Sporting clays is often described as “golf with a shotgun” – a dynamic shooting discipline that offers the greatest variety of target presentations in the world of clay shooting. Among the most challenging and exciting targets in this discipline are loopers and crossers, which test a shooter’s ability to read flight paths, adjust stance and timing, and maintain composure. In this guide, we’ll explore the techniques that will help you master these difficult targets and improve your overall sporting clays performance.

What Are Sporting Clays?

Sporting clays simulate the unpredictability of live quarry by using a wide range of target types, angles, and speeds. Unlike trap or skeet, where shooting stations are fixed and predictable, sporting clay courses vary widely and include multiple stations designed to challenge different aspects of shooting skill.

Promatic, a leading UK-based manufacturer of clay target machines, plays a pivotal role in delivering the diversity and realism required in sporting clay courses. Their Sporting Traps are used by clubs across the UK to create realistic, challenging shooting environments that mimic everything from low-flying rabbits to soaring pheasants.

Among the wide range of target styles, loopers and crossers are some of the most difficult – and satisfying – to hit.

What Is a Looper?

A looper is a clay target that follows an arched flight path, similar to a quartering or curling bird. Depending on the placement of the trap, a looper may travel from left to right or right to left, with a high point mid-flight.

Loopers can deceive shooters by appearing slower or faster than they actually are. Their curved trajectory often tempts beginners to shoot too early or too late, causing frequent misses. Timing, observation, and a smooth swing are critical to breaking loopers.

What Is a Crosser?

A crosser, on the other hand, is a target that moves across the shooter’s line of sight, either left-to-right or right-to-left, at a consistent height and speed. Crossers are often used to simulate birds flying across a field or gamebirds breaking from cover.

Hitting a crosser requires a combination of proper lead, consistent gun mount, and maintaining gun movement through the shot. Because they’re lateral rather than arched like loopers, they demand a slightly different visual strategy and timing.

Equipment Matters

Using the right equipment can make a significant difference in sporting clays. For sporting setups that include loopers and crossers, trap machines must offer precision and variety. Promatic's Sporting Claymate System is ideal for clubs looking to deliver consistent and versatile presentations, including simultaneous and report pairs.

Additionally, shooters should invest in a well-balanced over-and-under shotgun, typically with 28in to 32in barrels, multi-chokes, and a stock that fits well to minimise fatigue and improve accuracy. Using lighter loads (24g or 28g) with consistent velocity helps manage recoil while maintaining pattern density.

Technique for Hitting Loopers

To consistently hit loopers, follow these tried-and-tested techniques:

1. Visual Pick-up Point – Identify where you first see the target clearly. This helps you stay ahead of the clay and prepare for its curve.

2. Hold Point – This is where you position your gun before calling “pull.” It should be roughly halfway between the trap and your anticipated break point.

3. Break Point – Choose a break point that gives you the widest target profile (usually when the looper is at its apex).

4. Smooth Swing – Keep the barrel moving in an arc that matches the looper’s path. Resist jerky movements or trying to ambush the target.

5. Pull-Away Method – One effective strategy is to start slightly behind the target, match its speed, then pull ahead and fire while maintaining movement.

Practising these steps with loopers launched from Promatic’s versatile traps can help train your eyes and timing under different scenarios.

Technique for Hitting Crossers

Crossers require different planning and focus:

1. Lead – Estimate how far ahead of the target your shot needs to be. This depends on distance, speed, and your reaction time.

2. Consistent Gun Mount – Ensure your gun mount is smooth and consistent. A rushed mount leads to poor sight alignment.

3. Maintain Gun Movement – After firing, continue swinging your gun through the shot. This “follow-through” ensures you don’t stop the barrel prematurely.

4. Focus on the Target – Don’t look at the bead or barrel; stay locked onto the target.

5. Practice Both Sides – Many shooters favour one direction (e.g., left-to-right). Practice equally from both sides to build consistency.

Using programmable traps like those from Promatic allows shooters to train with crossers at varying speeds and distances, enhancing adaptability.

Tips for Progression

• Take Coaching Lessons – Working with a qualified instructor can provide feedback on stance, eye dominance, and lead estimation.

• Use a ShotKam or Gun Camera – Analysing your shooting footage can help diagnose common faults.

• Practice in Pairs – Shooting with a partner allows you to alternate roles and observe each other’s technique.

