What do you focus on

[Glenlivet]

Gun up makes it very difficult to spot a target early and follow the line. Much easier, after some practise, to call for the bird and swing onto it as you mount the gun. Also cuts down on excess thinking time!

[grrclark]

For many targets gun down can be more appropriate and it can help with avoiding fixating on the barrels when waiting for the bird, but you need to be confident with your mount and technique otherwise you can introduce more problems.

 

As ever the best advice is to get yourself a good instructor and they will find the best way for you to progress with your shooting, what works for one may not work for another.

 

If you put your location in your profile I am sure there will be recommendations for a good coach in your area for yourself, there are a few on PW that are highly regarded.

 

Something to try whilst you do shoot gun up is to lift your head off the stock just a little as you call and wait for the bird, that will give you a better field of vision and move the barrel more toward your peripheral vision. Don't stare or look hard for the bird, just cast your eyes out toward where it is going to be, when you detect movement your eyes will lock on naturally. When you see the target and start to move and follow the track squeeze your head back down onto the stock as you get toward the kill point.

 

Much easier to show in person than describe in words.

[Scully]

As above; you really need a good instructor. Starting gun up is fine for DTL or OT or for other 'going away' targets, but for Sporting it will hinder your footwork and kill your swing as well as making it difficult to pick up or read a target.

[nicknsd1978]

I'm in nottingham makes perfect sence about not staring and casting your eyes out to where the clay is going to be....this is exactly how it was described on a lesson at orston and worked wonders