Introduction
If you love shooting clays, or clays shooting, get ready for an even bigger thrill! Super Sporting is like shooting clays on steroids – more traps, faster clay targets, and a crazy variety that’ll test your skills like never before.
What is Super Sporting?
Super Sporting is a fast-paced, challenging variant of sporting clay shooting. The key difference? More traps! Instead of the usual two, Super Sporting stations boast three or even more. This means more targets, more variety, and less predictability – forcing you to stay sharp and adapt on the fly.
The Super Sporting Experience
Let’s break down what a Super Sporting course looks like:
- Stations: Like sporting clays, a course consists of multiple stations (usually around 8). Each station presents a unique shooting challenge.
- The Trap Frenzy: Imagine walking to a station and seeing a semicircle of traps. That’s Super Sporting! These traps launch clay targets in singles, report pairs (where the second target launches after hearing the first shot), and valid pairs (two targets launching simultaneously).
- The “Menu Card”: Before you blast away, you’ll get a ‘menu card’ for each station. This card outlines the sequence of target presentations, providing a glimpse of the exhilarating chaos to come.
Why You Should Dive into the World of Super Sporting
- Never a Dull Moment: Super Sporting will snap you out of any target shooting rut. The sheer variety of targets will keep you engaged and force you to make quick decisions.
- Accelerated Skill Development: Want to get better at sporting clays fast? Super Sporting acts as an intense training ground. You’ll quickly improve your target acquisition, lead calculations, overall gun handling, and even those lightning-fast reflexes due to the sheer number of targets and unexpected sequences.
- The Mental Game: It’s not just about physical marksmanship—Super Sporting demands mental focus. You’ll need to filter out distractions, stay present at the moment, and quickly bounce back from missed shots – there’s always another target on its way!
- The Thrill of Competition: Super Sporting has you covered if leaderboards get your heart racing. It’s a full-fledged competitive discipline governed by organizations like the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA): https://nssa-nsca.org/. Tournaments offer different formats, like FITASC, with skill divisions, so there’s a challenge for everyone.
- Community and Fun: Beyond skill improvement or competition, Super Sporting attracts a passionate community of shooters who love the camaraderie and excitement of the sport. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere at many ranges, with experienced shooters often willing to share tips and encouragement.
Getting Started with Super Sporting
Ready for some adrenaline-fueled shotgun action? Here’s how to jump in:
- Finding a Range: The National Sporting Clays Association website https://nssa-nsca.org/ is a great place to start your search for Super Sporting courses near you. Additionally, check websites or social media pages of local sporting clays clubs, as they often mention Super Sporting availability.
- Gear Up: You’ll need the same essential equipment for sporting clays. This includes a shotgun, shells appropriate for clay targets, and basic eye and ear protection.
- Gear Considerations: While any clay shooting shotgun will work, some shooters prefer semi-automatic shotguns for their faster reloading capabilities in Super Sporting. Consider more open chokes for the closer shots you’ll often encounter.
- A Word About Lessons: If you’re a total newbie, a Sporting Clays lesson or two is wise. It’ll get you comfortable with gun handling and introductory target presentations before jumping into the fast-paced world of Super Sporting.
- The Right Mindset: Approach Super Sporting with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It might be a bit humbling initially, but that’s part of the fun! Embrace the challenge, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you improve.
FAQ
- Q: Am I good enough for Super Sporting if I’m new to shooting clays?
- A: While Super Sporting is more challenging, it’s accessible to newcomers! A sporting clay lesson or two will familiarize you with the basics, and many Super Sporting ranges welcome shooters of all levels.
- Q: What’s the difference between report pairs and valid pairs?
- A: With report pairs, the second clay target launches after hearing the sound of your first shot. Valid pairs launch both targets simultaneously, requiring you to decide your engagement order quickly.
- Q: Do I need an extraordinary shotgun for Super Sporting?
- A: You can get started with your current sporting clay shotgun. However, some experienced shooters prefer the faster reloading capabilities of a semi-automatic when facing those rapid sequences of targets Super Sporting throws at you.
- Q: Where can I find Super Sporting competitions in my area?
- A: The NSCA website (https://nssa-nsca.org/) is the best place for significant events. Smaller local competitions are sometimes advertised through sporting clays clubs, so check their websites and social media pages, too.
- Q: Is Super Sporting considered a sport?
- A: Yes! Super Sporting is a competitive form of clay pigeon shooting. Like other shooting sports, it requires skill, precision, strategy, and athleticism. It’s a recognized discipline within several shooting organizations.
So, are you ready to test your shotgun skills like never before? Find a Super Sporting range near you and experience the thrill!
