Finding your perfect coach

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You’re on Stand 4, convinced your hold point is perfect, yet that crosser is still sailing away into the sunset. It’s almost like it’s mocking you.

You look at the card – nothing but ‘O’s.

It’s soul-destroying. We usually blame the cartridges, the wind or that one guy behind us who’s breathing too loudly, but deep down, we know the truth. We need professional help.

Finding a shooting instructor is a bit like dating. You want someone who understands your quirks but doesn’t let them get in the way of a great relationship.

The mission is to find a pro who sees your tendency to lift your head the second you see a clay but isn’t afraid to tell you when you’re shooting like an idiot too.

At most decent shooting grounds you’ll be spoiled for choice. Half the squad will swear by the Old School approach – the guys who can spot a missed bird from three stands away just by the sound of your shot.

The rest will argue until the cows come home that the best coaches are the technical wizards who won’t let you pull the trigger until your mounting is millimetre-perfect.

So, how do you choose? It really comes down to what you’re trying to achieve.

When it comes to breaking more clays, the right advice depends entirely on who is giving it. Many grounds have that one legendary resident trainer who has been there since the gates opened – someone who knows every target’s flight path by heart. While their experience is invaluable, remember that most ground trainers are excellent at what they do even if they don’t have an intimate knowledge of the stands at your club.

The trick isn’t just finding a good teacher; it’s finding the teaching method that clicks with your brain. Some coaches focus on maintained lead, while others swear by swing through. One might be logical and rational, while another teaches by feel and instinct.

The choice is entirely up to you. Don’t be afraid to try a few different instructors to see whose style helps you smash clays most consistently. Every shooter is different, and the best coach is the one who speaks your language.

If you’re looking to get serious about shooting, you need a specialist. One of our squad recently went to see an instructor known specifically for “The Method,” and the difference was night and day. He went from smashing his own toes to smashing mid-range teal in a single afternoon. That’s the dream, isn’t it? Actual progression.

The best place to find these experts isn’t just a random Google search; it’s through the governing bodies and elite schools that vet their coaches. If you’re ready to make the jump, start here:

The CPSA “Find a Coach” Tool: Use the searchable directory to filter by “Senior Coach” or “Level 2 Specialist” in specific disciplines like English Skeet or Olympic Trap.

The APSI (Association of Professional Shooting Instructors): This is the gold standard. An APSI-qualified instructor has gone through rigorous training specifically in the art of tuition.

Premier shooting schools: Establishments like Holland & Holland, E.J. Churchill, or West London Shooting School house permanent specialists who live and breathe specific techniques.

The BASC Directory: For those moving from clays into the field, BASC lists accredited coaches who specialise in “Safe Shot” and in-field game tuition.

We’ve been chatting in the car park (the real Clubhouse, let’s face it) about who everyone is working with lately. A few of the guys have been heading over to the valley for those high-tower simulations, while others prefer the grit of the home ground where the targets are character building. Which, of course, is just code for “bloody hard.”

Some instructors are brilliant for beginners because they keep it fun and light. Others are basically drill sergeants who will fix your flinch if it’s the last thing they do. We need to figure out if we want a cuddle or a kick up the backside. Usually, it’s the latter.