – at 30 yards – puts your shot string 2 FEET off your target.
2.      A 1” swing error – at 40 yards – puts your shot string 3 FEET off your target.
3.      A 2” swing error – at 30 yards – puts your shot string 4 FEET off your target.
4.      A 2” swing error – at 40 yards – puts your shot string 5.5 FEET off your target.

This is why we cannot count on our shotgun “pattern” to make up for swing errors. It may sometimes, but not consistently. Sorry, it can’t. To avoid any misunderstandings here, I’m not advocating we “aim” our shotguns. Our swing movements, however, our precision in those movements, will decide X or O. Always have, always will.

“There’s no magic in good shooting.

Nor is it mysterious.

It comes from correctly applying the basics.”

Good shooters know, specifically…how, what goes where, when and why. All to reduce RGM and intentionally create a consistent, dependable swing. XXXXXXXX. And, for the record, those basics are incredibly simple, easy to understand, and, when executed correctly, utterly reliable. Not sometimes…all the time.

Thanks again for joining us here. 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, Skeet, Trap & 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 making 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)