Strategy Choices When Shooting Sporting Clays Report Pairs vs True Pairs with Blaize Whitehead

We are out on the course with accomplished sporting clays shooter and instructor Blaize Whitehead, a level I National Sporting Clays Association Instructor, to break down a concept that can make or break your performance on a station: how your shooting strategy changes when the exact same targets are presented as a report pair versus a true pair. This conversation focuses on understanding how presentation format alone can completely shift your approach, even when the targets themselves don’t change. ShotKam Discount Link: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam or "THECLAYLAB" Ranger Eyewear 10% OFF Code: "CLAYLAB" Blaize walks through the key factors he evaluates before ever calling for a pair, explaining how angle, speed, and distance all play a role in building a plan. More importantly, he shows how those same factors must be interpreted differently depending on whether you’re given the built-in timing of a report pair or the simultaneous pressure of a true pair. It’s not just about seeing the targets—it’s about understanding how the format dictates your movement, timing, and decision-making. A major focus of this episode is how shooters often underestimate the impact of presentation type. Blaize explains that with report pairs, you have the ability to be more deliberate, allowing for a clearer visual of each target and a more controlled transition. In contrast, true pairs demand commitment and efficiency from the start. There’s less room for hesitation, which means your plan needs to be tighter and your execution more decisive. He breaks down how this shift influences everything from hold points to where your eyes go first. The discussion also highlights how choosing which target to engage first can change depending on the presentation. A target that feels natural to take first in a report pair may not be the best choice in a true pair. Blaize shares how he evaluates break points and uses that information to determine the most efficient sequence, always aiming to stay within his strengths rather than forcing a plan that doesn’t fit the presentation. Throughout the episode, Blaize emphasizes the importance of being intentional. Instead of approaching stations with a one-size-fits-all mindset, he encourages shooters to recognize that the format of the pair is just as important as the targets themselves. By adjusting your strategy to match the presentation, you give yourself a better chance at executing cleanly and consistently. Blaize brings a high-level perspective shaped by both competition experience and his time learning under Anthony Matarese Jr. through A.I.M. Shooting Instruction. That influence shows in the way he breaks down complex decisions into practical, usable steps that shooters at any level can apply. If you’ve ever felt like the same targets suddenly became more difficult without knowing why, this episode will give you clarity. It’s a focused look at how small changes in presentation can require meaningful adjustments in strategy—and how recognizing those differences can lead to more consistent results. Watch the full episode and start approaching report pairs and true pairs with a clearer, more effective plan. Join The Clay Lab Squad for Member Perks:    / @claylabusa   Instagram:   / claylabusa   Facebook:   / claylabusa   Find Jereme on Instagram:   / jptayamen   Website: https://claylabusa.com/ Get in Contact with Me: [email protected] Like, Share, and Subscribe. Be sure to comment your thoughts on the video. #shotgunsports #nsca #12ga #shotgun #sportingclays #trap #skeet #claylab #mentaltraining #training #hunting #claytarget #shooting ‪ ‬ Disclaimers: All logos used in this video were used by express permission of Fiocchi USA, Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing, ShotKam, Westside Sporting Grounds, Doctor Colo Sports Vision, Greenwood Custom Stocks, Castellani USA, Electronic Hearing Protection, SoundGear, and Fennell Shooting School, Midway USA Foundation, Caesar Guerini Music: Used under license from Epidemicsound Account: [email protected] All videos, podcasts, articles, and channel content are a product of Clay Lab USA, LLC. All Copyright protections apply.