Shoot From The Hoop

2026 Freedom Cup & FITASC U.S. Grand Prix Shoot ReviewPine Ridge Farm | Indian Mound (Clarksville), TennesseeMay 20–24, 2026JeffJensen reviews one of the premier events of the 2026 sporting clays season—the Freedom Cup and FITASC U.S. Grand Prix held at Pine Ridge Farm just outside Clarksville, Tennessee. The event brought together top competitors from across the country for five days of FITASC and sporting clays competition at one of the nation’s fastest-rising shooting destinations. What Made This Event Special?On this episode, we evaluate the shoot through the lens of the Peak Shooter Experience Hierarchy—and Pine Ridge Farm delivered on every level.✅ Safe and secure shooting environment✅ Efficient online registration and event management✅ Outstanding course flow and logistics✅ Minimal wait times✅ Well-trained referees and trappers✅ Thoughtful target presentations that challenged shooters without becoming gimmicky✅ Excellent hospitality and customer serviceWhen all the fundamentals are executed at a high level, shooters can focus on what they came to do—break targets and enjoy the experience.Hats Off to the TeamA special thank you to Tim Miles, Joey Wright, and Melissa Wright, whose attention to detail was evident throughout the event. From course setup to shooter services, the entire operation reflected a commitment to excellence and a clear understanding of what competitors value most.The result was an event that felt professionally managed, welcoming, and enjoyable from start to finish.Pine Ridge Farm Continues to Raise the BarPine Ridge Farm has quickly become a destination venue for sporting clays and FITASC competition, and the 2026 Freedom Cup/U.S. Grand Prix showcased exactly why. The facility, organization, and shooter-first mindset combined to create an experience that competitors will remember long after the scores are forgotten. 

This episode is a re-release of an interview with 2024 Olympian, Derrick Mein. Derrick just returned home from Paris fresh off his 5th place finish in Men's Trapshooting. "Derrick grew up on a small farm in southeast Kansas and developed a love of the outdoors at an early age tagging along with his dad while quail and deer hunting. He started in sporting clays at age eight, joining his dad in a small league at a local club and began developing his skills as a competitive shooter.The shooting sports earned him a scholarship to Lindenwood University. While there, he was on dual scholarship for baseball and the shotgun team. After a couple years, he transferred to Kansas State University to pursue a degree in Animal Science, graduating in 2008. While at KSU, he won the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championship, a format that includes international trap, international skeet, American skeet, American trap, and sporting clays.After college, he moved to Ohio where he designed and managed Cardinal Center Sporting Clays. Having successfully getting the facility up and going, he took the chance to move closer to home to manage Powder Creek Shooting Park in Lenexa, Kansas.During his years in the shooting sports, Derrick has competed in many different disciplines, including sporting clays, skeet, trap, international trap, and helice, winning national titles and earning Team USA honors in helice, international trap, and sporting clays. Still to this day, Derrick enjoys shooting with his father and is regularly seen competing with him around the country in sporting clay events.Derrick had eight International medals at the time and competed in his second Olympic Games in Paris.In this episode we explore the passion for excellence that transcends all careers. We discuss work/life balance, planning, preparation, execution, the mental game, how to deal with disappointment, how to "finish", and Derrick's plans for 2008.An enlightening view of the competitive world of an Olympic athlete - both mental and physical! Enjoy!

