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Send us Fan Mail How can shooters practice more effectively, choose the right approach for each target, and build consistency under pressure? Host Cody Matson sits down with New Zealand sporting clays coach and competitor Kade Wurster for a practical conversation about the skills and decisions behind breaking more targets.Kade shares how his experience coaching in New Zealand and the United States has shaped his approach to the sport. With fewer opportunities to practice regularly at many New Zealand clubs, he discusses ways shooters can make practice count—including the potential benefits and limitations of VR training. He explains that VR can help reinforce gun-mount repetition, pre-shot routines, and mental processes, but it cannot replace live practice or the visual demands of following a real target.   A major theme of the conversation is adaptability. Rather than relying on a single method, Kade encourages shooters to develop a broader “tool bag” and find a high-percentage approach for each presentation. Cody and Kade discuss maintained lead, swing-through, pull-away, and intercept techniques, and how angle, speed, and distance can inform the choice. They also emphasize keeping a strong visual focus on the target instead of letting attention drift to the gun.The pair explore the importance of a consistent gun mount, too. They compare low-gun, soft-mount, and pre-mounted shooting, discussing how starting position and hold point can affect timing, control, and connection with the bird. For Kade, a good method should help a shooter feel in control of the shot—and be repeatable.Cody and Kade also talk about coaching newer and junior shooters, the value of helping students discover what works for them, and the differences between shooting in New Zealand and the U.S. They touch on target setting, equipment, barrel length, and gun balance, sharing how personal preference and practice shape a shooter’s choices.Whether you’re new to sporting clays or looking to refine your competitive game, this episode offers useful ideas for practicing with purpose, adapting to different targets, and building a more reliable approach on the course.This episode was brought to you by The Clay Lab.   Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail The advice about “look at the bird” is only the beginning—and if you’re missing targets, you may be missing the real lesson. Dominic Grossi breaks down the visual discipline, timing, and intentionality that separate casual shooters from consistent competitors, and explains why the tiniest shift in how you see the target can change everything. Dominic shares how he went from helping teammates in college to becoming the NSCA’s Assistant Chief Shooting Instructor on the sporting clays side, and why the sport’s rapid evolution demands a more modern coaching curriculum. He and host Cody Matson get into the real mechanics behind target reading, the difference between seeing the bird and actually understanding where the gun is, and why too much conscious calculation can sabotage a shot before the shell ever leaves the barrel. You’ll discover why some shooters get lost in the “no barrel awareness” conversation, how visual discipline actually works in live fire, and why communication has to be tailored to each athlete’s eyes, background, and body.    Dominic also explains how he approaches lessons, why lateral speed matters more than distance early on, and how a handful of clear, intentional decisions can do more for your score than chasing perfection ever will.If you’re a sporting clays shooter, coach, or competitor trying to help someone finally have that lightbulb moment, this episode delivers practical insight you can use immediately. It’s especially valuable for anyone who feels stuck in overthinking, struggles with eye dominance or visual clarity, or wants to understand what elite coaching really looks like when the game keeps changing. Dominic’s perspective is equal parts technical and practical, shaped by years of coaching, mentorship from top names in the sport, and a deep respect for the evolving knowledge base of the shooting community. Perfect for shooters who want better answers, better process, and better results.   Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail What happens when an analytical mind learns when to stop analyzing? In this episode of Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights, Dawn Grant sits down with longtime competitive shooter, instructor, writer, and women’s shooting advocate Dee Orr for a conversation that moves from elite performance to one of the most successful initiatives bringing women into Sporting Clays. Dee’s rise in the sport happened quickly. After getting involved in Sporting Clays in the early 2000s, she became the 2005 Maryland State Lady Champion, represented Team USA in England in 2008 when the team won gold, and became a longtime All-American. She also began writing for Clay Shooting USA. Dee shares in the episode that she is being inducted into the NSCA Hall of Fame and receiving the Hal duPont Service Award.  But some of Dee’s most valuable lessons aren't about mechanics. Dee and Dawn dive into the battle between the analytical mind and the instinctive skills needed to perform. Dee explains how she analyzes a target, makes her plan—and then deliberately releases that thinking so she can trust her eyes and hands. Her simple reminder: look at the target and trust what you see.  They also discuss competition pressure, why shooters become too careful when scores matter, learning to focus one target at a time, and why sometimes the breakthrough happens when you finally let go.  