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you might want to look into a semi-automatic or break-action shotgun. Semi-automatic shotguns are designed to dis- tribute the gases and pressure created by the shotshell to cycle the action of the shotgun. With more moving parts, these heavier shotguns absorb more of the recoil, and use even more to cycle the action, which can significantly reduce the amount of recoil into the athlete's shoulder. Semi-automat- ic shotguns are a great option for those looking to reduce recoil without spending hundreds of dollars on accessories. Break-action shotguns are a favorite amongst trap and skeet shooters alike. They are heavier and well-balanced shotguns that naturally help with recoil, while also having more options to further reduce recoil. These shotguns also often feature additional accessories such as recoil reduction pads, mercury weights, and compression systems ensuring a smooth, comfortable shot at each target. TARGET LOADS In my experience as a coach, the easiest way to reduce recoil is to use appropriate target loads for clay target shooting sports. I often see athletes using heavy target loads that pack an unnecessary punch for minimal (if any) benefit. Regular and light target loads are more than enough to effec- tively break targets while leaving your shoulder and positive shooting experience intact! ✪ THE FIELD C OAC H K ELV IE'S C ORNER REDUCING RECOIL sk any experienced shooter about their first memory shooting a shotgun and most will tell you a story that involves recoil. The backward movement of the shotgun when shooting has surprised nearly everyone their first time, and many have amusing stories to share about their first experience. Let's take a few minutes to better understand recoil and ways we can mini- mize its impact on how we break the targets! WHAT IS RECOIL? Nothing can escape Newton's Third Law—for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Recoil is just that— the force of shooting the pellets of a shotgun shell out towards the target creates an equal force in the opposite direction. Recoil is something all athletes encounter while partic- ipating in shooting sports. For first-time athletes, recoil (otherwise known as kick) can be a bit of a surprise due to the sudden and jarring force of the shotgun pushing back into the shoulder during a shot. While it's important to make sure you are shouldering the shotgun properly as to minimize the effects of recoil, there are other things to take into account to mitigate recoil. SHOTGUN TYPES The various types of shotguns can all have some impact on how recoil is felt to the shooter. Heavier shotguns have more mass, which makes it harder for recoil to be transferred directly to the shooter. Some shotgun types actually use the recoil to operate, while others have specialized barrels that allow more of the expanding gas to escape rather than push rearward. Lightweight pump-action field shotguns generally carry the most amount of recoil and can pack a punch. These shotguns push the pressure and force of the shot through the end of the barrel, and the lighter mass means that there is very little to reduce the amount recoil going directly back into the shoulder. If you find yourself struggling with the recoil from a pump-action shotgun, A MITIGATE KICK TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE by JASON KELVIE illustrations by TOM RICHMOND SHOTGUN TYPES AND RESULTING RECOIL 1 JAS O N K E LV I E / U S AC T L C OAC H ED U CAT I O N A N D S U P P O R T M A N AG ER 32 PULLUSA MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025 USING REGUL AR AND LIGHT TARGET LOADS RATHER THAN HEAV Y TARGET LOADS (MORE GUNPOWDER) IS THE EASIEST WAY TO REDUCE RECOIL. TIPS 1. PUMP-ACTION FIELD SHOTGUNS Carry the most amount of recoil. 2. SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUNS Absorb more of the recoil, and use even more to cycle the action, which can significantly reduce the amount of recoil. 3. BREAK-ACTION SHOTGUNS Heavier and well-balanced shotguns that naturally help with recoil, while also having more options to further reduce recoil. 2 3