OSP Recommended Reading List
In our decades of coaching, we’ve stayed on the cutting edge of new research into how our eyes and brains work, as well as scientific studies into mental performance, memory, skill-building, and more.
Here are just a few of the books that have influenced our coaching and knowledge of personal improvement… both as shooters and as people!
The Essentials
These are the books we’ve read and listened to dozens of times, given out countless copies of, and gushed about on Coaching Hour podcasts and in our articles.
“Every Shot Must Have a Purpose” and “Be a Player” by Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilssen Just as we teach that there’s more to our sport than just firing a shotgun, Marriott and Nilssen deeply understand the mental game of golf. These two books have a ton of collected wisdom, ranging from decision-making and commitment to your shot, to the mental resilience required to compete.
Discussed in many Coaching Hour podcasts, including:
September 2025: The Power of Your Visual Plan
August 2025: Visual Plan, Process and Prediction
October 2017: Deliberate Practice
February 2016: Recognizing the Downward Spiral
April 2006: Expanding Your Comfort Zone
“The Talent Code” and “The Little Book of Talent” by Daniel Coyle We’re firm believers that structured repetition in your practice is one of the most crucial elements of becoming a better shooter, and these two books by Coyle emphasize how precise reps over time build stronger neural connections.
Discussed in many Coaching Hour podcasts, including:
October 2022: Skill Building with Daniel Coyle
December 2018: Predicting the Shot
December 2013: Creating Habits
May 2010: Life Happens
November 2009: Definition of Skill
“Peak” by K. Anders Ericsson
You’ve probably heard of the popular idea that anyone can become a master of anything with
10,000 hours of practice. Ericsson challenges this idea in this amazing book, which helped
popularize the concept of “deliberate practice.” Putting in the time on the range or in the field
isn’t enough – you need to work on your specific weaknesses and have clear goals…ideally with
the help of an experienced coach.
Discussed in Coaching Hour podcasts like:
November 2020: Developing Automaticity in Performance
September 2017: Building Long Term Memory
“Mind vs. Target” by Bob Palmer Long-time friend of OSP Bob Palmer was the person who introduced us to the concept of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and has been on multiple Coaching Hour podcasts over the years to discuss his work. This book, which is one of the few on this list explicitly about clay target shooting, is a practical handbook for how to perform under pressure, and how to get in (and stay in) the elusive “zone.”