Then Dee shares the story and mission of the FSCA Honey Belles, a Florida Sporting Clays Association initiative designed to make women feel comfortable and confident entering the shooting sports. Through education, women teaching women, beginner clinics, affordable access, and a supportive community, the program has introduced more than 1,200 women to the sport.  It's a conversation about shooting—but even more about trust, focus, community, confidence, and getting out of your own way.   Dee Orr Links FSCA Honeybelles Website:  https://sites.google.com/view/fscahoneybelles/home Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HoneybellesFL Email:  [email protected] Syren USA / Dee Orr Feature:  Meet the FSCA Honeybelles and Dee Orr NSCA Hall of Fame Announcement:  Dee Orr – 2026 NSCA Hall of Fame / Hal duPont Service Award   Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Robin Sheehan joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, women in shooting sports, mental performance, target setting, instruction, hunting, and building a stronger community for female shooters. Robin is the founder of Annie Oakley Shooters of Northern Illinois, an NSCA Level I Instructor, SCTP coach, board member at Gallatin Sporting Clays, former U.S. Shooting Team rifle competitor, and a passionate advocate for helping women find their place in clay target sports.  In this episode, Robin shares how she grew up in New Jersey in a family of pheasant hunters and later became a highly competitive smallbore rifle shooter. As a young athlete, she earned multiple national titles, international success, and All-American honors in college. After a successful professional career in investment banking, consulting, and aviation sales, Robin returned to shooting later in life through Sporting Clays when her son began taking lessons to prepare for a family pheasant hunt. Dawn and Robin discuss the major differences between rifle shooting and shotgun sports, including the challenge of moving from a stationary target and sight-based discipline into the visual, instinctive, moving-target world of Sporting Clays. Robin explains how barrel awareness, eye dominance, mechanics, and over-analysis created challenges when she began shooting shotguns, especially after years of precision rifle habits. A major focus of the episode is women in Sporting Clays. Robin shares how Annie Oakley Shooters of Northern Illinois was created to provide training, educational, and competitive opportunities for women. She discusses the importance of creating a welcoming environment where women feel respected, supported, safe, and encouraged from their very first experience with a shotgun. Dawn and Robin also discuss the difference in communication styles when coaching women, the problem of unsolicited advice, and why women often thrive in supportive clinics where they can learn without intimidation or condescension. Robin explains how the Annie Oakleys work to train instructors, host clinics, organize female registered shoots, and create a community where women can enjoy the sport while developing confidence. The conversation also explores target setting, including Robin’s experience taking a target setting clinic, her appreciation for the physical and creative demands of the work, and the artistic element involved in using terrain, distance, backgrounds, angles, and target selection to create meaningful presentations. Dawn and Robin also touch on the mental game, including Robin’s awareness that discipline, mechanics, fitness, diet, and preparation are not always enough when the mind becomes mechanical or self-conscious under pressure. They discuss focus, confidence, ego, trust, humility, and the challenge of moving from conscious control into a more natural performance state. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, women competitors, hunters, target setters, and anyone interested in growing the sport through better coaching, stronger community, and more inclusive opportunities.   Robin Sheehan Links: Annie Oakley Shooters of Northern Illinois Website:  https://annieoakleyshootersni.org/ Email:  [email protected] Board of Directors Page:  https://annieoakleyshootersni.org/about-us/annies-committee/ Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/annieoakleyshootersni/ Northbrook Sports Club:  https://northbrooksportsclub.org/ Gallatin Sporting Clays:  https://gallatinsportingclays.com/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, hosted by Cody Matson and brought to you by The Clay Lab Network, 2014 National Champion and veteran coach Pat Lieske explains why better shooting begins with a system. Instead of simply chasing the miss, Pat focuses on building an intentional, repeatable process that helps shooters understand exactly what happened on every target. From maintaining detailed logbooks and developing effective pre-shot routines to using visualization and honest self-evaluation, he shares the habits that separate advanced competitors from shooters who struggle to turn practice into better scores.   Pat breaks down how a shooter’s log can become the foundation of long-term improvement and why identifying one major weakness should guide most of a focused practice session. He explains his angle, speed, and distance method for reading targets, along with how to determine whether a miss came from the initial setup, poor execution, or an incorrect target read. Pat also discusses the power of visualization, showing how mental repetitions can reinforce the same skills developed through live-fire practice. His approach gives shooters a clear framework for diagnosing mistakes, making productive adjustments, and building a pre-shot routine that remains dependable under pressure.   