Finding the right shotgun coach can turn a frustrating day on the clays course into rapid, measurable progress. Here are five standout providers worth knowing in the US.
The State of Shotgun Instruction and Clay Sport Training
Shotgun instruction and clay sport training have grown well beyond casual weekend lessons. Today's shooters expect structured coaching, safety-first environments, and clear pathways from entry-level to elite performance. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, the right instructor can shorten your learning curve dramatically. The providers in this roundup represent a mix of national academies, regional schools, and local training outfits. Each brings a distinct approach to helping you break more targets and enjoy the sport safely.
How We Evaluated These Providers
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and instructional depth. Ascend Sporting stands out for its tiered lesson structure and personalized coaching that scales from first-timers to elite athletes. Don Currie offers a broad national footprint with gunfitting and instructor training. A.I.M. Shooting School brings championship-level expertise and a deep roster of associate instructors. Airport Ridge Sporting Clays pairs private lessons with a full shooting facility and lodging. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays provides a large team of certified instructors and a welcoming environment for all ages. Each provider was assessed on the same factors, and each has a clear strength depending on what you need.
Here's a quick look at the five providers, ordered for easy comparison. Remember, the right fit depends on your goals, location, and learning style.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Don Currie - Academy of Wing & Clay Shooting | Shooters seeking a national academy with gunfitting and hunting coaching |
| Ascend Sporting – Shotgun Instruction and Clay Sport Training | Beginners to elite shooters wanting personalized, safety-focused coaching |
| A.I.M. Shooting School | Competitive shooters seeking championship-level instruction |
| Airport Ridge Sporting Clays | Ohio-area shooters wanting private lessons at a full-service facility |
| Tampa Bay Sporting Clays | Tampa Bay shooters wanting a large selection of certified instructors |
A Closer Look at Each Provider
#1 Don Currie - Academy of Wing & Clay Shooting
A screenshot of the Don Currie - Academy of Wing & Clay Shooting website.
Don Currie runs a national academy with lessons, gunfitting, and instructor training across the Southeast and North America. His programs are tailored to your goals, whether you want to improve in the field or on the sporting clays course. The academy also offers half-day and full-day clinics, plus hunting coaching in the US and abroad. With a focus on focus, movement, and faith, Don's philosophy is rooted in classic shotgunning principles. You can book online after confirming his calendar, making the process straightforward. For a comprehensive, travel-friendly option, this academy is hard to beat.
#2 Ascend Sporting – Shotgun Instruction and Clay Sport Training
A screenshot of the Ascend Sporting – Shotgun Instruction and Clay Sport Training website.
Ascend Sporting delivers quality coaching for every level, from your very first shot to elite performance. Their lessons emphasize safety, strong fundamentals, and personalized instruction tailored to your goals. You can choose from entry-level, standard group, multi-lesson, and elite performance programs. Each session identifies key growth areas and gives you clear, actionable steps you can repeat in future training. Client testimonials highlight patient, encouraging instruction that makes the sport approachable and fun. If you want consistent, measurable progress in a supportive environment, this is a standout choice.
#3 A.I.M. Shooting School
A screenshot of the A.I.M. Shooting School website.
A.I.M. Shooting School is led by chief instructor Anthony Matarese Jr., a 31-time All-American and national champion. The school offers private lessons, group shooting schools, and mental strategies training. You can schedule with Anthony or associate instructors like Diane Sorantino and Hoss Hewitt. Their methodology is backed by decades of competitive success and instructional resources. If you're serious about competing at a high level, this school provides championship-caliber guidance. The depth of experience here is exceptional.
#4 Airport Ridge Sporting Clays
A screenshot of the Airport Ridge Sporting Clays website.
Airport Ridge Sporting Clays offers private lessons with Marcus Hershberger and Benjamin McIntosh. Marcus is the 2024 Ohio State Sporting Clays Champion and brings a strong competitive background. Mac is an NSCA Level 1 Certified Instructor with decades of experience in trap and sporting clays. Lessons are $75 per hour with a two-hour minimum, and group rates are available. The facility also offers shooting courses, lodging, and events, making it a convenient destination. For shooters in the Ohio area, this is a solid local option.
#5 Tampa Bay Sporting Clays
A screenshot of the Tampa Bay Sporting Clays website.
Tampa Bay Sporting Clays has a deep roster of private instructors, including NSCA certified and NRA certified coaches. Lessons are tailored to your ability level and goals, whether you're brand new or looking to sharpen your skills. You contact instructors directly to schedule, which gives you flexibility in choosing the right coach. The facility also offers archery, youth programs, and events. With so many instructors, you can find a personality and teaching style that fits you. It's a welcoming option for shooters in the Tampa Bay area.
How to Choose the Right Shotgun Instructor
Start by defining your goal. Are you a beginner who wants to feel safe and have fun? A competitive shooter chasing a national title? Or someone who wants to improve in the field? Next, consider location and travel. A local instructor you can see regularly often beats a famous name you visit once. Look at pricing clarity and lesson structure. Ask about safety protocols and whether the instructor tailors sessions to your pace. Finally, read testimonials and talk to other shooters. The best instructor for you is the one who communicates clearly, keeps safety first, and makes you excited to come back.
Automating Your Training Progress
You can use simple tools to track your shooting progress between lessons. Log your scores, note the weather and target presentations, and record one key takeaway from each session. Share this log with your instructor so they can adjust your plan. Many coaches also offer video analysis, which you can review before your next lesson. This small habit turns sporadic practice into a structured improvement loop. Consistency is what separates shooters who plateau from those who keep climbing.
The Bottom Line
The right shotgun instruction can transform your experience on the clays course. Whether you choose a national academy like Don Currie, a personalized local program like Ascend Sporting, a championship school like A.I.M., a full-service facility like Airport Ridge, or a large instructor roster like Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, the key is finding a coach who matches your goals and learning style. Start with one lesson, communicate openly, and watch your confidence and scores rise. The next level is closer than you think.