🔥 Episode OverviewOn this episode of Shoot from the Hoop, host Jeff Jensen sits down with one of the most accomplished couples in sporting clays—Gebben and Karen Miles—fresh off an extraordinary showing at the World Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio.Karen Miles made history as the Lady World Champion, delivering a dominant performance and becoming the first female ever to qualify for the Super Final at a World Championship—an achievement that redefines what’s possible in the sport.Gebben Miles continued his legacy of excellence, finishing on the podium with a Silver Medal, reinforcing his status as one of the top competitors in the world.Together, they offer insight into elite-level preparation, mental discipline, and what it takes to perform on the biggest stage in sporting clays.🏆 Featured GuestsKaren Miles• 2026 Lady World Champion – World Sporting Clays Championship (San Antonio)• First female in history to qualify for a World Championship Super Final• Known for consistency, composure, and precision under pressureGebben Miles• Silver Medalist – 2026 World Sporting Clays Championship• Multiple-time national and international champion• Widely regarded as one of the most technically sound shooters in the sport🎯 Key Topics Covered• Breaking barriers: Karen’s historic Super Final run• Competing at the highest level as a couple• Mental game strategies for championship performance• Lessons learned from the World Championship stage• Target setting, preparation, and adapting under pressure💬 Memorable Takeaways• “History is made when preparation meets opportunity.”• “At the highest level, the difference is often mental—not mechanical.”• “Thoughtful target setting reveals the best shooters in the world.”📣 Connect & FollowFollow Shoot from the Hoop for more conversations on FITASC and Sporting Clays—covering competition, mindset, and the pursuit of peak performance.

Shoot from the Hoop host, Jeff Jensen, is joined by Scott Cusanek, a highly respected figure in the sporting clays world and owner of Pinnacle Shooting Sports. Scott is also widely recognized as an accomplished sporting clays shoot director and organizer, helping lead and execute successful state championships, regional events, and major competitive shoots.Known for his passion for the game, deep technical knowledge, and commitment to growing the sport, Scott has played a major role not only in coaching shooters, but also in creating top-tier tournament experiences for competitors at every level.Through Pinnacle Shooting Sports, Scott combines elite instruction, equipment expertise, mental-game strategy, and real-world competition insight to help shooters perform at their best. His unique perspective—from both the competitor side and event management side—gives him rare insight into what it takes to succeed.In this episode, we discuss course design, tournament operations, coaching philosophy, common shooter mistakes, gear setup, and what separates good shooters from great ones.If you love sporting clays, competition culture, and learning from leaders in the game, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Joseph Pinchin – From Young Gun to Southeast Regional Champion🟢 Episode OverviewIn this episode of Shoot from the Hoop, Jeff Jensen sits down with Joseph Pinchin—Director of Shooting Sports at Covey Rise Lodge and the 2025 Southeast Regional Champion.This conversation is more than a highlight reel—it’s a full-circle story. Jeff reflects on knowing Joe since he was just 12 years old, watching firsthand as raw talent evolved into elite-level performance. Joe shares insights from his journey through the ranks, the discipline required to compete at the highest levels, and what it means to now lead and mentor others in the sport.🔵 What You’ll Learn• The evolution from junior shooter to regional champion• Lessons learned competing at the highest levels of Sporting Clays• The mindset required to win major events• Balancing competition with leadership at a premier shooting destination• How mentorship and environment shape long-term success🟠 Key Moments• Early Days: Joe’s introduction to the sport and early competitive drive• Growth Phase: Transitioning from talent to disciplined competitor• Breakthrough: Winning the 2025 Southeast Regional• Leadership Role: Building a program at Covey Rise and developing shooters• Full Circle: Reflections from Dr. Jensen on watching Joe’s journeyEnjoy!

Shoot from the Hoop host, Jeff Jensen, welcomes Dr. Drew Ricketts to the Podcast!Drew is the NSCA Chief FITASC Referee - and today we'll discuss interesting topics around FITASC, unique rules, and why FITASC is always the first event to "sell out" at big shoots such as regionals, the US Open, and Nationals!Drew fell in love with the shotgun sports industry and great people involved while working at Claythorne Lodge as a teenager during the late 1990s and continues to enjoy working with teams from across the US and World to train referees and help clubs host enjoyable events for all attendees. Beyond the NSCA, he teaches courses on shooting sports and wildlife management at Kansas State University, and coaches the K-State Shotgun Sports Team. If you have questions about FITASC rules, need assistance with an event or planning one, or wish to host a FITASC Referee Clinic, please feel free to contact Drew at 785-307-3831 or rickettswildlife@gmail.com.

