Master Sporting Clays: Tackling Loopers with Precision in Europe
Loopers are a unique challenge on the sporting clays course. Their unpredictable flight path often leaves shooters second-guessing their technique. In this episode of Master Sporting Clays, Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors collaborates with coach Josh Brown to break down a simple yet effective approach to mastering loopers. Watch the video below and click the 'CC' button for captions in multiple languages.
Understanding Loopers
Loopers add an extra layer of complexity to sporting clays with their arcing trajectory. Unlike straightforward crossing targets, loopers require shooters to account for both horizontal and vertical movement. Josh emphasizes keeping things simple: avoid overthinking the target’s arc and treat it like a crossing shot.
Many shooters fall into the trap of following the loop’s entire arc, which complicates timing and positioning. Instead, Josh recommends focusing on the last third of the clay’s flight path—the sweet spot where the target begins to roll over.
Gun Position and Timing
Consistency in gun position and timing is key to breaking loopers. According to Josh, the safest and most effective method is to let the clay “beat” the gun. Start with the barrel slightly behind the target, align it with the bottom edge of the clay, and accelerate through the line.
Pro Tip: Break the clay just as it begins to roll over. Trust your eyes to judge the lead and avoid trying to measure the gap directly.
Footwork and Body Alignment for Loopers
Proper footwork and alignment are crucial for managing the looper’s movement. Position your feet toward the kill point and keep your shoulders square. This stable stance allows you to track the clay’s path smoothly without overcompensating.
Pro Tip: Align your core with the target’s break point to maintain control and precision through the shot.
Using ShotKam for Real-Time Feedback
Shooting loopers can feel like an exercise in trust, but tools like ShotKam provide clarity. By analyzing footage, shooters can identify subtle errors in timing or alignment that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Josh explains that visuals from ShotKam reveal a common mistake: starting the move too early. Letting the clay pass the gun before initiating the shot ensures your head hits the stock while still behind the bird, creating a smoother, more controlled movement.
Pro Tip: Review your ShotKam footage to pinpoint where your timing or positioning might need adjustment.
Swing-Through vs. Pull-Away
Loopers challenge shooters to choose between instinctive methods like swing-through and more calculated approaches like pull-away. While swing-through feels natural, pull-away can offer flexibility for the target’s changing trajectory. Josh prefers the swing-through technique, starting from behind the clay and driving the gun forward to maintain momentum.
Pro Tip: Whichever method you choose, avoid slowing down or trying to measure lead. Stay aggressive and let your natural instincts guide the shot.
Conclusion: Keep It Simple
Loopers test a shooter’s ability to trust their instincts while maintaining control. Josh’s approach—focusing on the last third of the flight path, aligning properly, and staying aggressive—is a reliable way to tackle these tricky targets. With practice and tools like ShotKam for feedback, even the most frustrating loopers become manageable.
Practice these tips, review your ShotKam footage, and see how small adjustments can make a big difference on the course.
Missed our blog on mastering crossers? Check it out here.
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