Does practice make perfect?

[RedRSR]

Started shooting about six weeks ago, had a couple of lessons to start with and hit most of the clays, felt I was a bit of a natural , so armed with a shiney new 682 and a box of white golds I headed for the skeet range, 600 shots later and I'm starting to think I should have taken up needle work. At what point does it "click", I'm stuck around the 16-17 mark and its not as if I have certain bogey birds, I'm just inconsistant. If I keep slugging away will I eventually get there?

[the last engineer]

its a ground shaking reality check when you crash and burn from the " i can do that no problem " to the inevitable " what the hell just happend there " .

 

yes practice will improove you, but remember this only if you allow it, im sure others here have gone out just as you have crunched a bunch then fallen flat on their face the next time, guess what "you just started thinking about it", now you learn all over again, when you next hit the skeet range, clay club, look for a guy by (reputation preferably) who shoots well with others ask to join him/her as you'd like to learn a thing or two, then its down to you to pick up what your told, dont overindulge yourself by going out and shooting a 1000 birds at a time, your wasting your coin, shoot 50 or so and take note of what your told and remember it for the next time, as has been said before, gun shells notepad pen, your back at school right, doing this will improove your shooting and also make you aware of the multitude of parameters to this game, just remember this one thing thought, and i teach this first and foremost

 

"NEVER LOOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT YOUR OUT TO HAVE FUN" the minute you stop enjoying it put the gun away, too many people overshoot themselves trying to reach the next plataue, you will get there, some take longer than others.

 

have fun buddy

 

 

Martin

[Andy W]

When you are just starting off and had a couple of lessons all in a 6 week period, the lessons were probably based on a total beginner so easier targets would be selected as a confidence builder etc, now with that little bit of valuable experience you have just gained over 2 lessons go out on a sporting lay out, I bet you hit near on nothing!

 

I have only been shooting since last June which has consisted of all sporting and I can now "read" a clay and have a good idea of how to hit it, different angles, amount of lead, driven, overhead, teal etc.............your brain is constantly working and you are on a never ending learning journey.

 

After shooting for 6 months I realised what birds I was struggling with and went for lessons based on those birds, I still have a certain bogey bird but I intend to address that very soon.

 

Regarding just practising, you need to practice the right way, it is a pointless exercise and a waste of money to shoot 1,000 cartridges and not know what you are doing wrong or why you are missing but if you shoot in a group and each person tells you different, that gets even more confusing.

[Highlander]

Well done in having some lessons, too many just buy a gun and get on with it, although a couple aren't really going to be much use. Some ‘shooting schools’ might start you off on the easy stuff to a) build your confidence and/or to get you into the sport and spending more money say on the skeet range!

 

Inconsistent? Sounds like you’ve not learned to ‘read’ the birds. Don’t know where you’re going wrong, missing the birds etc, so you can’t correct it. Try finding a tutor who will help you understand everything that’s going on, who will help you ‘read’ the picture. Sometimes it’s the simplest of errors but until someone lets you know you might never pick it up for yourself. Something as simple as giving more lead to the same bird coming from the left as one from the right (assuming you’re a right handed shooter). Get some more lessons, even the ‘professionals’ keep practicing and use a coach just ask Digweed or Faulds how many hours they spend on the range simply practicing!

 

But like the man said…don’t forget you’re supposed to be having fun, enjoy!

[fieldwanderer]

I agree with what's been said but here's a quote for you that's well worth thinking about;

 

PRACTICE DOESN'T MAKE PERFECT, TRAINING DOES.

 

The british rifle coach was forever on about it but you do need to be careful;

 

it's no good just chucking lead down the range and hoping to get better, you either need to be able to work out what you're doing wrong (you learn that over time) or you need someone to tell you what you're doing wrong - AND TAKE NOTICE OF IT

 

Right, so that said, you've done the right thing and had some lessons. Now what I'd do if I were you is have a few goes and try to put what you've learned so far into practice - but beware of thinking too much, to start with you'll have to - but it'll become automatic.

 

Next, after a few outings, you'll be getting the hang of SOME of what you were taught. Now's the time for another lesson, note down any questions that arise and ask this time round

 

After lessons / coaching, whatever you want to call it, you'll probably notice a drop in your performance. Ignore it! you've got to get used to what you've just learned - THAT'S THE IMPORTANT THING, NOT SCORES! That comes later.

