In this conversation, Dawn Grant interviews Brandy Elrod,a competitive shooter and owner of Lady Outdoor Lifestyles Magazine. Brandy shares her journey into the world of shooting sports, overcoming a birth injury that limited her mobility. She discusses her experience on the USA Paralympic team, the mental challenges she faced, and the importance of support in competitive sports. Brandy also highlights her coaching philosophy and how she incorporates mental training into her coaching methods, emphasizing the need for focus and resilience in the face of challenges. In this engaging conversation, Dawn Grant and Brandy Elrod explore the multifaceted world of youth sports, the impact of parental influence, and the evolution of women's roles in competitive shooting. They discuss the importance of passion in sports, the transition from youth to adult participation, and the recent changes in the Lady Outdoor Lifestyles magazine, which aims to represent a broader spectrum of outdoor lifestyles. The dialogue also delves into the mindset and stamina required for women in competitive shooting, highlighting the potential for future breakthroughs in the sport.

Brandy Elrod Links

Lady Outdoor Lifestyles Magazine:https://outdoorpursuitsmedia.com/lady-outdoor-lifestyles

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ladyoutdoorlifestyles/

Email:mailto:Info@ladyoutdoorlifestyles.com

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here:https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Takeaways

-Brandy emphasizes the importance of mental training incompetitive sports.

-She has taught individuals with limb differences how toshoot shotguns.

-Brandy's experience on the Paralympic team opened doorsfor her and others with similar challenges.

-Her coaching style has evolved to focus on the mentalaspects of shooting sports.

-Brandy's determination and resilience have been key toher success in the shooting sports community. Parental influence cansignificantly impact a child's sports experience.

-It's crucial for young athletes to have a genuineinterest in their sport.

-The Lady Outdoor Lifestyles magazine has evolved toinclude diverse outdoor lifestyles.

-Women in shooting sports face unique challenges relatedto mindset and focus.

-The magazine aims to tell relatable stories of everydaywomen in outdoor activities.

-Women are increasingly participating in shooting sports,with potential for future champions.

-Living fearlessly and attempting new things is key topersonal growth.

www.Claylabusa.com

In this episode of the Madison Shooting Academy podcast,host The Clay Lab interviews Aniston Hamil, a competitive shooter and senior at Emmanuel University. Aniston shares her journey in the world of clay target shooting, balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for the sport. She discusses her experiences in various shooting disciplines, the importance of discipline in both academics and athletics, and her transition from high school to college shooting. Aniston also offers insights on managing pressure and expectations as a collegiate athlete, emphasizing the importance of support and community in overcoming challenges. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the importance of confidence in shooting sports, the struggles athletes face, and the significance of coaching and mentorship. They emphasize the need for young shooters, especially females, to find the right equipment and support to excel in the sport. The conversation also touches on the speaker's aspirations for the future in coaching and competition, highlighting the community aspect of shooting sports.

Aniston Hamil

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annies_clays/

Email:AnistonMSA@gmail.com

Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

Matson Shooting Academy:https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/

MSA Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/

Takeaways

-Anniston is a senior at Emmanuel University majoring ingraphic design.

-She balances her academic workload with competitiveshooting.

-Discipline is crucial for success in both academics andshooting.

-Sporting clays is her favorite shooting discipline dueto its variety.

-Traveling for competitions has broadened her experiencein shooting.

-Managing mental pressure is key to success incompetitive shooting. Having confidence in yourself can change everything.

-Comparison can hinder your progress and joy.

-Focus on the present moment during competition.

-Your self-worth is not defined by your scores.

-Coaching allows you to give back to the sport you love.

-Building relationships with youth shooters is rewarding.

-Finding the right equipment is crucial for femaleshooters.

-The transition from 20 gauge to 12 gauge can bebeneficial.

