His name is Jerry Meyers and he was one of my Examiners at my NSCA Level I instructors certification class many long years ago. Wise and reassuringly competent, he provided our class with a pearl of information that has served me, and my students, very well over the years. It’s such a little pearl in the overall scheme of things, but can literally keep that long run going or maybe pick your chin up on this field after a rough performance on the last field.
Here, we’re talking about your Focal Point in your set-up, step 4 after step 1) Break Point, 2) Foot Position, and 3) Muzzle Hold Point.
Focal Point is where you place your eyes to see the target, before you call for the bird. Establishing that location and then looking there ensures you will see the bird without wasting time hunting for it. On many fields in your round, milliseconds really do count. Seeing the bird punctually starts your gun movement in the right direction and on time. That part about “on time” is important.
Which brings us to Jerry’s pearl. He said, “Be a miser with your muzzle and a spendthrift with your eyes.” Miser with your muzzle means an economical and efficient swing. Spendthrift with your eyes means, go find the target. Look for it,…hunt for it if you have to. Look back for it. If you can look through the bushes, leaves or limbs and see it leave the trap, or track it’s flight early before it reaches the opening where everyone else first sees it: advantage you. While this isn’t always important, there are times when seeing that bird early gives you a precious head-start. A head-start that saves you time on the first bird that you can now apply on the second bird. And having a little extra time on the 2nd target never hurt any of us.
Thanks Jerry. Hope this finds you well and still sharing your wisdom with others.
Dan Schindler is one of only 35 worldwide members of the British Guild of Shooting Instructors and holds the highest level of certification in the US as a NSCA Level III instructor. Dan founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective coaching for the sporting clays enthusiast.
Dan has spent his entire life studying and participating in the various facets of shotgunning. Aside from his exemplary credentials as an instructor and writer, he received his gun fitting training from Peter and Wendy Crabtree originally from the West London Shooting School. As time permits, Dan competes in local, state and national competitions.
