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  • Will Van Dusen on Confidence, Focus & Competitive Sporting Clays – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Will Van Dusen on Confidence, Focus & Competitive Sporting Clays – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight
    Jun 8 2026
    Send us Fan Mail Will Van Dusen joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, college shooting, instruction, confidence, focus, and the mental side of performance. Will began shooting through the Texas 4-H shotgun program and became active in registered Sporting Clays as a young teenager. He went on to earn spots on Sub-Junior and Junior All-American teams and later competed for the Texas A&M Trap and Skeet team, where he served as team president and helped push the program toward Division I national success.In this episode, Will shares how shooting became a family-centered sport for him, beginning with his brother, parents, and the Texas 4-H program. He discusses growing up around competitive shooting, developing through youth programs, and eventually choosing Texas A&M partly because of its strong shooting team. Will explains the intensity of college shotgun competition, where athletes must perform across trap, doubles trap, skeet, super sporting, and Sporting Clays. He also reflects on the rivalry between Texas A&M, Lindenwood, Schreiner, and the University of Texas, as well as the pride of helping build strong collegiate programs.A major focus of the conversation is the connection between trap, skeet, Sporting Clays, and mental training. Will explains why Sporting Clays is his favorite discipline and why trap and skeet do not always transfer easily into Sporting Clays because of the repetition and more predictable target presentations. Dawn and Will discuss how repetitive targets can cause the conscious mind to wander, while Sporting Clays and FITASC require different levels of target awareness, focus, and adaptability.The episode also explores why trap shooters often have a strong awareness of the mental game. Dawn shares her experience speaking to a room of trap shooters who fully understood the importance of mental training, and Will explains why shooting long runs in trap requires strong focus, emotional control, and the ability to stay mentally committed through repetitive shots.Will also discusses his work as an instructor and assistant coach for the University of Texas Trap and Skeet team. He shares what he enjoys about helping new shooters build confidence, overcome hesitation, learn how to mount the gun, use their eyes, and trust the target. He also talks about coaching more advanced shooters through hold points, target connection, visual detail, and learning to stop being overly careful.Dawn and Will go deeper into pre-shot and post-shot routines, fear of missing, anxiety, overthinking, staying present, and why one miss can easily turn into several without the right mental reset. Will also shares his involvement with the University of Texas team and the Aggie Clay Target Foundation, which supports Texas A&M Trap and Skeet through fundraising, resources, and future scholarship opportunities.This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, college athletes, coaches, instructors, and anyone interested in confidence, mental discipline, youth shooting, and the development of competitive clay target athletes. Bottom of FormWill Van Dusen LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/willvandusen/University of Texas Trap & Skeet Team: https://www.instagram.com/uttrapandskeet/Aggie Clay Target Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/aggieclaytargetfoundation/Capital City Clays Instructor Page: https://capitalcityclays.com/Phone: (903) 203-2468 Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKamVisit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay LabFind us on Social MediaYouTubeInstagramFacebook
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    59 Min.
  • Tom Fiumarello on Confidence, Coaching & Sporting Clays Performance– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Tom Fiumarello on Confidence, Coaching & Sporting Clays Performance– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight
    Jun 4 2026

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    Tom Fiumarello joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a detailed conversation on Sporting Clays instruction, teaching, coaching, mental performance, and the difference between being a great shooter and being a great instructor. Tom is the founder of Excel Shooting Sports and brings a lifetime of teaching and coaching experience to the shooting industry. Before becoming a Sporting Clays instructor, he spent 35 years as a physical education teacher, coached high school and collegiate athletics at a high level, played professional baseball, and earned a master’s degree in human performance and sports psychology.

    In this episode, Tom shares how his journey into Sporting Clays began after a difficult period in his personal life, when a friend invited him to shoot and he broke only 11 out of 100 targets. Instead of walking away, that experience lit a fire in him. He pursued certifications, studied the game, trained through the Guild of Sporting Clay Instructors in the United Kingdom, and began transferring decades of teaching knowledge into the clay target world.

    A major focus of the conversation is the difference between shooting ability and teaching ability. Tom and Dawn discuss why not every top shooter is automatically a strong instructor, and why a true teacher must be able to assess each student’s experience, age, confidence, physical ability, learning style, and mental state. They compare Sporting Clays instruction to coaching in other sports, emphasizing that elite performers often rely on specialized coaches, trainers, and mental experts rather than assuming performance alone creates teaching skill.

    Dawn and Tom also explore the mental game in Sporting Clays, including confidence, failure, frustration, scorecard interpretation, pressure, focus, and the importance of recognizing progress. Tom explains how he helps students view missed targets as information rather than defeat, and Dawn expands on the value of a neutral post-shot or post-station routine that allows shooters to acknowledge what went well while identifying what still needs improvement.

