Arrrgh...I've developed a strange shooting problem.

[bigbearbear]

I've been shooting every weekend and have been progressing slowly but steadily, I stopped last weekend because wife isn't feeling well and resume shooting this weekend.

To my horror, my hit rate plummeted, especially on the wobble trap with its steep angle and fast throw. I even know what's the problems, a professional coach at the local range told me that I'm stopping the gun and after he mentioned it I realize it is true. For some reasons, I've developed this weird problem where I move the gun past the target, then wait for it before shooting. Previously, I've always shot using the swing through method. Now, it seems that I'm swinging too much, realize my mistake, stop the gun and then try to anticipate the clay.

On standard ATA trap I did between 21 and 22 today and every time I dropped a target, it was because of the same problem; stopping the gun.

Has anyone encountered similar problems before and how did you overcome it? Simply be aware of it and keep shooting?

[Revoman]

Yes, keep practicing, however when practicing, practice the correct basics. Force the follow through, every time. Force it. Focus on it, you may miss a some because you are thinking about the follow through, that's okay. You are attempting to get the muscle and mental training to do it every time.

Stopping the gun as the trigger is pulled is probably the most common error in the shotgunning sports. The most stopping occurs on straight aways as they seem to be so easy, but are in fact rising as the trigger is pulled. Stopping the gun will shoot below every time. Pulling the trigger is NOT the last thing you do. Stopping the follow through AFTER the trigger is pulled is the completion.

The four basics of (most any) shooting are. Sight alignment, sight picture, trigger pull and FOLLOW THROUGH. You are simply not doing the last step. Force yourself to do so.

I find that instead of using the upper body to move to the target (generated from the waist), using the lower body works much better.

If right handed, left leg a half step forward of the right, about 80% of your weight on that leg, bend slightly at the knees and use the legs as the pivot point. Much like a turret. The gun stays on the plane with the arms and the legs power the turret or side to side motion. This will help in the follow through as it is harder to stop that motion.

[bigbearbear]

Thanks Revo, I'll keep that in mind. I can't shoot for the next 2 weekends due to a business trip but I'll try this when I'm back, hopefully it'll "reboot" my progression and allow me to improve again.

[BigDogatPlay]

Just like lifting our eyes / head from time to time we all have the opportunity to stop the gun occasionally. I'd suggest that if you are getting ahead of them and then waiting for the target you may be rushing to the target. Smooth is everything, establishing and maintaining a consistent pace is where you want to be.

I've been rushing the hard left targets at station one recently, usually shooting a couple yards out front when I do it. It has been frustrating and I usually solve it by taking a breath, slowing down making sure my setup is consistent and trusting the gun. My advice would be to slow down, get back into a repeatable pace and have fun without beating yourself up over one or two misses in a round.

If you find you are missing behind, particularly on the straightaway, then you would lifting your head/eyes off the gun.