World Clay pigeon champion and leading instructor Ben Husthwaite covers the topic of one eye or two

Should we shoot with one eye or two when shooting clay pigeons. Ben Husthwaite covers the topic and explains why.

[@cometroy]

Hi Ben only just watch this particular video of yours, I am very strong left eye dominant and have tried your rail and also every other thing on the market ie patches bullseye and none of them have made or helped me, I used to have lessons with Michael Megason but I never felt comfortable with him, he is an excellent instructor but we just didn’t gell if you know what I mean, I had lessons with another shooting ground and that instructor was a 2 eyes open guy I shot ok but never felt comfortable so I changed him to a instructor who has your mind set and now my confidence is increasing, keep up the fantastic videos they help us mere mortals 👍👏👏👏

[@philipwilliams5179]

Glad to see a new video Ben... excellent content and congratulations on your first child .

[@davidcoldicott8424]

Had a lesson with Ben a few months ago, I’ve been shooting for 30 years and he blew everything I’ve ever been told out of the water, it’s been a struggle to change my old habits but my scores have gone through the roof!! Cannot thank him enough, he’s one hell of a instructor and he will tell you what others don’t want you to know. I will never be in his league but my confidence has gone up ten fold. Thank you sir a true gentleman 👍

[@davidcoldicott8424]

Isle of Man, where men are men and sheep are worried

[@leemoore107]

I totally agree , he's a phenomenal coach, I had a few lessons with him a while back and my scores and Confidence sky rocketed! will have more in the future once my children are a bit older and get my scores back up ! Can't recommend him enough .

[@dankruger2890]

Maybe one day out of a year you will shoot in his league

[@TheConfederate1863]

You must be a rich man 😮

[@davidcoldicott8424]

Not at all, I just don’t waste money on bad coaching

[@josephvillegas639]

Great Video, Ben, same as your skeet shooter that you mentioned, I too, have one eye and I had to learn how to shoot from RH to LH, took awhile but now I feel real comfortable, no other choice!

[@sammiltich]

Ben, what a relief to hear you talk. I went from dismal scores on trap to breaking nearly every target simply by using a patch. I do not have your rail but a similar product that is a fiber optic in tube and I can shoot two eyes open with it. I am trying to transition to two eyes open with the fiber optic. I have found my dominance switch’s as I swing the barrel without patch or fiber optic. I come up as right eye dominant but absolutely can not shoot two eyes open without patch or fiber optic. Have you ever encountered this before with students. I’m grateful there is a voice of reason on this. Too many people say eye dominance doesn’t play a role. If I could invite them into my eyes and brain I wish they could see what hogwash that is. Thank you kind sir.

[@bobbiehorseman]

This is a subject that has always been on my mind and I’ve always inconsistently switched between the two, I shoot a lot of rifles so one closed is very natural to me but I’ve always been told two open for a shotgun. It’s great to finally see a video by someone trustworthy saying that one eye closed is completely fine! 🙌🙌🙌

[@i.2694]

Thank you for this!!

[@nolandenton1224]

I'm right-handed and right eye dominant and I shoot left eye closed. I do (and always have done) much as Ben is talking about here - I close my left eye when mounting coming off the hold point, so it is closed when I mount the gun and establish track and lead and am ready to release the shot. On some shots I may open the left eye just before squeezing the trigger - usually quartering birds, rising or springing teal, not so much crossers or arcing clays. Trying to go to 2 eyes open really messed with me and cost me about 10 targets each outing while I was faithfully trying to change. Left eye closed and increasing my weekly practice regimen (i.e. committing to practicing weekly, actually) increased my scores.

[@chriscoss28]

Good on you Ben always thought I was odd closing my left your D Rail has made some difference too me thanks mate

[@TheMoodyedge]

Were you seeing a load of the side of the barrel when mounting the gun and little else? What changed with the rail?

[@chriscoss28]

@@TheMoodyedge mainly gun mount is quicker as left eye is not pulling me all over the place and I was constantly behind targets I still sometimes out of habit close my left eye when getting on target

[@orejamx]

Otro buen video gracias ben 👏👏

[@raymarks5321]

Looking forward to the video you are going to post shooting a round of clays "one eyed" 👍

[@trevorarthur1740]

Thank you Ben for your straight talk would love a lesson at sometime to check a few thing with yourself but need to get some overtime in at work first😜

[@benhusthwaite9884]

Probably much cheaper than u think

[@chrischristofi71]

Great video Ben, I too struggle with left eye dominant and right handed shooter. Some clays I’m better with closing my eye, after watching videos saying that only I should be shooting with both eyes open that’s what I have been practicing. I’m very confused. I’d love to arrange a lesson with you Ben it seems like you know your stuff.