    The episode also addresses the role of target setters, competition pressure, and the tendency many shooters have to focus on what went wrong rather than celebrating meaningful progress. Tom shares how he reviews scorecards with students to highlight bright spots, helping them build confidence instead of mentally defeating themselves after a round.

    Dawn and Tom also discuss the connection between clothing, identity, confidence, and performance; how outside distractions affect focus; and why the conscious mind must be trained to stay present during competition. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, coaches, and competitors who want to better understand how teaching, mechanics, confidence, mindset, and mental discipline all work together to improve performance.Top of Form

    Bottom of Form

    Tom Fiumarello Links

    Website:
    https://excelshooting.com/

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/excelsporting/

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

    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@excelsporting

    Phone:
    (315) 447-2557

    Email:
    tom@excelshooting.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

    Support the show


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    Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays.

    Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab

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    1 Std. und 17 Min.
  • Thomas Grice on Olympic Trap Shooting, Focus & the Mental Game– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Thomas Grice on Olympic Trap Shooting, Focus & the Mental Game– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight
    Jun 1 2026
    Send us Fan MailThomas Grice joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation focused on clay target shooting, Olympic trap, Sporting Clays comparisons, and the mental training required to perform at a high level. Thomas is an Australian IWSF trap shooter who represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics and has competed in World Cups and World Championships. His achievements include winning gold in the mixed pairs event at the 2017 World Championships, earning bronze in the same event in 2019, and continuing to compete internationally for Australia.In this episode, Thomas shares how his shooting career began at age twelve through the influence of his grandfather, who introduced him to clay target shooting and remained a major source of support throughout his early development. He discusses starting in DTL trap, the strong family culture around shooting in Australia, and the role his parents, brother, and grandfather played in helping him travel, train, and compete. Thomas also explains how he transitioned from domestic trap events into IWSF trap and began pursuing international competition.Dawn and Thomas discuss the progression from junior competition into open-level shooting, including the challenge of competing against Australia’s top Olympic-level trap shooters. Thomas explains how he learned to set realistic performance goals, focus on personal bests, and build consistency over time rather than becoming discouraged by the gap between himself and more experienced competitors. He also shares how his early international experience in Germany became a turning point that confirmed his desire to pursue the sport at a higher level.A central focus of the episode is the mental side of clay target shooting. Thomas discusses the importance of staying present, focusing on the process instead of the score, and trusting the work already done in training. Dawn and Thomas explore why trap shooters may recognize the mental game more quickly than some Sporting Clays shooters, because trap requires near-perfect execution and offers fewer external variables to blame when targets are missed.The conversation also compares trap, Sporting Clays, and FITASC from a mental training perspective. Dawn explains how repetitive target presentations can challenge the conscious mind, making presence and focus essential. They discuss how Sporting Clays shooters may sometimes attribute misses to target difficulty, variety, or mechanics, while trap shooters are often forced to examine focus, pressure, confidence, and mental consistency more directly once their technique is established.Thomas also reflects on competing at the Tokyo Olympics during COVID restrictions, including the unusual environment, limited social interaction, and the motivation it gave him to pursue another Olympic opportunity. He discusses continuing to train while working full-time, qualifying for World Championship teams, and staying committed to the next Olympic cycle.This episode offers useful insight for Sporting Clays shooters, trap shooters, coaches, and competitive athletes who want to better understand the connection between technical skill, confidence, focus, repetition, process, and mental discipline. Thomas Grice’s experience provides a clear look at how elite competitors develop consistency, manage pressure, and keep improving over time.Top of Form Bottom of FormThomas Grice Links *No relevant links provided* Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKamVisit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay LabFind us on Social MediaYouTubeInstagramFacebook
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    59 Min.
  • Michael Maskell on Sporting Clays, Olympic Shooting & Mental Mastery – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Michael Maskell on Sporting Clays, Olympic Shooting & Mental Mastery – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight
    Jun 1 2026

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    Michael Maskell brings decades of elite-level shooting experience, international competition, coaching knowledge, and mental discipline to this episode of Clay Mastermind. A five-time Olympian representing Barbados in International Skeet, Michael shares his journey from growing up in a shooting family to competing on the world stage against the best shotgun athletes in the world.

    Throughout the conversation, Michael discusses the realities of competing at the highest levels of shotgun sports, including the discipline, sacrifice, preparation, and mindset required to sustain success over decades. He reflects on his Olympic experiences, the challenge of training from a small island nation with limited resources, and how mental preparation became one of the most important tools in his career.