The conversation also explores Pat Lieske’s journey from his early years shooting skeet to witnessing the growth of sporting clays in the United States. He explains why he left public accounting to build a full-time career in the shooting industry and how that decision led to a business centered on coaching, gun sales, and range operations. Pat also shares the creative event formats he used to attract hundreds of new NSCA members and discusses why creating a welcoming environment is essential to growing the sport.   Pat Lieske is the owner of Michigan Shooting Centers, with locations in Lake Orion and Brighton, Michigan. He is a longtime competitor, instructor, and industry professional known for his practical, process-first approach to shooting. He also serves as the United States importer for Cayman and Cosmi shotguns. This episode is essential listening for sporting clays shooters, coaches, and anyone looking to turn more practice into measurable performance. Pat delivers high-level, immediately useful advice that can change the way you prepare for, read, and approach every target.   Pat Lieske: (248) 437-2784 or (248) 693-0567 Website: https://mishoot.com/shooting-instruction/     Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/   Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail MSA Podcast Episode features Unlock the secret to effortless shooting mastery by tapping into your subconscious — discover how visual control and mental focus elevate your game beyond the physical. In this episode, renowned eye doctor Dr. Richard Colo joins shooting coach Cody Matson for a deep dive into the mental mechanics behind precision shooting. They explore groundbreaking insights on how to eliminate flinches, master visual attention, and seamlessly let the shot happen, rather than force it.You’ll discover: ·        The crucial difference between “making it happen” and “letting it happen,” and how your eyes lead your hands for more effortless, confident shots. ·        The three core elements of sports vision training: visual control, eyes-first focus, and soft fuzzy attention — and how to harness them for peak performance. ·        The impact of mental state transitions, like from conscious to subconscious, on shot accuracy — including how to conquer the dreaded flinch and target panic. ·        Practical routines, including breath control and eye pauses, that set up your brain to fire smoothly at the perfect moment. ·        Why high-level shooters accelerate their gun first, and how your visual attention influences that process. Whether you're a competitive shooter striving for that next level or an enthusiast eager to shoot more consistently, this episode reveals how understanding and training your vision can transform your results. Don’t rely on willpower alone — learn how your brain and eyes can work together behind the scenes to make shooting feel natural and effortless. Join Cody and Dr. Colo as they unpack proven techniques, surprising research, and personal experiences that put the power of the subconscious into your hands. Improve your focus, reduce anxiety, and unlock your true shooting potential—because seeing is winning. Perfect for shooters at all levels ready to go beyond mechanics and tap into your mental game. Tune in, and start letting your eyes do the work for you. Guest: Dr. Richard Colo, an acclaimed sports vision expert, brings over 35 years of experience helping shooters see their best. His work has changed how many top athletes approach performance through vision training.   Doctor Richard Colo Links Website: https://doctorcolo.com/ Phone: (860) 558-4610   Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Matson Shooting Academy Podcast hosted by The Clay Lab Network, imagine transforming the way you approach clay shooting with practical, step-by-step insights from a seasoned pro who's been in your shoes. Cody Jesse, a top-tier shooter and expert coach, shares the secrets behind building confidence in beginners, fine-tuning advanced skills, and creating courses that inspire both pros and newcomers. If you're tired of shooting frustration and want to unlock your full potential, this episode is your game-changer. Cody starts by revealing how his upbringing in hunting and outdoor sports laid the foundation for his success—not just as a shooter, but as a coach passionate about bringing others into the sport. He discusses his journey from hunting guide to leading the redesign of a premier clay target course, emphasizing how terrain, course design, and relationship-building elevate the shooting experience. You'll discover his philosophy on progressive target presentation—from easy incomers to challenging pairs—and how tailoring targets to shooters' handedness or skill level boosts confidence and consistency. We break down actionable coaching strategies Cody uses at every level: introducing new shooters safely with lightweight, low-recoil shotguns; teaching visual detail to improve target tracking; and instilling the mental discipline needed for mastery. Cody emphasizes how understanding and leveraging that core visual and mechanical "tool set" transforms novices into capable, confident shooters—without overwhelm. He also dives into his own practice routines: watching targets, isolating weaknesses like barrel control, and how to avoid common pitfalls like pushing beyond one's skill level too quickly. Why does this matter? Because in a sport where perfection is built on minute adjustments, understanding how to craft the right environment and mindset can turn obstacles into opportunities. Whether you're shooting for fun, competition, or just wanting to enjoy the outdoors with family, you'll learn how to make every shot count—and how to foster growth in others.Perfect for beginners eager to learn, seasoned shooters hungry for improvement, and course owners aiming to create memorable experiences—this episode equips you with the tools, mindset, and inspiration to elevate your entire shooting journey. Don't just shoot—shoot smarter, safer, and more confidently.   