On the surface, shooting clay targets involves stepping into the station, loading your shotgun, calling for the target and pulling the trigger. However, the success behind crushing clays largely depends on the mental preparation just before calling for the shot. Experienced shotgunners call this preparation the "pre-shot routine."
The process is similar to golf. You generally don't see someone stepping up the tee and immediately swinging his club at the ball. There's a cerebral component before the club is even drawn back. The same applies to clays shooting with the pre-shot routine.
The purpose of the pre-shot routine is to mentally and physically prime yourself for the target presentation through a positive exercise. The beauty of having a routine prior to calling for the bird is that it helps eliminate inconsistencies while making you feel comfortable and confident in the station.
By developing a successful pre-shot routine, diversions are reduced — increasing your ability to focus on the target in flight. There is no hard-and-fast pre-shot routine. It varies by shooter. The key, however, is to find a sequence of pre-shot cues that work best for you and stick with them.
The people in the background are looking hard at the target. That’s the way to do it.
Most clays games provide "lookers" — a preview of the targets you're about to shoot. Your pre-shot routine should begin here. Train yourself to carefully scrutinize each of the preview targets, otherwise you're squandering a valuable opportunity.
For lookers, watch the entire trajectory of the target from the time it leaves the trap machine until it hits the ground. You generally focus on the leading edge of the bird, with the exception of straight-away outgoers where you'll concentrate on the back of the target.
In effect, fix your eyes on the segment of the target you want to hit. In some games like sporting clays or 5-stand, you may want to establish a physical landmark as your target breakpoint — let's say a particular tree or shrub. What you're really doing here is formulating a plan to break the target.
Now that you've seen the targets, you're thinking the next step involves loading your shells and taking the shot. Not quite yet.
First, check the position of your feet as part of your pre-shot routine. Improper foot placement is one of the most frequent mistakes shooters make. Most people don't pay attention to where their feet are pointing or how far apart they are.
In a nutshell, your feet are in a neutral position, shoulder-width apart, facing the field. Some sports like skeet or trap have recommended foot placement that changes by station. Regardless, don't make the mistake of standing like a rifle hunter with one foot behind the other and gun across your chest. Face the targets with your full body and feet placed for maximum swing.
If you have any personal quirks about your shotgun posture, make sure they're implemented. For example, some shooters need to lean forward more than others. Whatever your particular style of shooting, this is the time to focus on executing it.
Next, mentally prepare for the upcoming shot. You've made your plan with the lookers. Feel confident in that plan. Steel yourself with positive thoughts.
Too many shooters say to themselves "that target is too hard" or "I'll never be able to hit it." Those are self-fulfilling prophecies. Relax and remain confident in your ability to break the target with the plan you've committed to using.
This shooter has unwavering focus on the target. Strive for it through your pre-shot routine.
Visualize breaking the target. You've established your break point with the lookers. Pause for a moment and see in your mind's eye the target shattering at that particular spot in the flight path of the bird.
As part of positive mental preparation, you can use a so-called trigger phrase that goes something like this: "Focus on the front of the target" or "break the bird" or "follow through the swing." You would say this to yourself just before loading the shotgun.
Now you've dropped the shells into the chamber and closed it. The sound of the shotgun locking should be a signal that you're ready to successfully break the target. That sound takes you into the zone of relaxation and confidence. Shotgun closed, you're ready to smash the bird.
Take a deep breath and exhale. This step of your pre-shot routine contributes to your relaxation. Your body should remain alert, but your mind is quiet and instinctively ready to receive the target.
Call for the bird, now it's broken.
It will probably take several attempts to create your own pre-shot routine. Believe in it, and your scores will definitely improve.
And by the way, in the interest of safety, always be aware of your surroundings.
