Sporting Clays
Advanced Shooting Guide
Master the ultimate test of shooting skill with varied target presentations, challenging pairs, and strategic gameplay.
What Makes Sporting Clays Unique?
Sporting clays is often called "golf with a shotgun" because it simulates hunting scenarios with varied target presentations. Unlike DTL's consistent targets, sporting clays challenges shooters with different angles, speeds, distances, and target types at each station.
A typical course features 10-15 stations with 100 targets total. Shooters face singles, report pairs (second target on first shot), and simultaneous pairs, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability.
Common Target Presentations
Crossers
Targets crossing left to right or right to left
Incoming/Outgoing
Targets flying towards or away from shooter
Quartering
Targets at angles between crossing and straight
Rising/Falling
Targets with significant elevation changes
Chandelles
Slow, high-arcing targets
Rabbits
Ground-rolling targets
Springing Teal
Targets launched straight up
Midi/Mini/Battue
Specialized target sizes and shapes
Reading Target Presentations
Pre-Shot Analysis
- Watch show targets carefully
- Identify flight path and speed
- Note target distance and size
- Plan your hold point and break point
- Consider wind and lighting
Shot Execution
- Smooth gun mount and swing
- Maintain focus on target edge
- Apply appropriate lead
- Follow through completely
- Quick recovery for pairs
Pair Shooting Strategies
Simultaneous Pairs
Both targets released together
- • Shoot the easier target first (usually closer or slower)
- • Plan your sequence during show targets
- • Quick transition between targets
- • Don't panic if you miss the first
Report Pairs
Second target on gun report of first shot
- • Focus completely on first target
- • Quick recovery and target acquisition
- • Pre-plan hold point for second target
- • Smooth transition, don't rush
Following Pairs
Second target follows first with delay
- • Timing is crucial for both targets
- • Use first target to gauge conditions
- • Maintain ready position between shots
- • Stay focused through the sequence
Equipment & Choke Selection
Choke Strategy
Close Targets (20-30m)
Cylinder, Skeet, or Improved Cylinder
Medium Targets (30-40m)
Modified or Improved Modified
Long Targets (40m+)
Full or Extra Full choke
Multi-Choke Systems
Many sporting shooters use different chokes for each barrel:
- • First barrel: More open choke for close/fast targets
- • Second barrel: Tighter choke for longer shots
- • Popular combination: IC/Modified or Modified/Full
Pro Tip: Adjust choke selection based on station analysis during show targets.
Mental Game & Strategy
Course Management
- • Walk the course if permitted
- • Study each station layout
- • Plan shooting sequence
- • Note challenging presentations
- • Identify scoring opportunities
Shot-by-Shot Focus
- • One target at a time mentality
- • Don't carry misses forward
- • Stay present and focused
- • Trust your preparation
- • Positive self-talk
Common Mental Traps
- • Overthinking target presentations
- • Rushing due to time pressure
- • Letting previous misses affect current shots
- • Comparing scores with other shooters
Ready to Master Sporting Clays?
Track your sporting clays progress, analyze your performance by station type, and identify patterns in your shooting.