Cody Jesse is a professional shooter, course designer, and passionate instructor known for turning novices into confident marksmen. With extensive experience redesigning top courses and mentoring shooters of all levels, Cody’s insights can reshape your approach—whether on the range or in coaching.Hit play now and discover the keys to unlocking your best shot yet!   Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/  Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets behind becoming a top-tier shooting instructor as Philip Puckorius—NSCA's new chief instructor—shares insights from his 30+ years of experience. Discover how continuous learning, effective teaching frameworks, and mastering the art of diagnostics can elevate your coaching game and help shooters reach their highest potential.   This episode dives deep into the evolution of instructor education, emphasizing the importance of practical experience—like logging hours and taking lessons—to truly master the craft. Phil reveals innovative strategies for delivering effective, engaging training through seminars, digital modules, and community-driven solutions that are affordable and sustainable. You'll learn how to diagnose the root causes of misses, communicate effectively, and instill confidence in your students, transforming not only their skills but your reputation as a coach.   We break down the core components of the NSCA instructor pathway—what it takes to move from novice to elite—and explore the criteria, qualifications, and mindset keys needed to achieve level three certification. Phil also shares how the program is continuously evolving to meet modern coaching demands, aiming for a culture of excellence, safety, and shared knowledge that benefits shooters at all levels.   Perfect for aspiring instructors, experienced coaches, and serious competitors alike—if you're committed to making a real impact in the sport, this episode will equip you with the mindset, tools, and frameworks to thrive. Whether you're looking to elevate your coaching credentials or simply want insights on how top performers learn and improve, this conversation is a must-listen. Philip Puckorius is the chief instructor at NSCA, a 30-year veteran of shotgun coaching, and a dedicated educator passionate about advancing shooting instruction through proven methods and ongoing professional development. His work bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping coaches and athletes unlock their true potential.   Don't miss the lessons that can reshape your coaching approach and propel your shooters to new heights. Hit play now and start your journey toward mastery.   Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Jared Wolfe joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a thoughtful conversation on Sporting Clays, creativity, competition mindset, flow state performance, craftsmanship, and the mental side of peak performance. Jared is a competitive Sporting Clays shooter, instructor, craftsman, and lifelong outdoorsman based in Denver, Colorado.  In this episode, Jared shares how his love for shooting began at an early age through family hunting trips, cap guns, hand-thrown clay targets, and recreational shooting with his father, brother, and grandfather. Although he briefly experimented with trap shooting as a child, he quickly became drawn toward more creative and dynamic target presentations. Jared explains how the variety and artistic nature of Sporting Clays immediately captured his attention once he discovered the sport competitively years later. Dawn and Jared discuss the similarities between Sporting Clays, art, masonry, and other forms of human performance. Jared shares his background studying fine art and sculpture before eventually returning to work in his family masonry business. Throughout the conversation, they explore how creativity, craftsmanship, and instinctive execution apply both to building structures and breaking targets. A major focus of the episode centers around flow state and the zone. Jared explains how he experiences the zone regularly not only while shooting, but also during masonry work and other focused activities that require complete presence and concentration. Dawn and Jared discuss how the zone is not exclusive to sports but is instead a human performance state that can appear in art, construction, theater, music, business, and everyday life. The conversation also explores the balance between analytical thinking and instinctive performance. Jared explains how some shooters rely heavily on measurements, calculations, and conscious analysis, while others operate more from feel, rhythm, trust, and subconscious awareness. He describes how his artistic and creative background helped him develop a more intuitive relationship with movement, timing, and target connection. Dawn and Jared also discuss the importance of practicing mental discipline outside of competition. Jared emphasizes that being present while driving, working, spending time with family, or handling stressful situations becomes part of training the mind for performance under pressure. He explains that shooters who only practice focus during tournaments often struggle because they have not developed those habits consistently throughout daily life. The episode also covers gratitude, emotional control, and personal responsibility during competition. Jared shares why negativity, complaining, and fixation on external circumstances can quickly pull shooters out of the zone. Dawn and Jared discuss how gratitude, positivity, and appreciation for the sport, target setters, volunteers, and venues help competitors remain grounded and mentally present. Jared also shares his experiences with competition shooting, instruction, target setting, and his time working with respected target setters including Joe Scull. The conversation highlights the creativity behind Sporting Clays target presentation and the challenge of balancing fun, fairness, difficulty, and artistic design. