Sporting Clays · Mar 04, 2024

Sporting Clays Tips from Mick Howell (2x World Champion) and Brad Kidd (National Champion)

Emily is accompanied by Mick Howell, 2x World Champion, and Brad Kidd, Jr., National Champion. Together, they will provide insights on target settings, strategies for eye focus, and techniques for reading target lines.

Tower Shot Tips: Understanding the Line of Flight

When approaching tower shots, it's crucial to understand the line of flight. A downward angle can cause you to shoot too high. The target doesn't lose its speed, so you will need significant lead. The bigger the lead, the more important the line of flight is. Identify the line of flight by focusing on the direction of the bird in the sky. Picture a clock face to help you determine the direction.

Image of a shooter standing in an open field, gesturing toward a tower on the right. A large green clock graphic with a red trajectory line is superimposed over the scene, indicating a clay shooting angle.

Quartering Target Tips: Identifying Visual Pick-up & Hold Point

The target might initially appear as crossing, but when you prepare to shoot, you'll notice that it's quartering. Ensure you maintain a visual disconnection with the clay. Don't let the clay "beat" your eyes. Consider your proximity to the machine. Use a soft focus to watch the distance while letting your peripheral vision pick up the flash of the target. Look for where the target will become the most visible the fastest. This is your viewpoint. Once you've found your viewpoint, you can determine which hold point is best.

Image of a shooter in a grassy area surrounded by palm trees. A green graphic is superimposed over the background with the words 'Soft Focus,' indicating a training concept.

Report Pair Tips: Fast vs. Patient Hold Points

Outgoing targets should be shot relatively quickly. Long, slow, incoming targets tend to be missed because you may "ride" the target, then become aware of the muzzle and start measuring the lead. With incoming targets, be patient and shoot when it is at its closest point. It's important to wait until you see it clearly. For each target, establish a good hold point, read the line and the lead, and know how to use your eyes to either pick up quickly or be patient and engage in hard focus later in the flight.

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