[@andrewwoodcock312]

Great video D rail working for me. Glad to see your playing rugby again..👍

[@TheMoodyedge]

Were you seeing a load of the side of the barrel when mounting the gun and little else? What changed with the rail?

[@andrewwoodcock312]

@@TheMoodyedge I was shooting one eye closed. At close range my right eye is dominant, at a distance it’s left eye. I am left handed as well. New to shooting but it works for me. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@TheMoodyedge]

​@@andrewwoodcock312 Hmm..I am curious to know if would help. Just dont want to waste £40 if not. So is the end of the gun clearer in your peripheral vision than it was before?

[@barryhill6482]

I’m LED - right shoulder, two eyes open and I have noticed that I shoot my SxS better than my O/U. I also noticed by accident that my left thumb is obscuring the bead on my shotgun with the SXS to my left eye. Can’t do it with the O/U. Been working on that where the eyeglass patch just irritated me because of the left to right targets were hard to pickup. I squint also to help pick up the barrels. Something about the SxS that just works!

[@iantunnicliffe4509]

Really good video can’t wait for the next one 👍👍

[@iantunnicliffe4509]

One more question ben How can i Stop taking my eye of the target and looking at the front beed when I pull the trigger and stopping the gun 👍

[@benhusthwaite9884]

@@iantunnicliffe4509 I would consider this a good habit not a bad one. I look at the gun every shot and stopping the gun certainly won’t make u miss

[@iantunnicliffe4509]

Thank you ben for your answer to question 👍

[@iantunnicliffe4509]

Everyone said if you stop the gun you will miss behind 😱

[@benhusthwaite9884]

@@iantunnicliffe4509 that’s why u don’t listen to everyone

[@aneebaslam]

Thank you solved my problem

[@Twinpot1962]

Great vid Ben, thank you. I’m right handed and I’ve shot left eye closed since I was 16….I’m now 59. I struggled on some left to right crossers/quartering targets and judging distance. I have recently started using an eye dominance patch on my glasses that flicks open and closed and my scores have improved as I can now pick the clay up earlier in my peripheral vision and judge distance quicker.

[@TheMoodyedge]

I'm right handed with a stronger left eye and also struggle on left to right crossers. Have you ever tried picking up clays to the hold point with both eyes, then closing one to apply lead? Thats sort of 50 / 50 as you start with both and apply lead with one. That's one method I have been practicing recently. It's a frustrating game!!

[@Twinpot1962]

@@TheMoodyedge that’s exactly what I was doing and it worked well for me. I’m a high 70’s mid 80’s scorer, but the patch has made my scores improve.

[@TheMoodyedge]

@@Twinpot1962 Interesting...

[@dankruger2890]

interesting

[@nickrose6431]

Hi Ben. Quick question on Eye dominance if I focus on something like a telegraph pole with my thumb both eyes open Then close my right eye my thumb stays completely covering the pole but do it with my left eye then my thumb jumps to the left. Does that mean ism left eye dominant. If so would your D rail correct that for me. Kind regards Nick

[@theunforgivenpuritan4102]

Hello from Ohio. I an somewhat new to shooting SC and Trap. I have shot maybe 10 rounds of SC in 5 years...i just point the barrel intuitively to where I think it should go and fire. I don't really think about it much at all...and most the time I do well (at least vs shooters in my group) generally shooting between 65- 80. My first time shooting trap was this week and at the forward most line (easiest) over 3 round shot 62/75. Honestly it seems like I don't even notice the barrel during each shot... Any thoughts on this?

[@bobbiehorseman]

Quick question, when shooting with one eye closed how would lead be judged on a bird which is coming head on as it disappears behind the barrels when giving it the lead?

[@tommyleemaddox1033]

First child? Bravo!

[@stonecoward3037]

I have always shot a shotgun right-handed with one eye because I am cross dominant. I have noticed myself taking too long to get the shot off because I have to look at the object then my bead on my barrel. Is there a way to fix my cross dominancy so I can shoot with both eyes or am I going to have to try to switch over to being a lefty shooter? Please give me suggestions!

[@bmkbmk4469]

New to this sport, glad to hear finally that , fancy scrolling and grain in the stock can't breaks CLAYS

[@peterhorsfield8206]

Hi Ben Interested how the 1 eyed shoot went?