 

Hope that helps mate

[BSA Shaun]

Just been reading this as booking some lessons for myself and I have to say as usual it's all great advice. Thanks chaps

[njc110381]

Six weeks is nothing! As long as you have the basics right then practice is a good thing. There's no way you'll ever learn how to hit all the birds being thrown at you in that amount of time, and as someone said above new shooters are often given easy targets to build their confidence. I've been shooting skeet for about 6 months now, and 20 is my best score. I've got to the point that I very often know where I've missed so now I just need to get my mount perfect every time (I shoot gun down) and practice until I don't have to think about what I'm doing. I've been told it's like driving a car, eventually you just shoot and hit because you've done it so much it's natural. I'm still thinking about things (mainly lead), which makes me miss a few. ISU is my next step. It will all work out ok in the end for you, just stick at it and have fun. You've started out the right way with some lessons

[RedRSR]

Thanks for the advice everyone, its good to know others have gone through the same faze, I,m due another lesson tomorrow, I know a major problem is wanting to be the next Digweed, my instructor keeps telling me to stop looking at the barrels but I lack confidence in the gun pointing where I'm looking, he also says I'm trying to hard. When shooting I find the doubles easier than the singles, He says that I dont have time to think about pulling the trigger, it just happens and thats how I should shoot, does that make any sence? Although the scores, for me are a little dissapointing, I still cant wait to get up there, I do however sometimes pack it in if the scores go down hill, the "next round will be better" never happens

 

Thanks

Paul

[njc110381]

Once you're tired you'll not learn much, best to leave it for another day when you get to that point. You shouldn't have to aim. The gun is a part of you if it fits, it will point where you're looking if you mount it right

[GAMEBOY]

Thanks for the advice everyone, its good to know others have gone through the same faze, I,m due another lesson tomorrow, I know a major problem is wanting to be the next Digweed, my instructor keeps telling me to stop looking at the barrels but I lack confidence in the gun pointing where I'm looking, he also says I'm trying to hard. When shooting I find the doubles easier than the singles, He says that I dont have time to think about pulling the trigger, it just happens and thats how I should shoot, does that make any sence? Although the scores, for me are a little dissapointing, I still cant wait to get up there, I do however sometimes pack it in if the scores go down hill, the "next round will be better" never happens

 

Thanks

Paul

Were do you have your lessons i am from your area mite no the ground you go tokeep at it it will come and enjoy

[RedRSR]

Were do you have your lessons i am from your area mite no the ground you go tokeep at it it will come and enjoy

 

Cocketts farm, small, friendly and un-intimidating

[pin]

After lessons / coaching, whatever you want to call it, you'll probably notice a drop in your performance. Ignore it! you've got to get used to what you've just learned - THAT'S THE IMPORTANT THING, NOT SCORES! That comes later.

 

Some of the best advice I have heard on here!

 

I used to show the odd person a few things with golf, most couldn't hack the proper stance, the proper grip or the correct timing.

 

They had learned over the years to do well, but lacked the ability to progress. Same situation here.

 

Some times you have to re-learn something before you can progress.

[Catamong]

In my opinion, there's no such thing as a "natural" shot, as most people start from the broadly the same level of ability.

 

OK, it helps if you've shot airguns or whatever in the past and know which end of the gun to put in the shoulder, but when it comes to somebody being termed a "natural" shot, I simply don't believe it, it's just that some people are quicker and more determined learners than others, (i.e. Pin ).

 

I probably would have given up clay shooting if it's possible for somebody to take up the sport, and, weeks later have learned all there is to know about shooting and turning in straight after straight..!!

 

That's what keeps most of us going, it remains such a challenge, particularly Sporting clay shooting, as the target variety is infinite and we all miss targets we know we should have hit, as those who have watched messrs Digweed and Faulds will testify.

 

Long may it continue that way.

 

Cat.

[GAMEBOY]

Were do you have your lessons i am from your area mite no the ground you go tokeep at it it will come and enjoy

 

Cocketts farm, small, friendly and un-intimidating

NICE BLOKE ROGER KNOWN THE FAMILY YEARS B)

[tosspot]

Am finding practise a bit of a non event at the moment

 

where as it's always good to be at a ground gun in hand

 

with the competative element missing i'm wondering whether i'm actually achieving anything

 

it's hard to drive yourself to beat who?

