Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Over the years, we have had many questions that come up consistently.
Here are some of those questions. If you do not find the answer to your question here, you may always contact our office directly at 281-346-0888 or send us a message.
I’M STUCK IN THE LOW TO MID-70s AND CAN’T SEEM TO GET ANY BETTER
We’ve covered this topic on several Coaching Hour podcasts. Check out the episodes “Self-Correction: The Path from 75 to 90” (April 2017) and “What Beginners Must Learn” (November 2014). Also, search for “deliberate practice,” a related topic we’ve talked about extensively on the Coaching Hour. If you’re not a Knowledge Vault member, click here to sign up for a 7-day free trial membership.
WHAT DRILLS SHOULD I PRACTICE WHEN I CAN'T SHOOT?
Do the three-bullet drill and flashlight drill every day for at least 21 days before attending a lesson or clinic. Also, review the Shotgunning 101 video training course beforehand. You can find these videos in the Knowledge Vault. If you’re not a member, click here to sign up for a 7-day free trial membership.
HOW MUCH WILL WE SHOOT DURING A CLINIC?
You will be shooting somewhere between 125-300 shots, depending on what you are working on. Singles, doubles, long shots, short shots, etc. We find that it’s not how many times you pull the trigger that makes you better; what you learn each time you pull the trigger makes you better!
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN EACH CLINIC CLASS?
We typically take five people per instructor per day.
WHAT TIME DO WE START AND FINISH?
Assemble at 8:00 am, start at 8:30 am, and end between 4:30-5:00 pm.
WHAT LEVEL WILL THE OTHER STUDENTS BE?
We have found over the past 30 years that grouping shooters with similar problems seems to create a synergy more quickly than any other thing. You can put your own group of shooters together if you wish, but we need to know about the group when you book your reservation.
The teaching methods we use can be understood and applied by novice, intermediate, and advanced shooters. The difference is that more advanced students can execute the same basic fundamentals at higher levels and on more difficult targets.
The first time a student enters one of our group sessions, they are amazed at how much they actually learn when others are shooting. When we explain the same fundamental move or concept to five different people in five different ways everyone learns so much so quickly! It’s like watching a video and stepping into the TV and shooting.
In just one day with us, you will learn what normally takes 10 one-hour lessons for the cost of a little more than two one-hour lessons.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO LEARN?
In the first 90 minutes, you will learn why you hit and why you miss the target, how to repeat the hits, and how to correct the misses. You will also learn about chokes – when and how to use them.
Our system is so simple to understand, learn and apply. It just makes sense!
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
The only reason a clinic will be canceled is due to lightning. Bring your rain gear. We don’t charge extra for teaching you how to shoot in the rain or inclement weather!
DO YOU HAVE GUNS?
Our home field is American Shooting Centers in Houston. They have an assortment of Beretta and Browning shotguns available for you to use. We need a three-week advanced notice if you would like to use a specific gun. We will do what we can to have it for you!
DO YOU HAVE AMMUNITION?
Ammunition is available at most of the clubs we teach. You can contact us about ammunition in Houston and/or contact the club where you will be meeting us. Ammo, targets and lunch are included at Houston clinics.
WHAT METHOD DO YOU TEACH?
We teach all methods. Different methods have different amounts of risk on different shots. We help you understand the risks and why. We also help you choose the best method for you and the shot you’re shooting.
In studying the psychology of performance (the mental game), we find that the more emphasis placed on method, the more consciously and mechanically people think. Therefore, they underperform more.
CAN YOU HELP ME SHOOT BIRDS BETTER?
Our system has been successfully applied to all clay target disciplines, but also all species of live bird shooting. We give specific clinics for doves, ducks, geese, and driven shooting.
American Shooting Centers is a great place to learn to shoot because they have 13 towers from 20 feet to 120 feet.
WILL YOU TEACH ME A SPECIFIC METHOD OR WORK WITH WHAT I'M ALREADY DOING?
We can teach you any method you want to learn! More importantly, we will teach you the risks of each method on each shot. It will be up to you to change or not.