[@o0MadHouse0o]

Good video mate. One word of advice would be to maybe get yourself a mic. Could hardly hear you

[@southpaw385]

hello, advise muzzle constriction (chok), for the fabarm drill 18.4 tribor

[@johngangemi3999]

Any news on Eye Dominance Rail for U.S. Website doesn't respond. Can you ship to U.S. from UK?

[@alecsedlachek6678]

Hey Ben, curious on your thoughts on how one eye effects gauging depth perception on a target, and if that will have any effect on executing a shot? Thanks in advance.

[@benhusthwaite9884]

Zero IMO

[@gavinshiels7899]

If it made that much of a difference 2eyed shooters would never get caught out by midi being closer than it looks

[@yournameislimitless]

Thanks Ben, I’ve found on certain targets closing my left eye is the only way I can hit them. I typically shoot with both eyes open, any ideas why this would be?

[@ZeldasGhost]

Closer targets typically rabbits give the impression they are faster than they are so you end up giving too much lead. Or what you perceive as sufficient lead and end up shooting way too far in front due to shot velocity being so fast it gets there before the clay…Closing one eye and aiming like a rifle on these close targets allows you to match speed much more precisely and your point of aim becomes point of impact. Hope that helps

[@WarEagleBrett]

I've been told repeatedly that when I start to measure my shot, I'll miss. That I'm supposed to trust that when I see the bird the best, my brain will instinctively lead the appropriate amount. You've mentioned in this video and prior videos about seeing lead, whether negative or positive, to determine when to send the shot. This sounds like measuring lead, and since I very much value your teaching and experience, I'm not sure which is the right approach now. All that to say, I can see lead (barrel in relation to target) very well when closing one eye at the hold point and not as well with both eyes open through the entire shot. Both eyes open, I'm trying to rely more on instinct and focus on seeing the target clearly to know when to shoot and let my brain determine lead, but I can't see the lead as well when shooting this way. Which is the proper way and which way should I continue to use moving forward?

[@benhusthwaite9884]

If u instinctively see the lead correctly we would never miss !!! Seeing the lead is vital

[@williamcastleberry7338]

I have watched several videos on here on shooting clays. I have shot some clays (nothing organized) just friends out shooting. I never knew it at the time, but I am left eye dominant. I did shoot with one eye closed. Then I got into shooting pistols. I shot more on instinct. But that was 50 years ago. My question is why do all the videos I see of people shooting any kind of clays use a double barrel (over and under). I have always used a pump. Thinking about switching to a 20 gauge to make it a little easier on my wore out shoulder. I would really like to know why the double barrel.

[@benhusthwaite9884]

It’s far superior

[@janetcroneberger9972]

Good morning, I am left eye dominate but was taught keep both opened....after a year of sporting clays I seem to be at a stand still and want to improve so I am going to shoot this Wednesday the course with one eye.I do wear glasses but they are mostly for close like reading I would like to know if I should try without glasses and just use safety glasses. I am shooting average 50 out of 100 am 64 and started last October also shoot the moderate course ( blue course)

[@benhusthwaite9884]

Trial and error it’s all worth a try

[@janetcroneberger9972]

@@benhusthwaite9884 Thankyou

[@ryanmartin9826]

Where is the best place to put the patch on the glasses directly over the eye once the guns mounted or just when your looking forward

[@benhusthwaite9884]

All when mounted

[@jerrychiu7]

Hi Ben, great video! I’m wondering if i can shoot with one eye for Olympic trap discipline. Can you share your thought? Thank you.

[@benhusthwaite9884]

If your dominate eye is the wrong one then u have no choice

[@jerrychiu7]

@@benhusthwaite9884 thanks a lot for your quick reply. Hope i can fly to UK to have some training with you.

[@danmcn1715]

I know more lock downs now any date for northern Ireland. I know you do dates in Dungannon wonder have you any set for new year

[@keithewing8026]