 

a practise partner of a similar ability or preferably a bit better than yourself is IMO a big bonus

[GAMEBOY]

Am finding practise a bit of a non event at the moment

 

where as it's always good to be at a ground gun in hand

 

with the competative element missing i'm wondering whether i'm actually achieving anything

 

it's hard to drive yourself to beat who?

 

a practise partner of a similar ability or preferably a bit better than yourself is IMO a big bonus

You are spot on you have to be competative even in practise

[Dunkield]

What clayshooting I do, is only ever 'practice' as I don't enter competitions as such, but I always shoot with a group of friends. We all have the capabilty to beat the rest on our day, so the competative edge is to make it your day, so just practicing becomes competative - otherwise the enivitable p**s taking ensues

[RedRSR]

Were do you have your lessons i am from your area mite no the ground you go tokeep at it it will come and enjoy

 

Cocketts farm, small, friendly and un-intimidating

NICE BLOKE ROGER KNOWN THE FAMILY YEARS B)

 

Yep, my dads known him since young farmers!!, his presence has an uncanny way of making you hit clays, always asks how many, then falls off his chair

[njc110381]

When I shoot ISU I go round with a bunch of guys that are really good. They may miss one or two a round on a bad day, but never more! They push me really hard, and one day I'm going to nail the one that isn't performing on the day. A lot of people hate being the loser every time, but the amount of stuff I learn from them is just unreal. So far I've been taught how to shoot, not how to hit. Now it's all coming together and my scores have rocketed recently. It's good to get the right base to work from, even if your scores drop at first

[peter-peter]

Started shooting about six weeks ago, had a couple of lessons to start with and hit most of the clays, felt I was a bit of a natural , so armed with a shiney new 682 and a box of white golds I headed for the skeet range, 600 shots later and I'm starting to think I should have taken up needle work. At what point does it "click", I'm stuck around the 16-17 mark and its not as if I have certain bogey birds, I'm just inconsistant. If I keep slugging away will I eventually get there?

right. a bit of good advise here for you.

skeet.

watch where you place your feet.

if you are right handed on all the stands.

point your left foot to where you are going to kill the high house with your rt foot about 6 inches behind at 10 mins past

dont swing the gun swing your whole body. like a golfer does

take your time you have plenty.

stand one start with gun pointing up call for the bird mount the gun and shoot just under and to the left of the clay.

when low house comes keep the gun about a foot in front shoot and keep the gun moving.

stand 2 increase your lead a bit

stand 3 a bit more.

by stand 4 you will need 3 foot of lead min every body sees lead different. 3 ft to me might be 1 foot to you

but if you dont keep the gun moving you will miss behind

look at the clay and not the gun barrel keep both eyes open.

if the gun fits you.(important) your eye is the rear sight and the button the fore sight.

watch the clay and keep moving

make sure your gun comes to your cheek every time.

NOW the best practice is at home with an empty gun.

pick a straight line in your room mab'e a picture mould, stick a bit of blue tack on it 2 thirds from your left and point your left foot at it.

swing your body along the line slowly and say bang and pull the trigger on the blue tack and keep the gun moving till well past.

5 minutes every day will sort you out

[RedRSR]

Started shooting about six weeks ago, had a couple of lessons to start with and hit most of the clays, felt I was a bit of a natural , so armed with a shiney new 682 and a box of white golds I headed for the skeet range, 600 shots later and I'm starting to think I should have taken up needle work. At what point does it "click", I'm stuck around the 16-17 mark and its not as if I have certain bogey birds, I'm just inconsistant. If I keep slugging away will I eventually get there?

right. a bit of good advise here for you.

skeet.

watch where you place your feet.

if you are right handed on all the stands.

point your left foot to where you are going to kill the high house with your rt foot about 6 inches behind at 10 mins past

dont swing the gun swing your whole body. like a golfer does

take your time you have plenty.

stand one start with gun pointing up call for the bird mount the gun and shoot just under and to the left of the clay.

when low house comes keep the gun about a foot in front shoot and keep the gun moving.

stand 2 increase your lead a bit

stand 3 a bit more.

by stand 4 you will need 3 foot of lead min every body sees lead different. 3 ft to me might be 1 foot to you

but if you dont keep the gun moving you will miss behind

look at the clay and not the gun barrel keep both eyes open.

if the gun fits you.(important) your eye is the rear sight and the button the fore sight.

watch the clay and keep moving

make sure your gun comes to your cheek every time.

