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Diane M. Sorantino, a successful clay shooter and retired law enforcement officer, discusses her journey in the shooting industry and the impact of her career on her shooting performance. She emphasizes the importance of managing fear and negativity in order to perform at a high level. Diane also reflects on the support system she has and the role it plays in her success. She addresses the lack of women in top overall rankings in major shooting events and highlights the talent and potential of female shooters. The conversation explores the changes and advancements in women's shooting sports. It discusses the commitment, practice, and resources that women now have access to, which have contributed to their success. The importance of mental game and confidence is also highlighted. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance between fun and seriousness while competing. The advice given is to be prepared, work hard, set goals, and enjoy the journey. The guest also expresses gratitude towards her sponsors and highlights the importance of partnerships in the sport. #Beretta #B&P #RERANGER #Briley #soundgear #castellaniusa

AIM Shooting School

Coaching with Diane Sorantino: https://clayshootinginstruction.com/instructors/#diane-sorantino

Dawn Grant Links 

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/ 

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

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

Key Takeaways

-Managing fear and negativity is crucial for peak performance in shooting.

-A strong support system can greatly contribute to success in the shooting industry.

-Women have the potential to excel in clay shooting and should be recognized for their talent and achievements.

-Retirement and life transitions can impact shooting performance, but with proper adjustment and support, athletes can continue to thrive.

-Recognizing and addressing personal strengths and weaknesses is essential for growth and improvement in shooting. Women now have more commitment, practice time, and access to resources in shooting sports.

-The mental game and confidence play a significant role in shooting performance.

-Finding a balance between fun and seriousness is important while competing.

-Being prepared, working hard, setting goals, and enjoying the journey are key to success.

-Partnerships and sponsorships are crucial in the shooting sports industry.

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Wendell Cherry, a Hall of Fame sporting clay shooter and former professional guitar player, discusses his journey in clay shooting and the parallels between music and shooting. He emphasizes the importance of the mental game in shooting and how it is influenced by rhythm, flow, timing, tension control, and presence. Wendell shares his practice regimen, which includes repetition and analyzing each shot to improve performance. He also discusses the common mental challenges that shooters face, such as worry, doubt, fear, and overthinking, and the need to control the conscious mind. Overall, Wendell highlights the significance of the mental aspect in achieving success in clay shooting. In this conversation, Dawn Grant and Wendell Cherry discuss the importance of mental skills in clay shooting. They emphasize the need to practice these skills in all areas of life, not just in competition. They also discuss the ongoing nature of mental challenges and the importance of managing one's mind to handle issues and challenges effectively. They touch on the concept of the zone or alpha state and how it can be achieved through focused thought and suppressing the conscious mind. They also highlight the importance of having fun while competing and the close-knit community of clay shooters.

Wendell Cherry Phone: (931) 529-1802 

Wendell Cherry Website: https://www.wendellcherry.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

Key Takeaways

-The mental game is crucial in clay shooting and is influenced by rhythm, flow, timing, tension control, and presence.

-Repetition and analyzing each shot are important in improving performance.

-Common mental challenges in shooting include worry, doubt, fear, and overthinking.

-Controlling the conscious mind is essential for success in clay shooting. Practicing mental skills in all areas of life is crucial for success in clay shooting.

-Managing the mind is an ongoing process, and challenges will always arise.

-Achieving the zone or alpha state requires focused thought and suppressing the conscious mind.

-Having fun while competing is important for peak performance.

-The clay shooting community is a close-knit and supportive group. 

Join The Clay Lab Squad to get access to perks:
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Disclaimers: All logos used in this video were used by express permission of Fiocchi USA, Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing, Westside Sporting Grounds, Ranger, Greenwood Custom Stocks, Castellani USA, Electronic Hearing Protection, SoundGear, Fennell Shooting School, and Krieghoff International.

M

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Grace Callahan is a competitive shooter with numerous accomplishments in the sport. She started shooting at a young age and fell in love with it, eventually making it her career. Grace has a compartmentalized way of thinking, which helps her focus on the task at hand and move on from mistakes. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and learning from each shot. Grace also discusses the challenges of balancing her shooting career with running her own business. Overall, she is passionate about shooting and constantly strives to improve. Grace Callahan discusses the importance of balance and perspective in both clay shooting and life. She shares her experience of dealing with challenges and finding solutions, emphasizing the need to take a step back and focus on the big picture. Grace and Dawn Grant also discuss the impact of relationships on mental training and how surrounding yourself with understanding and supportive people can enhance personal growth. They highlight the connection between mental training and life skills, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, communication, and handling situations that don't go as planned. The conversation also touches on the significance of perception and attitude in clay shooting, such as how one's reaction to rain or other external factors can affect performance. Grace and Dawn explore the challenges of running a shooting club and the importance of continuous learning and improvement. They discuss the role of trust in oneself and the need to judge oneself objectively and with love, rather than from a place of criticism. Grace shares her motivation to constantly improve and her willingness to change standards and priorities to pursue her goals in the shooting industry. She also acknowledges the importance of balance and not being too hard on oneself when facing time constraints and other life commitments. In this conversation, Dawn Grant and Grace Callahan discuss the importance of mental training in shooting sports. They explore topics such as the role of mindset in competition, the concept of the zone state, and the power of repetition and muscle memory. Grace shares her personal journey in shooting and how she found a mentor in Joe, who not only taught her shooting skills but also life skills. They emphasize the need for shooters to invest in mental training and provide resources for further learning.

