Modus operandi

Malcolm Plant on the similarities, differences and misconceptions of shotgun shooting

The game shooting season has ended, the clay shooting has begun and crop protection from marauding pigeons seems never-ending. Common questions for the coach, from both novice and more experienced shooters, seem to appear during lessons in the transition periods between these different activities. So, let’s put some basic stakes in the ground about targets and technique.

Clays, pigeons and gamebirds are all moving aerial targets that can generally be shot in the same way, so long as you understand the basic choices in technique. Any target can be speeding up or slowing down depending on the wind conditions and may well be curling.

Dr Malcolm Plant is fellow of The Institute of Clay Shooting Instructors and a Clay Pigeon Shooting Association senior coach.

The Institute of Clay Shooting Instructors was formed in the 1980s to provide qualified coaches with opportunities for further professional development, by the provision of seminars, workshops, practical activities and educational visits. ICSI coaches can be found at ICSI.org.uk

With a good understanding and implementation of the best shooting system, it is possible to turn target speed and curl into a manageable challenge.