I think that all the mechanics you enumerated are essential eventually. However, I like to build enthusiasm with participation and find long discussions of the mechanics are meaningless and not absorbed until after the shooter has some experience with shooting. They aren't hearing because they are either anticipating the shooting or overly anxious about it; or they lack the perspective to understand how to apply it. So aside from a brief safety discussion I like to get the shooter on station 7 of a skeet field or as close a representation of a high house incomer to station 7 as I can. The high house bird gives them time to see the bird and move the gun. After the first shots I can work in instruction about focusing on the bird and keeping the gun moving until they find success. Usually takes about 3-5 shots. I also like the high house better than the outgoing station 7 low house bird as it has less of a surprise to the launch and instills gun movement early. Once they have success and repeated it that is enough because they are tired of holding up the gun. Take a break and discuss what they have learned, add in a few more bits of mechanics. They may go back for another short session but don't go too many shots as this is intense and tiring for them.
Regardless the size of the shooter, I like to use very light 20ga loads as recoil is always a factor for new shooters. Handloads of 3/4oz and velocities around 1050 to 1100 fps are great for this. Even if it is an adult shooter on a 12ga, I use light loads (7/8oz and low velocity).
Dick Jones observation about smaller shooters having issues with muzzle heavy guns is interesting in that they will adopt a reverse C posture with weight mostly on the back leg to bring the muzzle upward. Yet a couple days later will be able to assume a proper weight forward stance. I haven't fully solved this puzzle yet, but I think the issue is largely a psycological effort to retreat from the gun (assuming the stock is a reasonable fit to begin with.) I adjust the stance on the station and even provide physical support for the fore elbow and upper back if necessary until a couple shots have been fired. Usually seems to be self adjusting after that. I like to have them observe an experienced female shooter during the break too.
I had to edit this because I had assumed your student had zero experience and that wasn't what you said in the question. Sorry, my comments apply to how I manage first time shooters.
Last edited by Jerry V Lape; 06/14/10 05:38 PM.
