Like any activity, as a newcomer it is important to ensure that your first experience is a positive one. Here at South Pennine Shooting School we will indeed endeavour to make that just so. Shotgun shooting is a wonderful sport and no matter what level you participate it has something to offer everyone.

With beginners our aim is for them to leave us not only with a sound understanding of the basics but also with a real sense of personal achievement.

Although safety is a priority, we like to keep things as relaxed and informal as possible with the emphasis on enjoyment – which coincidentally creates the perfect environment in which to learn.

For beginners, the initial lesson is broken down into two parts. First we look at the fundamentals - ensuring that your basic setup is correct (a little time spent here pays huge dividends in the long run), only moving to the actual shooting once you are totally comfortable.

We will start with relatively easy targets and progress at your own pace as your confidense and ability grows.

Historically shooting has always been a very male dominated activity, although in recent years more and more ladies are taking up this wonderful sport and there is no reason why they can’t compete at the same level as men.

All too frequently ladies are put off shooting as a result of a poor initial experience - now this could be due to a number of factors, including poor instruction, although one area which is often neglected where ladies are concerned is gun fit. In shotgun shooting it is so important to have a gun that fits correctly, unfortunately virtually all modern production shotguns are designed and made to fit the physical characteristics of the average male!

To get the most out of your shotgun shooting it’s essential you’re provided with not only quality tuition but also the appropriate equipment.

Here at South Pennine Shooting School you have the chance to receive not only instruction from an experienced and qualified CPSA Senior Coach but also the opportunity to be fitted with a suitable gun.

No matter what your shooting ambition, the advantages of good coaching cannot be overstated.

Established shooters often suffer a dip in form or struggle with certain target presentation from time to time. Simply trying harder rarely helps and well-meaning advice from fellow shooters can often be more confusing than helpful.

Until faults are identified, they can’t be rectified. Unfortunately all too often it’s the symptoms of problems that are recognised and corrected rather than the actual root cause. Correcting a symptom may help on a particular target on a particular day, but very often doesn’t translate into any long-term improvement in a shooters’ ability - this is where a professional coach can really make a difference.

A typical lesson would start with a discussion about your experience, future goals and any particular aspects of clay pigeon or game shooting that you are not confident or struggling with.

Although safety is the priority, we like to keep the atmosphere relaxed. All lessons are tailored to suit the individual, a structured process is followed to ensure that all fundamentals are in place before advancing to the finer points (It is so important to have solid foundations).

Knowledge and technique are expanded upon and brought together at a pace that suits you, reinforced through repetition and practice - resulting in a steady and sustainable improvement, which in turn boosts confidence and ability.

South Pennine Shooting School is able to offer game shooting tuition. Whether you’re new to the sport and wish to become acquainted with the essentials before your initial outing (safety, etiquette and gun handling), or an experienced shooter looking to improve on your averages before the start of next season.

Whatever your requirements we can tailor instruction to suit.