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, competitors, artists, craftsmen, and anyone interested in flow state, instinctive performance, mindset, creativity, and the mental side of success.   Jared Wolfe Links Website:  https://jaredwolfe.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jaredwolfeshooting/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jaredwolfeshooting/ Phone & Email:  Available through the website contact page:  https://jaredwolfe.com/contact/ Location:  Denver, Colorado   Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Fred Ferraro joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an in-depth conversation on Sporting Clays, coaching, competition mindset, pressure management, and developing champion shooters. Fred is a resident instructor at the Dallas Gun Club, an NSCA-certified instructor, competitive clay shooter, CrossFit coach, and lifelong student of performance and human behavior.  In this episode, Fred shares his journey from growing up in Texas after moving from New York City as a child to eventually building a successful career in information technology and networking before transitioning into full-time coaching. Fred explains how his highly analytical personality shaped his early approach to shooting sports, including measuring lead distances, building spreadsheets, and trying to calculate every variable before eventually discovering the importance of target focus, instinctive shooting, and visual connection. Dawn and Fred discuss the major turning points that transformed his shooting career, including working with respected instructors such as Brad Kidd Jr., Scott Robertson, Steve Liberto, Dan Carlisle, and longtime mentor Ronnie Williams. Fred explains how learning to truly “look at the bird” changed everything for both him and his son and became one of the foundational principles of his coaching philosophy. A major focus of the episode centers around the mental game and how competitors handle pressure. Fred openly discusses his own struggles with emotional reactions during competition and how he worked to become more emotionally stable and mentally consistent under pressure. He shares observations from coaching youth athletes, explaining how some shooters need to become more energized while others perform best when calm, controlled, and emotionally neutral. The conversation also explores Fred’s highly intentional coaching methods. Dawn and Fred discuss how pressure cannot fully be recreated in practice, but how coaches can deliberately expose students to distractions, interruptions, emotional triggers, and competitive situations to help them build stronger mental habits. Fred shares examples of intentionally distracting students, creating pressure scenarios, and teaching athletes how to reset mentally and return to their process after interruptions. Dawn and Fred also discuss confidence, self-image, and helping athletes believe they are capable of becoming champion-level competitors. Fred explains how strong shooters often plateau until they develop the belief that they truly belong at a higher level of competition. He shares how building confidence, emotional resilience, and trust in a process becomes just as important as mechanics and repetition. The episode also covers pre-shot routines, visualization, emotional control, preparation habits, hydration, tournament routines, and learning to control the variables that can be controlled before competition begins. Fred explains how he eliminates unnecessary stress by organizing equipment, food, timing, and routines so that all his focus can remain on execution. Throughout the conversation, Dawn and Fred bridge the gap between mechanics, mindset, repetition, subconscious programming, and peak performance under pressure. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, youth athletes, coaches, and competitors who want to improve both their technical skills and mental game.   Fred Ferraro Links Email:  [email protected] Dallas Gun Club Instructor Page:  Dallas Gun Club   Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Brady Laramie joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on collegiate shooting, Sporting Clays, Helice, mental focus, athletic discipline, and the importance of building a complete performance system. Brady is a competitive clay target and Helice shooter, a member of the Texas A&M Trap and Skeet Team, and a young coach helping middle school and high school shooters develop in the sport.  