How to Prepare for Your First Registered Sporting Clays Shoot
Taking the Next Step in Sporting Clays For many shooters, registering for a first tournament can feel intimidating. Questions about […]
Sporting Clays Etiquette Guide
Why Etiquette Matters in Sporting Clays Sporting clays is more than a shooting sport. It is built on safety, sportsmanship,
Dylan Thompson: How a 21-Year-Old Shoots the World’s Toughest Targets and Wins Big
Most shooters underestimate just how much mental toughness and strategic practice accelerate success. Dylan Thompson, a rising star in sporting clays, reveals how he skyrocketed to top levels before turning 21—thanks to relentless focus, expert coaching, and understanding the true nature of confidence.
In this episode, gun in hand and mindset locked, Dylan shares the secrets behind his rapid rise, from winning major junior titles to competing among world champions. You'll discover the crucial role of tiny technical tweaks emphasized by his coach Kevin DeMichael, why spending hundreds of thousands of rounds is just part of the journey, and how confidence—both mental and physical—can make or break your performance.
NSCA Classification System Explained
What Is the NSCA Classification System? The National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) uses a classification system to group shooters of
How to Read Sporting Clays Targets
Why Reading Targets Matters Many shooters believe missed targets are caused by poor shooting technique. In reality, a large percentage
Best Chokes for Sporting Clays
The best all-around choice for sporting clays is typically Light Modified, with Improved Cylinder a close second. Why Light Modified
Trap Shooting Tips for New Shooters: A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking More Targets
Trap shooting is one of the most popular shotgun sports in the world, offering a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience
FITASC Rules Explained
If you’ve spent time shooting sporting clays, you’ve probably heard shooters talk about FITASC. Pronounced “fee-task,” FITASC is an international
How to Shoot Sporting Clays Better: 10 Proven Tips to Break More Targets
Sporting clays is often called “golf with a shotgun” because every station presents a new challenge. From fast crossers and
Derrick Mein & Gary Fitzjarrell : The Game Only Works Well When Everyone Respects It
Warning BAD LANGUAGE! Recorded in June 2025
The best part of shooting has never been the gear or the photos, it’s the shared code: be safe, be respectful, and compete like it matters. We sit down with Gary Fitzjarrell and Derrick Mein for a raw, wide-ranging talk that starts with real life health updates and quickly turns into what’s happening to sporting clays, trap shooting, and the broader clay target community as the sport changes.
We get specific about range etiquette and shotgun safety: why idling carts, trashing property, and walking around with closed guns isn’t just annoying, it’s how accidents happen. Along the way we share a “science project” that actually matters, chronograph testing frozen shotgun shells to see what cold weather does to velocity and ammo performance.
From there, Derek talks training, travel, and staying ready for the next Olympic cycle and LA 2028, plus what changes when you switch guns and rebuild confidence. We debate course setting, why some targets turn into coin flips, and why the most fun shoots often keep it simple.
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