-Coaching helps refresh your own skills and knowledge.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anniston Hamill

01:54 Balancing Academics and Competitive Shooting

05:23 Diverse Disciplines in Shooting Sports

09:27 The Journey to Emmanuel University

14:27 Early Beginnings in Shooting

18:59 Overcoming Challenges in College Shooting

22:26 Managing Pressure and Expectations

24:14 Building Confidence and Overcoming Struggles

29:03 The Joy of Coaching and Mentoring

32:36 Empowering Female Shooters

41:51 Future Aspirations in Coaching and Competition

Jim Lowry, an 86-year-old clay shooter, shares his journey from engineering to becoming a passionate participant in sporting clays. Jim is a National Sporting Clays Association Legacy Veteran who competes a various large events throughout the shooting circuit. He discusses the importance of mental preparation, visualization, and self-confidence in shooting, drawing parallels between golf and clay shooting. Jim emphasizes the significance of setting realistic goals and enjoying the learning process, while also addressing the mental barriers that can hinder performance. His insights provide valuable lessons for both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike.

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Takeaways

-Jim Lowry is an 86-year-old clay shooter who enjoys the sport.

-The mental aspect of shooting is crucial, with visualization being key.

-Self-confidence plays a significant role in performance.

-Jim emphasizes the importance of enjoying the learning process.

-He believes that everyone has their own unique approach to shooting.

-Setting realistic goals can help improve performance over time.

-Jim draws parallels between golf and clay shooting in terms of mental challenges.

-He encourages shooters to embrace their own journey and not compare themselves to others.

-The importance of getting out of one's comfort zone is highlighted.

-Jim enjoys the camaraderie and competition within the shooting community.

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Cody sits down with Carl Holland, the new general manager of Meadows Clay Sports. Carl shares his journey from Toronto to becoming a key figure in the clay shooting community. He discusses his passion for the sport, the unique offerings at Meadows, and the exciting events planned for the upcoming season, including the Shooter's Championship. The conversation also touches on the club's commitment to youth programs and community engagement, as well as recent improvements and partnerships that enhance the overall experience for visitors. Meadows Clay Sports is a Beretta Premium Dealer, GameBore Ammunition Dealer, and is looking to make club upgrades for the members and its visitors. The Shooter’s Championship is looking to make history with it’s massive payout that is spread out throughout the classes! On top of that, they will be hosting the Gamebore Summer Challenge and many other shoots. Carl Holland is looking to evolve the club along with this sport. Sporting clays is game of the people, the people make this sport the greatest on the planet along with the challenges that target setters and range owners can provide an enjoyable experience. From NSCA to SCTP teams, the club promotes health competitive competition. Meadows Clay Sports is located in Forsyth Georgia.

Meadows Clay Sports: https://www.meadowsclaysports.com/

Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/

MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/

Takeaways

-Carl Holland is the new general manager of Meadows Clay Sports.

-He has a background in mechanical engineering and project management.

-Carl's passion for clay shooting developed during his travels in the U.S. and England.

-The Meadows Clay Sports is known for its expansive grounds and variety of shooting courses.

-Upcoming events include the All Rabbit shoot and the Shooter's Championship.

-The Shooter's Championship features a unique payout structure for all classes.

-The Meadows has partnered with Beretta to offer premium firearms.

-Youth programs are a key focus for the club's community engagement.

-The facility is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

-Improvements are being made to enhance the overall experience at the Meadows.

Jasper Copelan shares his journey in clay target sports, discussing his beginnings, the balance between work and shooting, and the importance of practice and mindset with host Cody Matson of Matson Shooting Academy Podcast. He emphasizes sportsmanship and the need for role models in the sport, while also outlining his future goals and aspirations. Jasper talks about his side to the story when it comes to sportsmanship related comments of the past but focuses on the future and presenting himself as a professional at all times. Jasper Copelan shoots a Caeser Guerini M-Spec Fixed Modified & Improved Modified chokes, wears Barepelt as his vest of choice, chooses Winchester shells, and has a shooting style like no other if you haven’t seen it. Jasper Copelan was the 2024 World English Super Finalist, GA FITASC State Champion, & is a Coach out of Georgia.

Reynolds Lake Oconee: https://www.reynoldslakeoconee.com/life/sporting-grounds

Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/

MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/

Takeaways

-Jasper's journey into shooting began with a family friend, Sammy McFadden.

-The importance of discipline learned from his father has shaped Jasper's approach to shooting.

-Balancing work at Reynolds Lake Oconee and shooting is a constant challenge for Jasper.

-Practice is essential, but mindset plays a crucial role in performance.

-Sportsmanship is vital in the shooting community, and Jasper values integrity.

-Jasper's weight loss journey has positively impacted his shooting performance.

-The significance of having a reliable gun fit is crucial for confidence.

