Clay Pigeon Shooting Techniques

Clay pigeon shooting is a sport where participants use a shotgun to shoot at flying circular discs that are launched from a trap. Before you begin shooting you require a basic knowledge of clay pigeon shooting techniques. Learn these techniques and you have a good chance of hitting some targets even if it is your first time using a shotgun.

  1. Stance

    • The correct stance is the basis of your shooting. It should feel comfortable and enable you to swing from the waist. Presuming you are right handed, move your left foot forwards with toes pointing in approximately the direction you will be shooting. Keep your right foot approximately a shoulder width behind and angled in any position that gives you good stability. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward so that your left foot is taking approximately 60 percent of your weight. Reverse the position if you are left handed.

    Aim and Swing

    • Aim your gun to the right of the trap for a clay traveling from left to right, or aim to the left for a clay traveling from right to left. This will give you the time you need to judge the speed and trajectory of the clay as it exits the trap. As the clay approaches the position your gun is pointing, swivel from the waist so that your gun is ahead of the clay's flight.

    Leading

    • Because the target is moving you must always aim in front of, or lead, the target in order to hit it. Experiment with each of the three basic types of leading until you have found the right one for you. A swing-through lead involves initially aiming behind the target before overtaking it as you swing and then firing the gun. A pull-ahead lead involves initially aiming directly at the target as you swing and the pulling forward before pulling the trigger. And a sustained lead involves initially aiming in front of the target and maintaining this lead as you swing before firing the gun.

    Firing The Gun

    • Pull the trigger of your gun when you judge yourself to have optimal aim but well before your body becomes twisted and unbalanced from the swing. Keep both eyes open as you fire to aid your depth perception and do your best not to flinch. Once you have pulled the trigger continue swinging your gun smoothly. This follow-through action will preserve your lead and prevent you from firing behind the target.