Shoot from the Hoop host, Jeff Jensen, welcomes Todd Kemmerer to the podcast!Todd is originally from Ohio, spends winters in Vero Beach shooting at many clubs in the area including South Florida Shooting Club, Quail Creek, Vero Beach and OK Corral. A 7 time TEAM USA member - we get a chance to discuss representing the USA on a world level, and Todd's passion for the Kid & Clays Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Wounded Warriors program. A past inductee to the Ohio Sporting Clays Association Hall of Fame, and past NSCA Executive Committee member, tune in for a fun discussion!

The SFTH Shoot Quality Hierarchy – Framework for Peak Shooter Experience🎯 Episode OverviewWhat separates a “good” shoot from a great one?In this episode, we break down the SFTH Shoot Quality Hierarchy — a structured framework for delivering the ultimate Peak Shooter Experience.Inspired by performance theory and built from years of competitive experience, this model explains what truly drives shoot quality — from foundational logistics to elite target setting.Whether you’re a shooter, target setter, club manager, or event director, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for building better events.🔷 The SFTH Shoot Quality Hierarchy🟦 Foundation: SAFETY FIRSTNothing else matters without safety.• Safe and secure shooting environment• Clearly defined procedures• Responsible gun handling culture• Staff trained to prioritize safety above allIf safety fails, everything fails.🟨 Access Layer: Online Course Registration – ScorechaserEase of entry impacts perception immediately.• Seamless online registration• Clear communication• Efficient check-in processBefore the first shot is fired, the shooter experience has already begun.🟩 Basic Needs: Water, Food & HospitalityShooter comfort directly affects performance and perception.• Hydration & Meals• Friendly, helpful staff• Exhibitors that add value to the eventIf shooters are dehydrated, hungry, or frustrated — performance and satisfaction drop.Comfort is not luxury. It’s performance fuel.🟧 Operational Excellence: Grounds, Facilities & Course FlowLogistics separate amateur events from elite events.• Intelligent course layout• Clean restrooms & clear signage• Minimized wait timesAvoid backups. Avoid chaos.Flow equals focus.🟥 Performance Layer: Targets & ScorekeepingAt the top of the hierarchy is what shooters ultimately came for.• Thoughtful target setting• Eye tests / short windows• Trained trappers & refereesThis is where competitive integrity lives.Fairness. Challenge. Consistency.When this tier is executed well, shooters leave feeling tested!🔺 The Goal: Peak Shooter ExperienceWhen every layer supports the next, you achieve:• Competitive fairness• Professional presentation• Operational efficiency• Shooter satisfaction• Repeat attendancePeak experience doesn’t happen accidentally.It is engineered.🧠 Key Takeaways✔️ Safety is non-negotiable✔️ Logistics affect performance✔️ Hospitality fuels focus✔️ Flow prevents frustration✔️ Target setting and scoring defines competitive integrityEvery successful shoot builds from the bottom up.

Shoot from the Hoop host, Jeff Jensen, is joined this week by Gebben Miles from Arizona!Gebben Miles is a professional competitive shotgun shooter and one of the elite performers in sporting clays and FITASC, with a career defined by World Championship and National Championship victories, sustained excellence at major events, and a modern professional approach to the sport.Known for his technical precision, mental discipline, and adaptability across the most demanding target presentations, Gebben has competed — and won — at the highest levels of international and U.S. competition.Major Championships & Titles• FITASC World Champion — World FITASC Championship 2012• U.S. National Champion — NSCA National Sporting Clays Championship (2009)Professional Career Highlights• Professional Shooter Status: Competes full-time at the sport’s highest level• Elite Consistency: Repeated top finishes against world-class international fields• Course Versatility: Proven success across diverse terrain, presentations, and formats• Championship Composure: Known for performance under World and National Championship pressureEquipment Evolution• Krieghoff → Blaser (Recent Transition):After years of competing with Krieghoff, Gebben recently transitioned to Blaser shotguns, reflecting an ongoing pursuit of peak performance at the highest competitive level. His experience with two of the world’s premier shotgun platforms gives him a rare, high-level perspective on gun fit, balance, recoil management, and competitive setup.Voice & Influence in the SportBeyond his results, Gebben Miles is respected for his analytical understanding of the game, thoughtful approach to equipment and mental preparation, and professionalism as a representative of the sport. As a World and National Champion, he brings first-hand insight into what it takes to win — and stay competitive — at the very top.