    Dawn and Michael focus heavily on the mental side of Sporting Clays and shotgun sports, including confidence, focus, target planning, pressure management, conscious preparation, and subconscious execution. Michael shares his perspective on why many shooters misunderstand the phrase “shooting from the subconscious,” explaining that instinctive shooting still requires conscious planning, presence, and clear intention before the shot.

    The conversation also explores the evolution of Sporting Clays and how the sport has become increasingly mental as equipment, target-setting, and shooter skill levels have advanced. Michael explains why modern Sporting Clays does not always require extreme target difficulty to challenge top competitors, and why the mental game often becomes the deciding factor between winning, plateauing, or falling behind.

    Michael also discusses Master Class competition, the mindset shift many shooters experience when they reach higher classifications, and why some competitors stop progressing once they begin measuring success only by class instead of true performance. His insight highlights the importance of mental training, preparation, and long-term commitment for shooters who want to compete at a higher level.

    In addition to his Olympic and Sporting Clays experience, Michael shares how working with sports psychologists helped him develop relaxation techniques, mental triggers, visualization, and recovery skills. He also discusses the role of physical fitness in performance, including his recent personal transformation, significant weight loss, and renewed commitment to training.

    This episode offers valuable perspective for Sporting Clays shooters, competitive athletes, coaches, and anyone interested in the connection between mental training and peak performance. Michael Maskell’s experience, honesty, and depth of knowledge provide a clear look at what it takes to improve, compete, and perform under pressure at the highest levels of shooting sports.

    Michael Maskell Links

    https://www.maskellshotgunacademy.com/

    Phone: (812) 322-6905

    Email: maskellshotgunacademy@gmail.com

    American Shooting Centers Instructor Profile: https://americanshootingcenters.com/instruction-and-coaching/?utm_source=chatgpt.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

    Support the show


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    1 Std. und 13 Min.
  • Kerry Luft, Renowned Author, on Sporting Clays, Mental Mastery & Conservation– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Kerry Luft, Renowned Author, on Sporting Clays, Mental Mastery & Conservation– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight
    Jan 29 2026

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    In this engaging episode of "Clay Mastermind," host Dawn Grant welcomes Kerry Luft, a seasoned sporting clays enthusiast and executive vice president of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kerry shares his journey from a casual shooter to a professional, highlighting his role as a Level 2 NSCA instructor and his collaboration with renowned shooter Anthony Matarese Jr. Kerry's accolades include co-authoring the book "Straight Shooting" and contributing to conservation efforts through his work at the foundation.

    Throughout the episode, Kerry delves into the intricacies of the mental game in shooting sports, emphasizing the importance of confidence and letting go of ego to achieve peak performance. He shares personal anecdotes and insights from his teaching experiences, offering valuable advice for both novice and seasoned shooters. The conversation also touches on broader themes of conservation, with Kerry discussing his involvement in projects like IMAX 3D movies about endangered ecosystems and research on sustainable shooting practices.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and passion required to excel in sporting clays, as well as the broader impact of conservation efforts on the environment. Whether you're a shooting enthusiast or interested in wildlife conservation, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from a true expert in the field.

    Kerry Luft Links

    https://clayshootinginstruction.com/instructors/#kerry-luft

    Phone: 224-343-5790

    Email: kerry@clayshootinginstruction.com

    A.I.M. Shooting School: https://clayshootinginstruction.com/

    Book: “Straight Shooting” - https://clayshootinginstruction.com/straight-shooting-sporting-clays-book/

    Dawn Grant Links

    https://dawngrant.com/

    https://mindmastered.com/

    https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

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

    Support the show


    10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam

    Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays.

    Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab

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    1 Std. und 2 Min.
  • Innovating Shooting Sports Digital Scoring: Casey Chase of Score Chaser & Josh Reynolds - Matson Shooting Academy Podcast

    Innovating Shooting Sports Digital Scoring: Casey Chase of Score Chaser & Josh Reynolds - Matson Shooting Academy Podcast
    Dec 11 2025

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    In this engaging episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, host Cody Matson welcomes two distinguished guests, Casey Chase, founder of Score Chaser, and Josh Reynolds, president of JTEC Technologies. Together, they delve into the intricacies of the shooting sports industry, exploring the innovative solutions that Score Chaser and JTEC Technologies bring to the table. Casey shares her journey from growing up around sporting clays to revolutionizing the sport with Score Chaser, a platform that has become the go-to hub for tournament management and scoring. Josh, the tech mastermind behind JTEC, discusses the challenges and triumphs of developing complex web applications tailored to the unique needs of the shooting community.