In this episode, Brady shares how he first became involved in shooting after moving to the Prosper and Frisco area near Dallas and discovering that his private Christian high school had a clay target team. Although he grew up hunting, clay target competition opened a new level of opportunity, challenge, and excitement. He began shooting skeet, trap, and Sporting Clays, quickly developing his skills during the COVID years when he had more time to practice. Dawn and Brady discuss how his athletic background in baseball, track, running, and fitness helped shape his competitive mindset. Brady explains how running taught him to push past mental limits, quiet internal chatter, and stay focused through discomfort. He shares how those same skills transferred into clay shooting, where distractions, pressure, background noise, side-by-sides, and internal doubt can interfere with performance. A major focus of the episode is the mental game across different clay target disciplines. Brady explains how skeet and trap become highly mental once the mechanics are established because the targets are predictable and success depends on focus, consistency, and emotional control. Sporting Clays, by contrast, requires planning, preparation, target reading, and then the ability to let go and execute instinctively. Brady also shares his growing passion for Helice, explaining how the unpredictability of the target forces complete presence, reaction, and trust. He discusses why Helice appealed to him after reaching Master Class in Sporting Clays and how the discipline creates a different competitive opportunity where strong mental focus can narrow the gap between developing shooters and top-level competitors. Dawn and Brady also explore the broader elements of peak performance, including hydration, nutrition, fitness, sleep, travel preparation, and controlling the variables that can be controlled before competition. Brady shares how hydration became especially important after dealing with kidney stones and how he now treats preparation as part of his competitive routine. The episode also covers collegiate shooting at Texas A&M, including the team structure, tryout process, regional and national competitions, and the multiple disciplines athletes must compete in across the ACUI format. Brady explains how shooting for Texas A&M has helped him grow as both a competitor and a person. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, Helice competitors, collegiate athletes, young shooters, coaches, and anyone interested in mental discipline, preparation, athletic development, and long-term improvement in clay target sports.   Brady Laramie Links Email:  [email protected] Texas A&M Trap and Skeet Team:  https://www.instagram.com/tamutrapandskeet/   Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Russ McElyea joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a deep conversation on Sporting Clays, mental discipline, flow state performance, instruction, competition mindset, and the evolution of one of Montana’s premier shooting facilities. Russ is a longtime competitive shooter, instructor, outdoorsman, former judge, and board member at Gallatin Sporting Clays near Bozeman, Montana.  In this episode, Russ shares how his shooting journey originally began through bird hunting and a desire to become a better shot for his English Setter and hunting companions. After starting in skeet more than 35 years ago, Russ and a small group of dedicated shooters pooled their resources together to create what eventually became Gallatin Sporting Clays. What started with two traps on a small piece of land eventually evolved into a major facility featuring multiple Sporting Clays courses, FITASC layouts, five stands, and more than 150 traps, all operated through volunteer passion and community support. Dawn and Russ discuss the unique culture surrounding the Montana shooting community, the importance of preserving quality facilities, and the dedication required to build and maintain a successful club. Russ explains how every dollar generated by the club is reinvested directly into improving the facility, creating a strong sense of ownership and pride among members and volunteers. A major focus of the episode centers around the mental game and how Russ developed an awareness of flow state performance through years of participating in outdoor sports including mountain biking, dirt biking, skiing, hunting, rifle competition, handgun competition, and Sporting Clays. Russ explains how many high-speed sports demand a complete absence of conscious thought and how that same subconscious flow state becomes critical in shotgun sports as well. Dawn and Russ explore the concept of the zone, the importance of letting go, trust, confidence, emotional control, and the challenge of quieting the conscious mind under pressure. Russ discusses how over-analysis, excessive control, and attachment to outcomes can interfere with performance, while belief, trust, positivity, and emotional discipline help shooters access peak performance states more consistently. The conversation also explores the similarities between life and Sporting Clays. Russ shares how adversity, frustration, setbacks, and struggle often become the greatest teachers in both competition and personal growth. Dawn and Russ discuss why confidence with humility creates a stronger competitor than arrogance, why many elite shooters possess exceptional self-discipline, and how true growth often comes through learning to release self-imposed limitations. Russ also shares stories from his professional background as an attorney, ski resort executive, and judge, explaining how those experiences shaped his perspective on discipline, objectivity, self-awareness, leadership, and personal accountability. He explains how those same traits later carried over into coaching, instruction, and competition shooting. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, competitors, club owners, and anyone interested in mental performance, flow state, emotional discipline, and the connection between mindset, sport, and life itself.   