There are some really good videos that show shooting techniques, also save yourself some jigs and practice in the yard, lay a 5 gallon bucket on its side and shoot the jig to the bucket. When I first started shooting I practiced in the garage, the concrete floor would let the jig skip on it to the bucket. I have a 5' - 6" medium - light action one piece rod I really like, it has enough backbone to help shoot the jig out. Ultra lite rods are to mushy for my liking. Also Gallatin marina has some great slips to shoot for crappie, you should be able to scan under them and find the slips with structure.

Ray