We find that people are very reluctant to change. However, once our students understand the risks of not changing and the benefits of changing then change becomes improvement. Everyone wants to improve!
HOW MUCH DOES A CLINIC COST IN HOUSTON VS OTHER LOCATIONS?
Clinics are $585.00 per person per day.
A $250.00 deposit per day is required to reserve a spot at any clinic.
At our home field in Houston, ammunition, targets, and lunch are included in the clinic fee. Costs may vary when we are on the road because some clubs include lunch, targets, and/or ammunition.
HOW MUCH DOES PRIVATE INSTRUCTION COST?
Hourly instruction is available for $225 per hour at our home field at American Shooting Center in Houston Texas for one to three students. Targets are included, ammunition is not included but may be available for sale if we have ammo in stock.
Hourly instruction is available for $250 per hour away from our home field for one to three students. Instruction only, targets and ammunition are not included and travel expenses may apply.
Brian, Gil, and Vicki are available for corporate events, outings and hunts.
Individual packages can be put together for you or your group, whether it’s to improve your scores in sporting clays or taking clients out to shoot. Things just seem to go better with Brian, Gil, and Vicki around.
Call for scheduling and prices: (281) 346-0888.
IF I COME FOR TWO DAYS, WILL THE 2ND DAY BE A REPEAT OF THE FIRST DAY?
We recommend taking two days in a row! On the first day, we are deprogramming and programming the database. On the second day, we show you how to use the “computer.” No two days of instruction are alike.
Each shooter in each class is asked to shoot a few targets and answer a few questions. At that point, the curriculum for the day is established. The students and teacher agree on individual goals for the day and then go to work together to achieve them.
CAN YOU CHECK MY GUN FIT?
We can check your gun fit and give you suggestions for any alterations that you might need. Gun fit is a very personal thing. It is more important that you understand what gun fit is all about. Then you will know if your gun fits or not. After one session on the pattern plate, you will know!
Please see more information at the Personal Gun Fitting section of our Services page.
CAN YOU COME TO OUR LOCAL CLUB?
We are constantly updating our schedule. Just email gm@ospschool.com or call (281) 346-0888. We will see when we can work you in.
CAN I VIEW THE KNOWLEDGE VAULT ON AN OLDER COMPUTER WITH WINDOWS 7?
Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft. As a result, they are not releasing updates to go along with new security and programming changes within the various software programs and websites. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the Knowledge Vault will function normally when accessed from a computer running Windows 7. This also holds true for any device using an outdated operating system, i.e. Apple, Android, etc.
I’M LEFT/RIGHT EYE DOMINANT. CAN YOU HELP ME?
Yes! Sports vision applied to clay/wing shooting is our specialty. Vicki is right-handed and left-eyed, Gil is right-handed and right-eyed, and Brian is left-handed and left-eyed. But all the Ashes can shoot from either shoulder.
WHAT KIND OF CHOKES SHOULD I USE?
Two skeets and two mods are all you need.
WHAT DRILLS SHOULD I PRACTICE WHEN I CAN’T SHOOT?
Do the three-bullet drill and flashlight drill every day for at least 21 days before attending a lesson or clinic. Also, review the Shotgunning 101 video training course beforehand.
WHAT CRITERIA SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW SHOTGUN?
There are a wide variety of guns available from inexpensive to very expensive. Your gun should fit your specific needs. Don’t buy anything before speaking with Gil, Vicki or Brian Ash! Complete our questionnaire with as many details as you can and one of us will call you.
I’M A SKEET/TRAP SHOOTER. WILL THE OSP METHOD WORK FOR ME?
Yes. We teach all clay games as well as field shooting game birds.
CAN YOU HELP ME BECOME MORE CONSISTENT?
Most of all, on the first day you will understand what consistency is and how to achieve it. You will be given specific practice routines that will bring consistency.
WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY SHOOTING ON LONG CROSSERS?
Learn to see the target behind the barrel and learn to consistently match speed with the target.