Mini clay targets, often used in sporting clays, may seem like simple objects to the naked eye. However, upon closer inspection, one can’t help but notice the optical illusion that these small targets create. Understanding the science behind this illusion can provide insights into our perception of size and distance, and shed light on how our brains process visual information.

As the name suggests, this is the smallest size used in sporting clays at just 60mm (2¼ inches). These mini targets are very fast off the arm of the machine, but rapidly lose their momentum because of their lighter overall weight.

At first glance, mini clay targets appear small and easily hittable. However, when these targets are launched into the air, they seem to cover a much larger area than expected. As the target moves rapidly through the air, our brains struggle to accurately track its tiny size and unanticipated distance. This creates a sense of distortion, sometimes making the target appear larger and more challenging to hit.

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