-Jasper believes in the importance of community and supporting fellow shooters.

-He aims to promote the sport and inspire younger generations.

-Future goals include competing internationally and continuing to grow the sport locally.

In this engaging conversation, Nick Hendrick shares his insights on the mental aspects of competitive shooting, the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, and the balance between enjoyment and competition. He reflects on his personal experiences, the challenges of coaching, and the significance of confidence in performance. The discussion also touches on the learning opportunities presented by misses and failures, as well as the diverse personalities found in the shooting community. In this engaging conversation, Nick Hendrick and Dawn Grant explore the intricate relationship between fun, mental strategies, and peak performance in shooting. They discuss the importance of maintaining a balance between enjoyment and seriousness, the role of relaxation and focus in achieving success, and the mental game that underpins effective shooting. Nick shares his insights on target speed versus distance, the significance of practice outside of competition, and the power of hypnosis in mental training. The discussion emphasizes the need for shooters to break bad habits, create new ones, and understand the science behind the zone state to enhance their performance. #CPSA #NSCA

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Takeaways

-Mental training is crucial for success in competitive shooting.

-Enjoyment in competition can sometimes overshadow the desire to win.

-Focusing on the process rather than the outcome leads to better performance.

-Experiencing the zone state can enhance shooting performance.

-Confidence is essential, but it can be fleeting.

-Learning from misses is vital for improvement.

-Coaching requires understanding different personalities and learning styles.

-Practice can be ineffective if not approached correctly.

-Observing others can lead to unintentional mistakes in performance.

-The shooting community is diverse, with varying approaches to competition.

-Fun is essential for -peak performance.

-Mental strategies can significantly impact shooting success.

-Relaxation helps in maintaining focus during competitions.

-Target speed is more crucial than distance in shooting.

-The conscious mind can only focus on one thing at a time.

-Practicing outside of competition is vital for improvement.

-Breaking bad habits requires effort and repetition.

-Hypnosis can aid in mental training for shooters.

-Understanding the zone state is key to performance.

-Keeping the shooting process simple enhances focus.

In this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy podcast, host Cody Matson and guest Will Fennell discuss essential strategies for preparing for the shooting season. They cover topics such as goal setting, effective practice techniques, equipment maintenance, and the importance of coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in practice and preparation, as well as the significance of setting clear, achievable goals to enhance performance in shooting sports.

Fennell Shooting School: https://www.fennellshootingschool.com/

Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/

MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/

Key Takeaways

-Setting specific goals is crucial for success.

-Break down long-term goals into short-term actionable steps.

-Practice should have a clear purpose and focus.

-Regularly assess and adjust your practice strategies.

-Equipment maintenance is essential for optimal performance.

-Invest in quality gear and ensure it's well-maintained.

-Coaching can provide valuable insights and accountability.

-Plan your tournament schedule early to secure spots.

-Mental preparation is as important as physical practice. -Stay committed to your goals and practice consistently. www.Claylabusa.com

In this conversation, T.J. Hawk shares his journey in competitive shooting, discussing his achievements, target setting philosophy, and the importance of mental preparation. He reflects on personal growth, the impact of nutrition, and the challenges of modern distractions. T.J. emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries and the role of acceptance in learning from mistakes. He also touches on his future aspirations in shooting and the balance between competition and enjoyment.

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Takeaways

-T.J. Hawk started shooting later in life but quickly became passionate about it.

-He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and process improvement in shooting.

-Target setting is a crucial aspect of competitive shooting that can influence performance.

-Acceptance of mistakes is vital for growth in competitive shooting.

-Incremental improvements keep shooters engaged and motivated.

-Nutrition and hydration play a significant role in performance.

-Setting boundaries is important for maintaining focus during competitions.

-Modern distractions can impact focus and performance in shooting.

-The flow state is essential for achieving peak performance in shooting.

-T.J. Hawk values the camaraderie and community within the shooting sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to T.J. Hawk

05:16 Target Setting Philosophy

10:56 Life Changes and Priorities

16:16 Mindset and Perfectionism in Shooting

22:27 The Importance of Process and Focus

27:25 The Mental Game: Balancing Mind and Performance

32:09 Nutrition and Mental Preparation for Success

40:02 The Importance of Nutrition in Performance

47:56 Understanding ADD and Its Impact