Grace Callahan Website: https://www.gracecallahanllc.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

Key Takeaways:
-Compartmentalization is a valuable skill in shooting, allowing shooters to focus on each target and move on from mistakes.
-Self-awareness is crucial for identifying and addressing personal pitfalls in shooting.
-Learning from mistakes and making immediate corrections is essential for improvement.
-Balancing a shooting career with other responsibilities, such as running a business, requires prioritization and effective time management. Finding balance and perspective is crucial in both clay shooting and life.

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Meet Weekend Warrior… Dan Lengyel, Co-CEO of Spectrum Financial Group, dedicated husband, father of two daughters, and passionate clay shooter. When Dan isn't steering his financial firm or enjoying quality time with his family, he's immersed in the world of competitive clay shooting, striving to perfect both his mental and mechanical skills.

Dan's journey is a powerful blend of mastering his mind game with the guidance of Dawn Grant and refining his shooting mechanics under the instruction of top shooting coaches. He understands that success in clay shooting comes from a delicate balance of mental focus and technical precision. This dual approach not only helps Dan improve his performance on the range but also offers valuable insights for shooters at all levels.

Join us as we explore Dan's experiences in harmonizing his professional life, family life, and relentless pursuit of shooting excellence. Whether you're working on your mental game, fine-tuning your mechanics, or both, Dan’s story is a relatable and inspiring example of dedication and growth in the sport.

Dawn Grant Links 

https://dawngrant.com/

 https://mindmastered.com/ 

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

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

Key Takeaways

-Being present and eliminating mental chatter is crucial for peak performance in clay shooting.

-Physical fitness and overall well-being contribute to shooting performance.

-Analytical thinkers may struggle with the non-analytical nature of clay shooting.

-Competitive drive and motivation are key factors in Dan's shooting journey.

-Improving mental game can have a positive impact on all aspects of life. Improving shooting scores is closely related to improving one's overall life.

-Finding balance and having fun are key to peak performance in shooting.

-Focusing on the mental game and making positive lifestyle changes can lead to better shooting performance.

-Having a post-shot routine and evaluating performance can help identify areas for improvement.

-There is no magic pill for success in shooting; hard work and discipline are necessary.

-Finding joy in the sport and maintaining balance in life are crucial for sustained performance.

Music: Used under license from Epidemicsound 

This video, podcast, article, and channel are a product of Clay Lab USA, LLC. All Copyright protections apply.

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The Drive to Win: Richard Faulds' Motivation Target Setting: US vs. England Richard Faulds, a professional shooter and target setter, shares his journey in the shooting industry and his passion for the sport. He grew up on a farm in West Sussex, where he started clay shooting at a young age. He went on to represent the GB team in FITASC and competed in multiple Olympic Games. Richard now owns Al's Lodge Shooting School in Hampshire and sets targets for various events. He emphasizes the importance of staying relaxed and laid back in shooting, and his drive to win motivates him. He also discusses the challenges of target setting and handling criticism. In this conversation, Richard discusses the challenges and dynamics of clay shooting. He emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself out of their comfort zone and shooting challenging targets to improve. Richard also compares target setting in the US and England, highlighting the differences in speed and trajectory. He shares his experience with sports psychology and how it has helped him achieve success in shooting. Richard emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport and having fun while competing. He also mentions the challenges of sponsorship in the UK shooting industry. 

Owls Lodge Shooting School: https://www.olss.co.uk/ 
Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ 

Key Takeaways 
-Richard Faulds grew up on a farm in West Sussex and started clay shooting at a young age. He went on to represent the GB team in FITASC and competed in multiple Olympic Games. -Richard now owns Al's Lodge Shooting School in Hampshire and sets targets for various events. He emphasizes the importance of staying relaxed and laid back in shooting. 
-His drive to win motivates him, and he hates losing. He has learned to handle the pressure and mental challenges of the sport. -As a target setter, Richard aims to create challenging and unique targets that test shooters' skills. He understands the importance of balancing difficulty and fairness. -Handling criticism is a part of target setting, and Richard tries to make shooters feel responsible for their performance rather than blaming the targets. Pushing oneself out of the comfort zone and shooting challenging targets is crucial for improvement in clay shooting. -Target setting in the US tends to be slower and focuses on long, slow targets, while in England, targets are thrown with more speed and on straight lines. -Sports psychology can play a significant role in improving performance in shooting, and having a clear mind and enjoying the sport are essential. -The UK shooting industry faces challenges in obtaining outside sponsorship and increasing coverage. -Having fun and enjoying the sport is a key factor in achieving success in clay shooting.

