Well the most important thing is safety. Don't go all Dick Cheney out there.
1.Always treat the gun as if it's loaded.
2.Never point a gun at something unless you want to kill it.
3.Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire, take it off immediately after.
4.The gun should be emptied and chamber exposed before being removed from the firing line. In your case break open or slide back.
5.Before you hand a gun off or after you receive one check the chamber to be sure it's unloaded even if it was just checked.

As far as the shooting goes, follow through. Most people stop before they pull the trigger. You need to follow the clay all the way through even a little after you've turned it to powder. And tuck it in, hold the butt firmly against your shoulder. That will help keep you from bruising. Most people try to hold it out a little and that will make it worse.