Shoot from the Hoop host Jeff Jensen is joined this week by Karen Miles from Arizona!Karen Miles is one of the rising stars in competitive sporting clays and FITASC, emerging onto the national scene in 2020 during the COVID era and quickly establishing herself as a force at both the national and international levels — all before the age of 25.Karen first gained widespread recognition beginning in 2020, when she broke through at major national and regional events, competing successfully against seasoned elite fields. Her rapid ascent was marked by consistent high finishes, technical precision, and a competitive maturity well beyond her years.At the international level, Karen has competed in FITASC World Championship competition, gaining valuable experience on the global stage and demonstrating the ability to perform under world-class championship pressure early in her career.Career Highlights• National-Level Breakthrough: Emerged on the U.S. national scene beginning in 2020• National Championship Competitor: Strong finishes at major U.S. Sporting Clays and FITASC Championships (2020–present)• World Championship Experience: Competed in FITASC World Championship events at an early age• Elite Young Competitor: Achieved top-level results while still in her early 20s• Rapid Ascent: Recognized for one of the fastest competitive rises among young shooters in the sportBeyond results, Karen Miles is widely respected for her composure, work ethic, and competitive intelligence. She represents the next generation of elite shooters — combining modern training, mental discipline, and international ambition — while serving as an inspiration to young athletes entering the sport.At just 24 years old, Karen Miles continues to build a résumé that already includes national recognition and world-level competition, positioning her as one of the most exciting talents in sporting clays and FITASC today.

In this episode of Shoot from the Hoop – All Things FITASC & Sporting Clays, I sit down with Ryan Holmes, a true student of the game and a respected voice within the sporting clays and FITASC community.Ryan is someone who doesn’t just show up to compete — he studies, travels, observes, and constantly refines his approach. From coast to coast, Ryan has immersed himself in the sport, gaining insight not only as a shooter, but as a target setter, strategic thinker, and leader within the community.🧠 What We Cover in This Episode:• Target Setting Philosophyo What makes a great target versus a forgettable oneo Balancing fairness, challenge, and flowo Seeing presentations through the eyes of different classes of shooters• The Mental Gameo Preparation vs. expectationo Staying present shot-to-shot• Student of the Game Mindseto Why traveling to shoots matterso Learning from different clubs, terrains, and target styles• From Construction Management to Sporting Clayso Ryan’s professional background in construction o How project planning, systems thinking, and leadership translate• Entrepreneurship & Leadershipo Giving back to the sporting clays and FITASC communityo Building something bigger than personal scores🧩 Why This Conversation MattersRyan Holmes represents the modern sporting clays competitor — analytical, intentional, mentally disciplined, and community-focused. Whether you’re a weekend shooter, a Master-class competitor, or someone interested in target setting and course design, this episode delivers insights that translate directly to better shooting and deeper appreciation of the sport.

Welcome to "Shoot from the Hoop"! I'm Jeff Jensen— And this is “Shoot from the Hoop”, where we discuss all things FITASC and Sporting Clays. With over 180 FITASC competitions under my belt, I've learned the most compelling stories in this sport aren't just about scores….They're about the people behind the gun.  Each week, we go deep into the world of FITASC and Sporting Clays with the champions, the veterans, and the obsessed. I sit down with the figures who've shaped this sport both nationally and internationally—to talk craft, competition, and the life journeys that led them here.  If you're serious about FITASC, this is your show, “Shoot from the Hoop”. I’m also the host of the award winning “Dean’s Chat” podcast, with over episodes. Follow us now on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.