Russ McElyea Links Gallatin Sporting Clays Website:  https://gallatinsportingclays.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GallatinSportingClays/ Instagram:  I could not find an official public Instagram account for Gallatin Sporting Clays or Russ McElyea. Phone:  406-209-2144 Location:  Gallatin Sporting Clays  Bozeman, Montana Contact Page:  https://gallatinsportingclays.com/contact-us/   Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Jon Parrish joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, instruction, mental focus, competition shooting, coaching, and the process of developing consistency in shotgun sports. Jon is an NSCA Level III Instructor, founder of Shady Cove Shooting School, competitive shooter, course setter, and homeschool shooting team coach based in the mountains of western North Carolina.  In this episode, Jon shares how he grew up in rural Tennessee hunting and shooting from an early age before eventually discovering Sporting Clays in his mid-40s. Although his first 100-target outing resulted in a score of only 38, he immediately fell in love with the sport and knew it would become a lifelong passion. Dawn and Jon discuss the exhilaration of breaking difficult targets, the camaraderie found within the shooting community, and why Sporting Clays became an escape from the analytical demands of Jon’s professional career in the insurance industry. A major focus of the episode is the mental game and the balance between conscious preparation and instinctive execution. Jon explains how shooters must carefully plan their break points, hold points, visual pickup points, and stance before calling for the target, but once the target appears, they must stop analyzing and trust instinct, vision, and subconscious movement. Dawn and Jon discuss the zone, intuitive shooting, overthinking, confidence, and how excessive analysis can interfere with performance. Jon also shares one of the most difficult periods of his competitive shooting journey when his eye dominance shifted from right-eye dominant to left-eye dominant later in life. He explains the confusion and frustration that came with missing targets that visually appeared correct and how eventually learning to manage the issue through proper visual techniques helped him return to competition and continue progressing toward Master Class status. The conversation also explores coaching and instruction. Jon explains why he moved from primarily competing to focusing more heavily on teaching and mentoring shooters. He discusses his philosophy that success in Sporting Clays comes from mastering a small number of core fundamentals and then learning to execute them subconsciously under pressure. Dawn and Jon also discuss the importance of belief, confidence, persistence, and patience in skill development. Jon shares why many shooters become discouraged too quickly and how progress in Sporting Clays requires a long-term mindset rather than instant gratification. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey, staying committed during plateaus, and continuing to trust the process even during difficult stretches. The episode also highlights Jon’s work coaching the Haywood Homeschool Bobcats shotgun team, including their surprising district championship victory against much larger schools. Jon shares how meaningful it has been to mentor young shooters and help them grow both competitively and personally. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, coaches, competitors, and anyone interested in the connection between mindset, instinctive shooting, confidence, perseverance, and long-term development in shotgun sports.   Jon Parrish Links:  Website:  https://shadycovess.com/ NSCA Instructor Profile:  https://nsca.nssa-nsca.org/instructor/jon-parrish/ Iron Mountain Sporting Clays:  https://ironmountainclays.com/ Fowler Farms Sporting Clays:  https://fowlerfarmsportingclays.com/     Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Cindi Hubbard joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an honest and inspiring conversation on Sporting Clays, women in shooting sports, confidence, instruction, competition pressure, and the mental side of performance. Cindi is an NSCA Level III Instructor, founder of She Shoots Clays, and an instructor certification coach who has spent years helping women and new shooters gain confidence in the sport while developing practical shooting skills and mental resilience.  In this episode, Cindi shares her unusual path into shooting sports. Raised in Southern California in a home where guns were viewed with fear and avoided entirely, she did not pull the trigger on a shotgun until age 40. Initially terrified, she quickly discovered a passion for shooting after breaking her first targets in skeet. What began as a way to manage stress during a difficult season of life soon developed into a deep involvement in Sporting Clays, hunting, long-range rifle shooting, pistol shooting, and instruction. Dawn and Cindi discuss how fear, upbringing, and mental programming can shape a shooter’s confidence and comfort around firearms. Cindi explains how years of negative messaging about guns created anxiety and fear before she ever stepped onto a range, and how overcoming those internal beliefs became part of her journey into the sport. A major focus of the episode is the mental game, especially as it relates to women shooters. Cindi openly shares her experiences with performance anxiety, fear of judgment, overthinking, confidence struggles, and emotional pressure during competition. She describes how difficult it was early in her