I'm sure BH would agree that there are degrees of eye dominance, and even the configuration of your gun can matter - SxS vs. OU - or how you position your hand on the forend - Simon Reinhold mentions his thumb helping out with his sight picture while shooting a SxS. Meanwhile, many of the comments demonstrate the realites, oftentimes subtle and seemingly a bit mysterious, of this struggle, which I endure. I've tried a few trainers, the last one venerable (and pricey!) and possessing legitimate renown in his way, and he insisted upon the two-eyes-open religion by way of a translucent patch. Over the course of a day, I learned it (but a gal training with me couldn't or wouldn't), it works, it saves the extra step and timing (shifting sight picture) concerns of having to close your eye, but, I'll tell you this: IT SUCKS WALKING AROUND WITH A PATCH OVER THE LENS OF THE GLASSES YOU OTHERWISE NEED TO SEE WITH. It's simply impractical, unnatural and the minute you take off those glasses, well, you're unlearning and relearning the whole tedious, impractical business - hell, are you going to wear a patch in the woods? In short, it's silly to force yourself to endure a patch, it causes as many problems as it solves, so just close your eye and get on with things. P.S. NOBODY ever talks to the idea of the handedness of your forend hand. I shoot right-handed but, for example, hold a hockey stick left-handed. My brother is left-handed in all things except shooting a shotgun. My point (pun intended), is that some of us shooters also endure cross-dominance issues, let's call them, with our hands, which can perhaps contribute additional challenges. Go BH...!

[@berettaEarlofCheesesteak]

I struggled with cross eye dominance. I tried putting a dot over my left eye but I found I was subconsciously moving my head to get the dot out of my vision. That really messed with my gun mount. Easiest thing for me was to become a left handed shooter. My brain 100% thinks I’m a left handed shooter. My body on the other hand is going to take some practice.

[@benhusthwaite9884]

Sounds like a good coach is needed

[@berettaEarlofCheesesteak]

Agreed. But I’m in the western US. Not many coaches to be found. I’m jealous of what you all have access to.

[@TheMoodyedge]

Shooting is frustrating enough as it is without starting again. Apparently when you swtich sides and seem to shoot better, it can be due to the unlearning of various bad habits that have crept in when you shot from the opposite side. Not sure how much truth there is to that, but it sounds logical. The brain and body are part of one organism, there is no separation. All you have to do is look at a diagram showing how the nerves go from the brain down the spine and out to the limbs. You basically are a brain in a bag of water, cladded with tissue and bones to help cart it all around.

[@berettaEarlofCheesesteak]

So, after 7 times of shooting left handed I’m back to my 75-80 sporting score and it felt VERY natural. I met twice with a coach (I can assure you they are very few and far between in Utah) and he tried to have me shoot right handed with a dot over my left eye. Shot 72 on sporting. His recommendation was to definitely switch hands from right to left. I wish we had access to the clay grounds you have and the instruction most you you take for granted. There are 6 sporting courses in my state. Most are pretty janky and have odd hours of operation. My state is about the size of your island so closest one is and hour and farthest is 5. I’m not making excuses for my shitty scores I’m just saying I live in a place with extenuating circumstances.

[@berettaEarlofCheesesteak]

@@TheMoodyedge starting again is a stretch. All of that knowledge is still in there. It’s just training your left hand to pull the trigger, right hand to guide the gun and switching your stance. It wasn’t/isn’t easy but I feel like if I was going to improve my score I was going to have to switch.

[@stevegreenaway9527]

I watched the Oxford gun company video with regards to this matter.....I switched the video off instantly.

[@TheMoodyedge]

Indeed. If you want to see some middle aged man shoot at clouds while talking in riddles for 20 minutes, head over to TSC. 😂 I watch for the comedy value.

[@stevegreenaway9527]

@@TheMoodyedge 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidcoldicott8424]

Me to he’s a joke

[@DFox-ud3gx]

Good morning Ben and good morning everyone.

[@iantunnicliffe4509]

Morning

[@iantunnicliffe4509]

If everyone was has friendly has clay shooters the world would be a better place 👍

[@TheMoodyedge]

@@iantunnicliffe4509 Say what?

[@dermotflanagan865]

Hi I am in Ireland, my son age 17 rugby player like you and a good shot is being coached in Courtlough dublin. We want to go to a few grounds in the UK covidallowing in 2022. Could he get a lesson from you. Don't worry he' a forward......

[@dermotflanagan865]

Sorry age 16 will be 17 in jan

[@benhusthwaite9884]

Of course

[@stevej7344]

100% most so called shooting instructors don’t know there arse from there elbow I see it all the time on clay grounds teaching methods to shoot targets but they can’t hit said targets them self 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️👍👍

[@Adirtybird]

Where are all your clips with shooting tips and advice ???? What the hell has happened?

[@benhusthwaite9884]

This is a huge shooting tip

[@Adirtybird]

@@benhusthwaite9884 Thank you Ben. i follow you daily and have found the clips that i thought were missing, they were on the Fieldsports page.. Thank you for all you do for us basic shooters, im having real issues with my eye following the bird and matching my hand speed, and i think this clip is my much needed help.. Thanks again, from an middle aged guy trying to get a leg up in a young lads game.