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Madison Sharpe’s Path to Sporting Clay Champion and Her Expert Advice
By: Bethany Beathard
Meet Madison Sharpe: National and World Champion sporting clays competitor and instructor with Team Remington.
From Frogs in the Pit to the Sporting Clay Podium
Madison Sharpe's journey into shooting sports started with her growing up on a farm and hunting alongside her dad. Her earliest hunting memory takes her back to a trip to Arkansas at just five years old. While the adults hunted, Madison played in the bottom of the pit with frogs and sat on a hunter's lap, playing with his dog. She loved the experience so much that the next year, she eagerly asked her dad if she could go again and he said "yes." From then on, duck and deer hunting became a cherished tradition for Madison and her dad, strengthening their bond and igniting her passion for the outdoors.
The pivotal moment in Madison's journey came when she accompanied her dad to a charity shoot. After the event, her dad asked if she'd like to try her hand at shooting a clay. Despite the gun being too big for her, Madison managed to hit her first clay target and instantly fell in love with shooting. Her enthusiasm was undeniable and her dad sought out help from a local gun club to nurture her interest. It was there that they met Steve Bolt, who became Madison's first coach. What started as a request for lessons turned into a spot on the club's team and Steve played a crucial role in shaping Madison's skills and confidence. "He's the reason I am who I am today," Madison shares. While she's had other coaches since then, she credits Steve as the one who first encouraged her and set her on the path to success.
By age 11, Madison began competing in sporting clays, quickly making a name for herself. Madison shot throughout high school on a youth team. Her talent and dedication earned her a spot on Clemson University's shooting team, where she competed for two and a half years before deciding to focus on major events such as the National Sporting Clays Association. Now a seasoned competitor, Madison's journey showcases the importance of mentorship, perseverance and a deep love for the sport. Her insights, drawn from years of experience, offer valuable guidance for both new and seasoned shooters looking to improve their game.
Fundamentals of Shotgun Shooting
For Madison Sharpe, the fundamentals of shotgun shooting, stance, mount and posture are the foundation of success. "I always say 90% of the game is mental and 10% is fundamental," she explained. "If you have the fundamentals and your technique down, the rest is a mental game." For new shooters, start from the ground up. During her time coaching, she ensures that shooters master the basics first, as even small adjustments can make a big difference.
Madison demonstrated this approach while we were shooting on the Remington Sporting Clays Course, where she guided us through the key elements of the stance. "I start with my feet shoulder-width apart, toes parallel and slightly pointed out," she shared. From there, she visualizes an imaginary line running from her back heel through her front toes in the direction of the shot. For right-handed shooters, the feet are set for the furthest target to the right; for left-handed shooters, it's the furthest to the left. "This setup allows your body to move freely," she explains. Improper stance, such as spreading feet too far apart, restricts your turn radius, forcing you to rely on your arms rather than moving the shotgun with your whole body.
Once the stance is correct, Madison recommends shifting your belt buckle slightly back and leaning forward so your shoulders are over your toes. "This helps create a pocket in your shoulder for the gun," she notes. Consistently mounting the gun into that pocket improves accuracy. She warns against standing too upright or vertical, as this can pull your eye out of alignment with the barrel, leading to inconsistent shots.
With these fundamentals down, shooters can focus on building muscle memory and maintaining a consistent technique. This helps to set yourself up for success, whether on the sporting clays course or in the field. Madison's approach and attention to detail make her guidance invaluable for shooters of all skill levels.
Madison's Top 3 Shotgun Shooting Tips
Mastering Sporting Clays
Focus on the Target, Not the Bead
Madison's number one tip is simple: don't look at the bead of your shotgun. "What happens is when we take our eyes off the target to compare it to the bead, we usually shoot behind it," she explains. By shifting focus from the fast-moving target to the slower bead, shooters disrupt their aim and timing. To avoid this, Madison suggests imagining a flashlight at the end of your barrel. "If it's dark outside and you're handed a flashlight, you instinctively point it to light up the target," she says. Apply the same concept to your shotgun; treat it as if you're using a flashlight to "light up the target," and keep your eyes locked on the clay.
Be Consistent with Your Fundamentals
Consistency is key. Madison stated that a reliable stance, mount and setup lead to consistent performance on the range. "The more consistent you are in your basics, the more consistent you'll be in your shooting," she shares. By building a strong foundation and sticking to it, you set yourself up for success, shot after shot.
Practice Gun Mounts at Home
Even off the range, Madison encourages shooters to keep practicing. One of her go-to tips is to use a mirror for gun mount practice. "I still do this," she says, "making sure I hit the same spot every time." This simple drill helps build muscle memory and doesn’t take up that much time.
Madison Sharpe Explains the Flashlight Technique:
Finding Inspiration and Community
One of the best ways to grow as a shooter is to surround yourself with others who share your passion. Seeking out coaching, joining local clubs or becoming part of shooting groups can make the world of difference. These resources not only provide access to valuable training and guidance but also open the door to a supportive community. Whether you are wanting to hone your skills on the range or learning from seasoned shooters, the camaraderie in the shooting sports world fosters both improvement and enjoyment.
Mentorship plays a significant role in growth and is a powerful tool. Experienced shooters will often take the time to encourage newcomers, share insights and provide a sense of belonging. This shared learning experience not only helps individuals refine their technique but also builds lasting friendships. Additionally, there are a lot of options for gun clubs, women and youth shooting organizations and teams. The collective energy of a supportive group can turn challenges into opportunities and make every shooting session more rewarding.
As Madison emphasizes, progress takes patience. Apply her guidance step by step, embrace the learning process and don't forget to enjoy every moment, whether you're on the sporting clay course or in the field. To continue learning and be inspired by Madison's journey, follow her on social media here and keep an eye out for her upcoming events and competitions. Her passion for the sport and dedication to helping others succeed make her a true role model in the shooting community.
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