shooting career to manage the constant mental chatter during tournaments and how she often felt intensely aware of being one of the few women competing at events. Dawn and Cindi also explore the connection between instinctive shooting, conscious thought, and the zone. They compare shooting to dance, piano, and other repetitive skills that transition from conscious effort into subconscious execution through repetition and trust. Cindi explains how she uses surprise targets, report pairs, and instinctive shooting exercises to help students stop overthinking and begin trusting their natural movement and visual focus. The conversation also covers the challenges women face balancing family responsibilities, work, motherhood, and competition shooting. Cindi shares how these realities inspired her to create She Shoots Clays, a supportive environment where women could practice together, build confidence, and feel welcomed into the sport without intimidation or pressure. Dawn and Cindi also discuss instruction, learning through struggle, coaching methods, and why many great teachers are developed through personal hardship and persistence. Cindi explains how years of trial and error, including shooting with one eye closed for nearly a decade, ultimately helped shape her approach to coaching and instruction. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, women competitors, and anyone interested in confidence, mindset, instinctive shooting, emotional control, and the mental side of improvement in shotgun sports.   Cindi Hubbard Links Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SheShootsClays/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sheshootsclays/ Email:  [email protected] NSCA Instructor Page:  https://nsca.nssa-nsca.org/instructor/cindi-hubbard/     Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Send us Fan Mail Scott Barnett joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an international conversation on Sporting Clays, competition shooting, gun clubs, mental training, and the differences between the shooting culture in the United Kingdom and the United States. Scott is the owner of Mickley Hall Shooting School in Cheshire, England, where he and his family have built one of the country’s respected shooting facilities. Scott began shooting at nine years old, competed for England and Great Britain in multiple shotgun disciplines, and later transitioned into English Sporting competition and instruction.  In this episode, Scott shares the story of how his family transformed their farm into a full shooting school and sporting business. What started as a small operation running limited events eventually expanded into a large shooting facility with dozens of traps, a clubhouse, gun room, instructors, retail sales, and commercial business rentals. Scott explains the unique planning laws in the UK, the challenges of obtaining permission to operate a shooting ground, and the increasing pressure from anti-gun attitudes and regulations. Dawn and Scott also discuss the major differences between clay target competition in the UK and the US. Scott explains how many British shooters historically traveled around the country shooting multiple registered events in a single weekend, while American competitions are often centralized at one large venue over several days. They also discuss how target presentations, club culture, and competition structures differ internationally. A major focus of the conversation is the mental side of competitive shooting. Scott shares how distractions from business responsibilities, customers, phones, social media, and score updates can negatively affect focus during major events. Dawn and Scott discuss the importance of being mentally present, setting boundaries, leaving phones behind, and protecting concentration during competition. Scott also gives valuable insight into his own experience with mental coaching. He explains how he began working with sports psychology programs as a junior shooter on Great Britain teams and how mental training has helped him throughout different stages of his career. Dawn and Scott discuss confidence, breathing, accountability, pressure management, repetitive thinking, and why many elite competitors quietly work with mental coaches even if they do not publicly discuss it. The episode also explores how shooters develop confidence over time, why lower-level shooters are often influenced too heavily by others around them, and how instructors can help new competitors gradually become comfortable in competition settings. Scott explains how building trust in your own technique and staying committed to your process is critical for long-term success. Dawn and Scott also discuss the growing level of competition in Sporting Clays, the influence of high scores on competitors’ psychology, and how preparation, repetition, and mindset all contribute to elite performance. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, competitors, and gun club owners interested in mental discipline, international shooting culture, and the evolving mindset of today’s clay target athletes.   Scott Barnett Links Website:  https://www.mickleyhall.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mickleyhallshootingschool/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mickleyhallshootingschool/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@mickleyhallshootingschool Email:  [email protected] Phone:  +44 1270 522422 Location:  Mickley Hall Shooting School  Cheshire, England   Dawn Grant Links   https://dawngrant.com/  https://mindmastered.com/   https://ameliashotgunsports.com/    Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook