Looking to improve your game? Try an instructor.

If you are looking to improve your sporting clays game try an instructor. IL has over 25 certified clay target instructors that give you that competitive edge to improve your score, give bragging rights over your buddies or improve your wing shooting skills in the fields. The list below contains the IL resident NSCA certified instructors. You can choose from Level I, II or III certified clays target instructors. A shooting coach or instructor is like choosing the right gun, it just has to fit right. Give one a try and then try a another. The key is find one that you trust and can clearly communicate with.

To help get you started with making the right clay target shooting instructor choice consider the following points that describe the benefits of each instructor.

Choosing the right shotgunning instructor involves considering both qualifications and teaching style. Here are guidelines to help make an objective choice:

First, assess your purpose and experience level to determine which instructor level suits you:

Level I

For beginners, a Level I instructor is ideal. They teach the basics like gun handling, safety, and game rules. Even experienced hunters new to sporting clays should start here.

Level II

Intermediate shooters ready to advance should choose a Level II instructor. They focus on refining techniques and improving scores, suitable for C to early AA class shooters. Some start with beginners and continue training them over time.

Level III

Level III instructors are for high-level competitors in Master and AA class. They focus on fine-tuning performance for serious competitors. Some also train beginners long-term.

Making Your Choice

After identifying the appropriate instructor level, consider these factors:

• Check if your local club offers instructors or clinics.

• Decide between private lessons and clinics; both offer unique learning benefits.

• Research instructors online for insights into their methods and materials.

• Seek recommendations from other shooters about instructors' styles and personalities.

• Request and verify references to understand teaching methods.

• Recognize that instructor compatibility varies; what suits one person may not suit another.

• Discuss your experience level with potential instructors to ensure a good match.

Read the complete article on the NSCA website.

Illinois Level I Instructors

Mark A Borchers of Downers Grove (630) 724-7070

Athena Butler of Mundelein (847) 980-8916

John Butler of Mundelein (847) 980-8015

Courtney Cymerman of Wadsworth (847) 922-4046

Chris Elliott of Valier (618) 663-0735

Cindy K Gaffney of Marengo (847) 490-5528

Jeanne Gorey of Naperville (630) 363-6114

Mark Gutman of Highland Park (224) 766-9667

Richard Rentsch of East Peoria (309) 453-2099

Thomas J Sweeney of Northfield (847) 501-3923

Leo Tripolitakis of Orland Park (708) 297-0007

Tim Turner of Bolingbrook (936) 553-4656

Christina Urban of Glenview

Illinois Level II Instructors

Rodney B Campbell of Mendota (815) 303-3083

Terry Doyle of Rantoul (815) 258-8474

Jim Eberts of Marion

Mark Freeman of Northbrook (847) 650-5719

Alan L Justice of Sherman (217) 494-7159

Kerry Luft of Barrington (224) 343-5790

Dean Pitts of Brighton (618) 466-0613

William A Russell of West Chicago (630) 890-4192

Dennis Sneed of Ewing

Dennis J Taylor of Brighton (618) 372-8976

Rod Vetter of Green Oaks (847) 875-6411

Illinois Level III Instructors

Terry L Musser of Loami (217) 624-4911

Philip Puckorius of Chicago (312) 925-5842

Brett P Seibert of Hainesville (847) 691-3399

Check this link for the most current NSCA certified instructor list.