A beginner’s guide to clay shooting: Tips & techniques to improve your skills
09-Apr-2025
Chris Cooper
Clay shooting is one of the most exciting and rewarding shooting sports, offering a mix of skill, precision and adrenaline. Whether you’re completely new to the sport or looking to improve your accuracy, getting the right advice early on can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything a beginner needs to know about clay pigeon shooting, including essential gear, shooting techniques and expert tips to improve your game.
Understanding the basics of clay shooting
Before you start, it’s important to understand what clay shooting involves. The sport consists of shooting at clay targets (clay pigeons) that are launched into the air or along the ground to simulate the movement of real game.
Types of clay shooting:
Skeet shooting – Targets cross from left and right at different angles.
Trap shooting – Targets are launched away from the shooter.
Sporting clays – Different stations with unpredictable target trajectories, simulating real hunting.
Each discipline requires slightly different skills, but the fundamentals remain the same.
Choosing the right shotgun for clay shooting
Your shotgun is your most important tool, so selecting the right one is crucial for success.
What to look for in a clay shooting shotgun:
Over and under shotguns – The most popular choice for beginners, offering great balance and control.
12 gauge vs 20 gauge – A 12 gauge is the standard choice, but a 20 gauge may be better for those sensitive to recoil.
Adjustable fit – A shotgun that fits your body properly improves comfort and accuracy.
Tip: If you’re unsure about what gun to start with, visit a clay shooting club where you can try different options before buying.
Mastering the correct shooting stance & mount
A solid shooting stance and gun mounting technique are the foundation of accurate shooting.
Proper shooting stance:
Feet shoulder-width apart – Left foot slightly forward (if right-handed).
Body weight forward – Helps control recoil and maintain balance.
Head down on the stock – Keep your eyes aligned with the barrel for a clear sight picture.
Correct gun mount:
Bring the gun to your cheek first, then your shoulder – Avoid lowering your head to meet the stock.
Smooth and consistent movement – Jerky motions can throw off your aim.
Practice mounting your shotgun at home (unloaded) to build muscle memory.
Perfecting your aim: Focus on the target, not the beads
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is focusing on the shotgun’s bead instead of the clay target.
Always keep your eyes locked on the clay – The gun should follow your eye movement naturally.
Use both eyes open (if possible) – This improves depth perception and reaction time.
Follow through after pulling the trigger – Stopping your swing too early will cause you to miss behind the target.
Leading the target: The key to hitting moving clays
Since clays are moving, you need to shoot ahead of them to account for their trajectory.
Three leading techniques:
Swing through – Start behind the target, swing through it and fire as you pass it.
Pull away – Start on the target, then move ahead before firing.
Sustained lead – Keep the barrel ahead of the target from the start.
Tip: The right method depends on personal preference, but swing through is often easiest for beginners.
Managing recoil & shotgun fit
Recoil can be intimidating for new shooters, but proper technique and shotgun fit help reduce discomfort.
Hold the gun firmly – A loose grip increases felt recoil.
Keep your shoulder tight against the stock – This spreads out the impact.
Use a recoil pad – Helps absorb shock for added comfort.
Tip: If recoil is a major issue, consider using lighter loads or a 20-gauge shotgun.
Mental focus & confidence: Staying relaxed under pressure
Clay shooting is as much a mental sport as it is physical. Staying calm and focused will improve your shooting more than anything.
Visualise your shot before calling “Pull.”
Stay relaxed – Tension causes stiff movements and missed shots.
Don’t overthink your lead – Trust your instincts and practice regularly.
Common mistakes & how to fix them
Beginners often struggle with a few common issues. Here’s how to avoid these pitfalls:
Stopping your swing too early – Follow through smoothly after each shot.
Focus on the gun instead of the target – Keep your eyes on the clay at all times.
Holding the gun too loosely – Keep a firm but controlled grip.
Using the wrong stance – Ensure your weight is forward and feet are balanced.
Practising effectively: The fastest way to improve
The key to mastering clay shooting is consistent, focused practice.
Start with slow, straight targets – Build confidence before tackling harder shots.
Break down each shot – Focus on stance, swing and follow-through.
Use snap caps for dry firing practice at home to improve muscle memory.
Get professional coaching – A lesson from an experienced shooter can help fix mistakes quickly.
Tip: Keep track of your progress by logging your hits and misses after each session.
Essential gear for clay shooting
To get started, you’ll need the right equipment:
Shotgun – Choose one that fits comfortably.
Hearing protection – Electronic ear defenders help hear commands while blocking loud shots.
Eye protection – Safety glasses are essential to protect against flying debris.
Cartridges – Start with lighter loads (e.g., 24g or 28g) for less recoil.
Shooting vest – Extra padding helps with recoil absorption.
Final thoughts: Get started & keep improving!
Clay shooting is an incredible sport that offers a mix of skill, strategy and fun. By starting with the basics, practising smart and focusing on technique, you’ll quickly improve your shooting ability.
Ready to start your clay shooting journey? Check out our range of shotguns, cartridges and shooting accessories at Rightgun.uk – the UK’s fastest-growing platform for all things shooting!
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