NOW the best practice is at home with an empty gun.

pick a straight line in your room mab'e a picture mould, stick a bit of blue tack on it 2 thirds from your left and point your left foot at it.

swing your body along the line slowly and say bang and pull the trigger on the blue tack and keep the gun moving till well past.

5 minutes every day will sort you out

 

Exactly what I was told Wed night and guess what, it works!, I,ve now started to close one eye though, but now shooting in the twenties, my instructor says that we can address the eye issue later

[mikky]

more advice....it worked for me after shooting hundreds of holes in the sky and hitting ****** all..

 

 

 

i was told to put the gun down.

 

i am right handed.

 

was told to shout pull and point with my index finger left hand,arm full extended,track the clay,pull the trigger .

 

pick up the gun

 

put gun into shoulder

 

extend left index finger along the stock

 

shout pull,point index finger/gun at the clay

 

pull trigger

 

now 45/46 out of 50

 

for me it was that easy.....oh.take them quick

 

ps that was ...for clays going away from you...down the line shooting....

[peter-peter]

Started shooting about six weeks ago, had a couple of lessons to start with and hit most of the clays, felt I was a bit of a natural , so armed with a shiney new 682 and a box of white golds I headed for the skeet range, 600 shots later and I'm starting to think I should have taken up needle work. At what point does it "click", I'm stuck around the 16-17 mark and its not as if I have certain bogey birds, I'm just inconsistant. If I keep slugging away will I eventually get there?

LISTEN to this if you keep slugging away at missing .you won't improve. you will still miss.

you can have a shiny owt, but does it fit you.

if it doesn't you will miss. yup you will miss.!

SO. make sure the gun fits you very important.

second dont look at the rib watch the clay 10% rib 90% clay.

swing the gun from your waist,,ie swing your body not the gun.

most important don't rush. your gun should be a part of you and moved gracefully.

when shooting crossing birds (clays) move the gun faster than the clay pull the trigger and KEEP THE GUN MOVING.

lead is in the eye of the shooter.

what I see as 12 inch lead you may see 3 foot.

I regard skeet as the best practice for crossing birds

dtl the best practice for teal.

the best practice is dry practice.

stick a peg on the wifes hanging line swing your gun slowly from left to rt or visa versa pass the peg and shout bang,

and KEEP THE GUN MOVING. till 6 ft past the peg stick at it and you could be the next digweed

[Mungler]

Started shooting about six weeks ago, had a couple of lessons to start with and hit most of the clays, felt I was a bit of a natural , so armed with a shiney new 682 and a box of white golds I headed for the skeet range, 600 shots later and I'm starting to think I should have taken up needle work. At what point does it "click", I'm stuck around the 16-17 mark and its not as if I have certain bogey birds, I'm just inconsistant. If I keep slugging away will I eventually get there?

LISTEN to this if you keep slugging away at missing .you won't improve. you will still miss.

you can have a shiny owt, but does it fit you.

if it doesn't you will miss. yup you will miss.!

SO. make sure the gun fits you very important.

second dont look at the rib watch the clay 10% rib 90% clay.

swing the gun from your waist,,ie swing your body not the gun.

most important don't rush. your gun should be a part of you and moved gracefully.

when shooting crossing birds (clays) move the gun faster than the clay pull the trigger and KEEP THE GUN MOVING.

lead is in the eye of the shooter.

what I see as 12 inch lead you may see 3 foot.

I regard skeet as the best practice for crossing birds

dtl the best practice for teal.

the best practice is dry practice.

stick a peg on the wifes hanging line swing your gun slowly from left to rt or visa versa pass the peg and shout bang,

and KEEP THE GUN MOVING. till 6 ft past the peg stick at it and you could be the next digweed

 

 

 

When I first started I used the club gun - some old broom handle - I used to come home each week with a green / yellow bruise on my chest / collar bone pocket and a greeny black bruise just below my right eye on the cheek bone.

 

When I got my license, I got a gun that fit and have never been bruised since - apart from when I borrow and have a go on other peoples' guns that don't fit me.

 

Gun fit sounds boring - you may dabble in buying soft slip on butt pads (oooeerr) or chest recoil pads but the problem won't go away.

 

The bloke that taught me how to hold a gun said that if you don't get gun fit and gun mount right, whilst you may hit a good number of birds you will never get any good, and I make him right.