Shooting Clays Can Improve Your Game

Whilst a clay day will not exactly replicate time on the peg it is good practice – and could become an enjoyable activity in its own right

- Michael Yardley

How often have you heard a game shot dismiss clay shooting as useful practice because “clays slow down, birds don’t”? Well, a friend who’s in a national Sporting clays squad and an excellent game shot observed: “Game shooters are right when they say clays slow down. Yet when you transition from clays to partridges when the season starts you may start by missing in front. Why? Because despite slowing down, most clays are under full power and quicker than gamebirds in the window in which you have to shoot them.”

Bearing this in mind, clays are a real challenge. I’m always trying to persuade other game shots that regular sessions on them should not be seen as the preserve of competitive claybusters nor confined to the odd charity day. Approached correctly in the right relaxed but focused way, clay shooting may become much like golf or tennis – a satisfying leisure activity in its own right and one that will pay general sporting dividends.

Many game shots feel a bit uncomfortable with clays. They may have a go, not hit much and abandon the pitch discs to ‘the professionals’. This is a mistake. First, everyone misses clays initially – there is no other way to learn. Any experienced and competent game shot should, however, be hitting 50% to 60% plus in short order (especially if helped with a bit of preliminary instruction at a good shooting school).