The Mental Game

If 80% of success is 'mental,' why aren’t we dedicating 80% of our training to mastering the mental game?

Shotgun sports like skeet, trap, and sporting clays demand more than just physical skill—they require a finely tuned mental approach. Staying focused, maintaining composure under pressure, and making split-second decisions are essential for consistent performance. Yet, too often, we focus primarily on physical technique, overlooking the critical role of mental strength in achieving peak performance.

In this blog, we’ll explore why the mental game is indispensable in shotgun sports and how refining these mental skills can significantly boost your performance.

The nature of shotgun sports is inherently unpredictable. In sporting clays, for instance, targets vary widely in direction, speed, and sequence, requiring the shooter to adapt swiftly with each shot. To meet these demands, mental toughness is essential. Mental toughness isn't just about resilience; it’s about the capacity to maintain focus, shut out distractions, and keep self-doubt at bay, no matter the pressure. It’s this composure that allows athletes to trust their preparation, stay present, and perform at their best when it matters most.

Be a Cyborg
I remember a moment at a national shoot when one friend asked another, “Did you feel that wind? It was crazy, right?” The reply? “What wind?” That response exemplifies the mindset of a true competitor—completely unaffected by external distractions. This level of focus is the essence of mental toughness in shotgun sports.

In shotgun sports, mental resilience is as vital as technical skill. A single missed shot can shift the momentum and even determine the outcome, making it easy for self-doubt or anxiety to creep in. This mental pressure can cause performance to spiral if not managed effectively. To stay on target—both literally and mentally—a shooter needs to maintain composure and banish negative self-talk.

Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, mentally tough shooters reinforce their confidence by focusing on their strengths and visualizing success. By concentrating on each shot and imagining successful hits, they block out distractions and build the kind of resilience that can make all the difference between winning and falling short.

You become what you think about
Visualization is a powerful mental skill that can elevate performance in shotgun sports. It involves creating a clear mental picture of the desired outcome—seeing yourself execute the perfect shot before it even happens. In shotgun sports, visualization means mentally rehearsing each shot, building a clear, confident image of success in your mind. This mental rehearsal primes the shooter to respond faster and more accurately when the target appears, reinforcing muscle memory and sharpening focus.

Visualization is especially valuable when facing challenging targets or performing under high pressure. Studies have shown that athletes who regularly practice visualization experience not only improved performance but also reduced anxiety, allowing them to stay composed and in control. By picturing each successful shot, shooters reinforce their confidence, tune out distractions, and create a winning mindset that makes them more resilient under pressure.

Whether you think you can or can't, you're right
Self-talk, or the internal dialogue we have with ourselves, is a powerful mental tool in shotgun sports. The words a shooter chooses can make the difference between doubt and confidence, hesitation and precision. Effective self-talk means replacing negative or hesitant thoughts with positive, empowering statements. Instead of thinking, “I hope I don’t miss,” a shooter should reinforce their confidence by saying, “I am going to hit this target.”

Positive self-talk helps keep focus sharp, boosts confidence, and strengthens resilience under pressure. By affirming their ability, shooters create a mental environment where success feels attainable, and every shot becomes an opportunity for reinforcement. With the right mindset, self-talk becomes a tool for consistently performing at peak levels, even in the most challenging moments.

Consistency
In shotgun sports, consistency is key—and a strong pre-shot routine is a fundamental part of achieving it. A pre-shot routine is a sequence of mental and physical steps the shooter takes before every shot, designed to help them enter the ideal mindset, focus on the target, and prepare their body for action. By following the same routine each time, the shooter builds a reliable mental and physical rhythm, increasing both accuracy and confidence.

A consistent pre-shot routine is invaluable for analyzing performance. If your approach varies with each shot, it’s difficult to identify what went right or wrong. However, with a steady routine, you can spot and adjust specific elements, making improvements easier to pinpoint. This reliable approach not only enhances accuracy but also builds the mental resilience needed to perform under pressure, helping shooters feel prepared and grounded, shot after shot.

Physical Helps Mental
Physical fitness plays a critical role in supporting the mental demands of shotgun sports. Fatigue can quickly undermine focus and decision-making, so maintaining physical health is essential for sustaining mental resilience throughout a competition. A well-conditioned body can boost mental toughness, focus, and concentration, enabling the shooter to stay sharp even during long, demanding rounds.

To support optimal performance, shooters should prioritize regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest. These elements help reduce fatigue, sharpen reflexes, and promote mental clarity under pressure. When the body is well-prepared, the mind can stay focused and resilient, creating a solid foundation for consistent, peak performance.

In conclusion, mastering the mental game is vital for success in shotgun sports. Skills like mental toughness, visualization, positive self-talk, and consistent pre-shot routines are just as critical as physical technique. To perform at their best, shooters must cultivate focus, resilience, and composure—traits that set apart top performers from the rest.

Integrating mental training into regular practice is essential for a balanced approach to improvement, helping shooters build the mental resilience necessary to handle the pressure of competition. By developing a strong mental game alongside their physical skills, shooters can unlock their full potential and reach their goals in the sport.

If you want go dive deeper into the rabbit hole, I suggest reading/listening to "With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Bassham. Links below.

Audible (audio version) - click HERE

Amazon (hard copy) - click HERE