Be observive of the shells you are using, stay away from heavy dr. eq, high speed, heavy weightloads and stick with the light ones. I would suggest getting some Winchester AA Feather Weight Low Recoil Low Noise Target Loads. I have been training youth for years with the 12 ga version and theynow offer it in a 20 ga loading. Great loads to start someone that is recoil shy on till they can tolerate heavier recoil. They will not operate/cycle a semi-auto though and if used in them they inturn are a single shot. However, the Feather's can be used in other actions with great results.

It's a catch 22 with kids/youth, women on the weight thing, less weight equates to more recoil and vice versa. I do however notice that alot of students of today are generally "weaker" that kids of yesteryear strength wise. Some dont have a problem with recoil but have difficultly dealing with the weight of a firearm.

No matter what type of 20 gauge you decide on, I strongly urge you to give the Winchester Feathers a try. They might be harder to find but are well worth it, trap and skeet clubs and Cabela's usually stock them.