    Listeners will gain insights into the future of digital scoring, as Casey and Josh reveal their plans to streamline tournament operations and enhance user experience. They discuss the integration of Score Chaser with club websites, offering features like automatic tournament updates and live scoring data, which promise to transform how clubs interact with their members. The conversation also touches on the international aspects of the sport, addressing the challenges faced by international competitors and the solutions being developed to ease their participation.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the shooting sports industry, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge innovations that are shaping the future of the sport. Whether you're a club manager, a competitive shooter, or simply a fan of the sport, you'll find valuable takeaways in this dynamic discussion. Tune in to discover how Score Chaser and JTEC Technologies are paving the way for a more connected and efficient shooting sports community.

    https://scorechaser.com/

    https://jtech.digital/

    Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

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

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

    Support the show


    10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam

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    42 Min.
  • Stephen Biello of Clays N' Wings Shotgunning: Mastering Focus, Resilience & Joy in Sporting Clays – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Stephen Biello of Clays N' Wings Shotgunning: Mastering Focus, Resilience & Joy in Sporting Clays – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight
    Nov 20 2025

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    In this captivating episode of "Clay Mastermind," host Dawn Grant welcomes Stephen Biello, a distinguished NSCA sporting clay shooter and instructor, to share his remarkable journey and insights. Stephen, a Philadelphia native, has spent decades honing his skills in the world of shotgun sports, all while balancing a demanding career in law enforcement. As a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Police Department, Stephen has faced the challenges of managing the child abuse unit, a role that requires immense mental fortitude and resilience. This experience has profoundly influenced his approach to shooting and teaching, where he emphasizes the importance of mental focus, discipline, and the joy of the sport.

    Stephen's passion for clay shooting began in his youth, growing up in a city environment yet finding solace and excitement in the outdoors. He recounts his early experiences with hunting and shooting, guided by family influences and a deep-seated love for the sport. Over the years, Stephen has evolved from a recreational shooter to a respected instructor, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. His dedication to continuous learning and improvement is evident in his pursuit of advanced certifications and courses, including those with renowned instructors like Dan Schindler.

    Throughout the episode, Stephen and Dawn delve into the mental aspects of shooting, discussing how to maintain focus, manage stress, and embrace the process rather than just the outcome. Stephen shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his career, highlighting the parallels between his work in law enforcement and his approach to shooting. He offers practical advice for shooters of all levels, encouraging them to develop a plan, stay present, and find enjoyment in every shot.

    Listeners will be inspired by Stephen's commitment to the sport and his ability to balance a high-pressure job with his passion for clay shooting. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the world of sporting clays, this episode provides valuable insights into the mindset required for success and fulfillment.

    Stephen Biello Links

    https://claysnwings.com/

    Phone: 215-783-0731

    Email: stephen@claysnwings.com

    YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@claysnwingsshotgunning?si=60cnV7YL1eNnqv9r

    Dawn Grant Links

    https://dawngrant.com/

    https://mindmastered.com/

    https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

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

    Support the show


    10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam

    Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays.

    Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab

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    54 Min.
  • Jared Greenwood – Building Experience and Confidence in Sporting Clays - Matson Shooting Academy Podcast

    Jared Greenwood – Building Experience and Confidence in Sporting Clays - Matson Shooting Academy Podcast
    Nov 11 2025

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    In this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, host Cody Matson welcomes Jared Greenwood, a distinguished shooter and the son of renowned stock maker Jim Greenwood. Jared, a Beretta-sponsored shooter, shares his journey from a young enthusiast to a seasoned competitor. With a rich history in competitive shooting, Jared has earned titles such as two-time sub-junior national champion and eight-time sub-gauge champion. His experience extends beyond the shooting range, as he discusses his agricultural background and life on the farm, balancing his passion for shooting with his responsibilities at home.

    Jared's shooting career took a significant turn during his time at Fort Hayes State University, where he majored in agricultural business and joined the university's shooting team. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jared and his team achieved remarkable success, winning three national championships. He credits much of his shooting philosophy to Anthony Matariz Jr., whose teachings on connecting with the target have become a core part of Jared's methodology.

    Throughout the podcast, Jared reflects on the importance of having a custom-fit stock, a lesson he learned early on from his father, Jim Greenwood. This personalized approach to shooting equipment has been instrumental in Jared's success, allowing him to focus on his technique and performance. The conversation also delves into the unique experience of participating in the Greenwood Invitational, a special event for shooters with Greenwood stocks, held at the picturesque Flint Oak.

    Jared's insights into the world of competitive shooting, combined with his personal anecdotes and experiences, offer listeners a glimpse into the dedication and passion required to excel in this sport. As he prepares for upcoming competitions, Jared remains committed to his craft, continually honing his skills and sharing his knowledge with others. This episode is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Greenwood family in the shooting community and the impact of their craftsmanship on the sport.

    Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

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

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

    Support the show


    10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam

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    51 Min.