Master Sporting Clays: A Practical Guide to Quartering Targets in the UK
Quartering targets are a common challenge in sporting clays, especially in the U.S. They might look simple, but their tricky angles and varying speeds can make even experienced shooters second-guess themselves. In this episode of Master Sporting Clays, Jonny Carter from TGS Outdoors teams up with coach Josh Brown to break down the best way to tackle quartering targets. Watch the video below, and don’t forget to hit the 'CC' button for captions in multiple languages.
Understanding Quartering Targets
Quartering targets can vary greatly in their presentation. Some show their belly, some their dome, and others their face—and each brings its own challenge. According to Josh, targets that show their dome or face tend to deceive shooters the most, thanks to glare and misleading flight paths.
One common mistake is overestimating how much lead you actually need. The fix is simple: let the clay get ahead of you, insert your gun behind it, and drive through the line with confidence.
Gun Position and Speed
Josh points out that where you start your gun and how you move it can make or break the shot. If your hold point is too far forward, you’ll feel rushed. Instead, start behind the clay and let its movement dictate yours. The key is to stay smooth and decisive—no overthinking required.
This method works because it plays into natural instincts. Instead of trying to measure the lead, trust your eyes and hands to do the work. Even on closer targets, you’ll want to let the clay pass the barrel before moving confidently through its line.
Pro Tip: Keep your barrel just behind the target and focus on its front edge. Using visual markers, like a blade of grass or a unique feature, can help you fine-tune your hold point.
Footwork and Alignment
You can’t hit what you can’t track. Proper footwork is essential to staying balanced and in control. Josh recommends setting your feet toward your kill point and squaring your shoulders to the target’s path. A little effort in your setup goes a long way in keeping your shots smooth and natural.
Pro Tip: Position your core toward the kill point for better tracking and consistency. A strong stance means fewer last-second adjustments and more solid hits.
How ShotKam Helps You Improve
If you’ve ever wondered why you missed a shot, a tool like ShotKam can show you exactly what went wrong. Quartering targets, in particular, make it tough to see mistakes in real-time. With ShotKam footage, you can review your timing, hold points, and movement to fine-tune your approach.
Pro Tip: Use ShotKam to see if you're moving too early or misjudging your hold point. Small tweaks can lead to big improvements in your game.
Trust Your Instincts
Quartering targets are all about blending instinct and preparation. Whether you’re up against a Chandelle, a rabbit, or a standard clay, the key is to stay on the target’s line and trust your training. Josh reminds shooters not to rush shots that seem easy—overconfidence can lead to mistakes just as easily as hesitation.
"Let your instincts take over," Josh says. "Once the clay beats the gun, your hands will naturally guide the shot—if you’ve built solid fundamentals."
Pro Tip: Treat every shot with the same level of focus. Good habits build confidence, and confidence leads to consistency.
Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect
Quartering targets challenge you to trust your instincts and refine your technique. By focusing on your setup, timing, and execution—and using tools like ShotKam to review your performance—you can become a more consistent and confident shooter.
Next time you hit the range, give these tips a try and see the difference for yourself. Missed our blog on tackling loopers? Check it out here.
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