American Trap Handicap
The great equalizer - fair competition across all skill levels
What is American Trap Handicap?
American Trap Handicap is a unique discipline that levels the playing field by assigning shooters to different yardage positions based on their demonstrated ability. Beginners start at 19 yards from the trap house, while the most skilled shooters compete from 27 yards, making targets significantly more difficult.
Like singles trap, each shooter fires at 25 targets from five positions, but everyone in the squad shoots from their assigned handicap yardage. A beginner shooting well from 19 yards has the same chance of winning as an expert shooting perfectly from 27 yards, creating truly competitive matches.
The handicap yardage is earned through consistent performance. As shooters improve and post better scores, their yardage increases, presenting harder shots. This dynamic system ensures fair competition and provides clear progression markers as skills develop over time.
History
The handicap system was introduced in American trap shooting to address the problem of elite shooters dominating competitions. In the early 1900s, when skilled shooters routinely broke 100 straight targets, regular competitions offered little challenge or excitement.
The ATA developed the handicap yardage system to restore competitive balance. By requiring better shooters to shoot from farther back, the organization created an environment where shooters of all abilities could compete fairly. The system proved so successful that Handicap Trap became one of the three crown events at major championships.
Today's handicap system is sophisticated and data-driven, with yardages assigned based on extensive shooting records. The prestigious Handicap Championship at the Grand American attracts thousands of shooters annually, all competing with equal chances of victory regardless of experience level.
Key Characteristics
Yardage-Based Competition
Shooters compete from distances ranging from 19 to 27 yards
Fair Competition
All shooters have equal chance to win regardless of skill level
Earned Yardage
Yardage increases as performance improves, providing clear progression
Same Format as Singles
25 targets from 5 positions, but from varying distances
Yardage System
How Yardage is Assigned
Handicap yardage is determined by a shooter's long-term scoring average in registered ATA competition. The system ensures fair competition by requiring better shooters to shoot from farther distances, making targets more challenging.
Yardage Range
Beginner
Starting yardage for new shooters
Intermediate
Experienced shooters
Expert
Top-level competitors
Yardage Progression
- • New shooters start at 19 yards
- • Yardage increases as average improves
- • Based on long-term scoring records
- • Updates periodically by ATA
- • Maximum yardage is 27 yards
Yardage Reduction
- • Possible after extended poor performance
- • Protects shooters from being over-handicapped
- • Based on recent scoring trends
- • Ensures continued fair competition
Field Layout
Handicap trap uses the same five-position layout as singles trap, but shooters stand at their assigned yardage (19-27 yards) instead of the standard 16 yards. Each position is marked at the appropriate distance from the trap house.
Leftmost position
Left center
Center position
Right center
Rightmost position
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect round is 25 points (25x25 or "straight").
One Shot Per Target
Only one shot allowed per target. If missed, target is lost
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
No Bird
If target is irregular or broken, shooter calls "No Bird" and receives a replacement target
Fair Competition
All shooters compete from their assigned yardage, ensuring equal winning chances
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 1-1/8 oz shot for 12 gauge. #7.5, #8, or #9 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun must be mounted AFTER calling "Pull" - no pre-mounting allowed
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 4-5/16" diameter clay targets
Speed
41-43 mph at trap exit, approximately 44 yards when broken
Distance
Targets appear smaller and faster from longer yardages
Angle
Random left/right up to 17.14° from center
Yardage Rules
Assigned Yardage
Shooters must shoot from their assigned ATA yardage
Yardage Verification
Yardage is verified before competition begins
Squad Composition
Squads may contain shooters at different yardages
Common Violations
Shooting from wrong yardage, pre-mounting, shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
Handicap trap requires consistent shooting from longer distances. Tighter chokes and longer barrels are often preferred for the increased range.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 30-32 inches (longer barrels help with swing and range)
- • Choke: Full or Improved Modified (tighter patterns for longer distances)
- • Weight: 8-9 lbs for 12 gauge (heavier guns reduce recoil)
- • Stock: Adjustable comb and butt plate for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 1-1/8 oz or 1 oz
- • Shot Size: #7.5, #8, or #9
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps typical
- • Dram Equivalent: 3 or 3-1/4 dram
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 7/8 oz, #7.5 or #8
- • 28 Gauge: 3/4 oz, #8 or #8.5
- • .410 Bore: 1/2 oz, #9
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
Shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular for target visibility at distance)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs allow conversation while protecting hearing
Shell Pouch/Vest
Holds shells and empties conveniently
Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes with good traction
Popular Shotgun Models
Beretta 686/687
Over/under - Classic choice, reliable
Browning Citori
Over/under - Well-balanced, smooth action
Remington 1100
Semi-auto - Soft recoil, affordable
Perazzi MX8
Over/under - Premium choice, highly customizable
Organizations
Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA)
The governing body for American Trap Handicap in the United States. Founded in 1900, ATA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications and yardage assignments.
Visit ATA Website →Yardage System
Yardage is assigned based on long-term scoring average. Shooters are classified and yardage is updated periodically to ensure fair competition.
Major Tournaments
Grand American Handicap Championship
Annual - Sparta, IL - August (one of trap shooting's most prestigious events)
ATA State Championships
Annual - Each state hosts handicap events
Zone Championships
Annual - Regional competitions
Registered Shoots
Year-round - Local and regional competitions
Getting Started in Competition
Join ATA
Membership required for registered tournaments and yardage assignment
Start at 19 Yards
New shooters begin at 19-yard handicap
Shoot Registered Events
Build your average through consistent competition
Earn Yardage
As your average improves, yardage increases automatically
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically include handicap events:
Handicap Event
100 targets from assigned yardage (19-27 yards)
Preliminary Handicap
50 targets - shorter format
All-Around
Combined score from Singles, Handicap, and Doubles
Fundamentals
Gun Mount
Mount gun smoothly and consistently after calling "Pull". At longer yardages, consistent mount becomes even more critical. Gun should fit your body perfectly.
Stance
Weight slightly forward, feet shoulder-width apart. Point lead foot toward expected target break point. Upper body should rotate freely to follow targets.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target, not the barrel. At longer distances, targets appear smaller and faster - sharp focus is essential.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target. Continue swinging after the shot.
Yardage-Specific Tips
19-21 Yards
Focus on fundamentals. Build consistency. Don't rush - you have time to break targets
22-24 Yards
Targets appear faster. Maintain smooth swing. Tighter chokes help at these distances
25-27 Yards
Maximum challenge. Every target matters. Mental discipline is as important as technique
Common Mistakes
Lifting Head
Keep cheek on stock throughout shot and follow-through
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
Inconsistent Mount
Gun mount must be identical for every shot, especially at longer yardages
Rushing Shots
At longer distances, take time to break targets cleanly
Pre-Mounting
Gun must be mounted after calling "Pull" - no pre-mounting allowed
Practice Tips
Dry Fire Practice
Mount, swing, and trigger pull at home (use snap caps)
Focus on Consistency
Same mount, same stance, same routine for every target
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues, especially important at longer yardages
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Don't think about your yardage or previous misses
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