• Adjust to Wind Conditions – Loopers and crossers can behave differently in wind. Learn to read how conditions affect flight.

Sporting Clays in the UK: A Growing Scene

Sporting clays continues to grow in popularity across the UK, thanks to its dynamic nature and outdoor appeal. The discipline caters to all levels, from social shooters to seasoned competitors. Facilities using Promatic equipment are able to replicate real-life hunting scenarios, offering immersive and engaging experiences that keep shooters coming back.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your game for competitions or simply enjoy a day in the countryside, mastering loopers and crossers is a rewarding part of the journey.

FAQs

1. What are the biggest mistakes when shooting loopers?

The most common mistake when shooting loopers is misjudging their speed and path. Many shooters either rush their shot or hesitate too long, losing the opportunity to break the clay cleanly. Loopers can appear slower than they are because of their arched flight, causing under-leading. Another mistake is a rigid swing – instead of tracking the target's arc smoothly, some shooters “poke” at it with a static gun. This often leads to inconsistent breaks. To fix this, identify a clear visual pick-up point, plan your break point at the target’s apex, and match the clay’s path with a smooth gun movement. Also, avoid shooting too early – wait for the looper to stabilise mid-flight where it offers the most visible profile. Finally, don’t look at the barrel; keep your eyes focused on the target and let your peripheral vision guide the barrel. With practice and the use of programmable traps like those from Promatic, these errors can be eliminated.

2. How do I improve my timing on crossers?

Timing on crossers is all about rhythm and consistency. Many misses happen when shooters either rush the shot or fail to follow through. To improve, start by understanding the lead required – this varies with the target’s speed and distance. Practise mounting the gun smoothly and ensuring the barrel continues moving after the shot (follow-through). Choose a break point where the target is fully visible and consistent in speed. Focus on the clay, not the bead of the shotgun. Using training tools like a ShotKam can help visualise your timing and adjust your technique. Practising with Promatic sporting traps that simulate consistent crossers will build muscle memory. Drills that involve switching directions also improve reaction time and control. Ultimately, improving timing is about consistency in mount, swing, and follow-through, paired with patience and observation.

3. What’s the difference between loopers and crossers in terms of lead?

Loopers and crossers both require lead, but in different ways. Crossers generally need a more consistent horizontal lead, as the target travels across your field of vision at a fairly steady rate. You’ll need to gauge how far ahead to shoot depending on its distance and speed. Loopers, on the other hand, require both vertical and horizontal considerations due to their arched path. They climb and then descend, and that change in elevation can trick shooters into misjudging when to pull the trigger. Often, the apex of the loop is the best moment to break the target. In terms of visual strategy, with crossers you focus on maintaining a line and timing, while with loopers, you’re reading a curve and adjusting your swing path accordingly. Both benefit from regular practice on programmable traps like those offered by Promatic, which can replicate these varied target types.

4. How can Promatic traps help with sporting clay training?

Promatic traps are renowned for their precision, durability, and flexibility, making them ideal for sporting clay courses. For shooters, they provide reliable and varied target presentations, which is essential when practising for loopers, crossers, and other challenging clays. Promatic's Sporting Traps can be configured for different flight paths, speeds, and trajectories – allowing you to simulate real-world gamebird movement. The Claymate System allows for solo shooting with delayed release or simultaneous pairs. With programmable options, shooters can work on specific challenges like springing teals, fast crossers, or curling loopers in a controlled environment. This adaptability makes Promatic equipment invaluable not just to shooting grounds but to individual shooters looking to improve their skills and training routines. They are also ideal for instructors who need to demonstrate consistency to their students.

5. Are loopers and crossers common in UK sporting clay competitions?

Yes, loopers and crossers are extremely common in UK sporting clay competitions and are considered core target types in most events. Sporting clays aim to replicate a variety of field-shooting scenarios, and loopers simulate curling pigeons or teal, while crossers imitate birds flying across hedgerows or open fields. These targets test a wide range of skills including shot timing, barrel control, and visual tracking. Because they are so prevalent in competitions, mastering them is essential for success. Promatic’s role in the competitive scene cannot be overstated – many competition venues across the UK rely on their traps for consistent and challenging target presentations. Whether you’re shooting at regional qualifiers or national championships, you’ll almost certainly face both loopers and crossers. Regular training with similar targets at your home ground will give you a distinct advantage when facing them in competition.