Join The Clay Lab Squad to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4Epr--Dor0ydrflnLnTg/join 
Like, Share, and Subscribe. Be sure to comment what else you would like to see in the future. 

 Disclaimers: All logos used in this video were used by express permission of Fiocchi USA, Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing, Westside Sporting Grounds, Ra

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Madison Sharp, the 2024 US Open ladies champion, shares her journey in shotgun shooting and her aspirations for the future. She discusses the challenges she has faced, including being a young girl in a male-dominated sport and the importance of mental game in shooting. Madison also talks about her goal of owning her own gun club and the belief that women can excel in the sport. She emphasizes the need for confidence and mental preparation in order to perform at a high level. In this conversation, Madison discusses the importance of mental preparedness in clay shooting. She emphasizes the need to have a pre-shot routine and to focus on mental mindset and approach. Madison also highlights the significance of a good support system and the role of parents in a shooter's success. She shares her own experience of dealing with pressure and the importance of having fun in the sport. Madison provides advice for shooters and encourages them to never give up and to find confidence in themselves.

Madison Sharpe Email: mvsharpe0130@gmail.com

Hog Heaven Sporting Clays: https://sfhogheaven.com/instructors/madison-sharpe/

Dawn Grant Links 

https://dawngrant.com/ 

https://mindmastered.com/ 

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Join The Clay Lab Squad to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4Epr--Dor0ydrflnLnTg/join

Like, Share, and Subscribe. Be sure to comment what else you would like to see in the future.

Key Takeaways

-Madison Sharp, the 2024 US Open ladies champion, has been shooting competitively for 12 years and has faced challenges such as being a young girl in a male-dominated sport.

-She believes that women can excel in shotgun shooting and is motivated to prove doubters wrong.

-Madison's goal is to own her own gun club and she is currently working at a gun club in Texas, teaching and helping run the club.

-She emphasizes the importance of mental game in shooting and the need for confidence and mental preparation to perform at a high level. Mental preparedness and having a pre-shot routine are crucial in clay shooting.

-A good support system, including parents, is essential for a shooter's success.

-Having fun in the sport is important and can lead to better results.

-Never give up and find confidence in yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Technical Difficulties

03:54 Introduction and Background

05:11 Interest in Shotgun Shooting

07:12 Accomplishments and Goals

09:03 Balancing Shooting and Work

11:50 Belief in Women's Ability to Win

16:13 Motivation and Overcoming Challenges

24:07 Challenges Faced as a Female Shooter

26:14 The Importance of Mental Game

33:28 Managing Thoughts and Performance

34:26 Mental Preparedness and Pre-Shot Routine

37:28 The I

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Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight bring you Anthony Matarese, the recent 2024 US Open winner, discusses his journey in competitive shooting and the level of commitment it takes to stay at the top of the game. He shares his experience of considering quitting and the motivation that keeps him going. Matarese also talks about his background and how he got into teaching shooting. He discusses the balance between teaching and competing, the benefits of teaching for his own performance, and the challenges of staying motivated. He emphasizes the importance of giving 100% and the drive to win. In this conversation, Anthony Matarese and Dawn Grant discuss the mental game of clay shooting. They explore the importance of underlying belief systems, the impact of failure on performance, and the role of a support system in achieving success. Anthony emphasizes the need for balance in life and the significance of long-term goals. He also shares his strategies for managing distractions and maintaining focus during competitions. The conversation concludes with Anthony offering advice to shooters, encouraging them to prioritize long-term goals and have a clear plan for their game.

-Competitive shooting requires a high level of commitment and motivation to stay at the top of the game.
-Teaching shooting can benefit one's own performance by improving reading the birds and understanding the equipment.
-Finding the right balance between teaching and competing can be challenging, but it helps to stay motivated and avoid burnout.
-Having a strong work ethic and resilience are key factors in achieving success in competitive shooting.
-Excuses and lack of ownership can hold back one's potential in shooting and other areas of life. -Underlying belief systems can have a significant impact on performance in clay shooting.
-Failure can trigger a flight or fight response, causing some shooters to quit or lose intensity.
-Having a strong support system, such as a supportive spouse or family, is crucial for success in competitive shooting.
-Maintaining balance in life and prioritizing long-term goals are key to reaching one's potential.
-Managing distractions and maintaining focus during competitions is essential for peak performance.

Dawn Grant Links
https://dawngrant.com/
https://mindmastered.com/
https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Join The Clay Lab Squad to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4Epr--Dor0ydrflnLnTg/join

Like, Share, and Subscribe. Be sure to comment what else you would like to see in the future.

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