Double Trap
Olympic precision meets explosive speed
What is Double Trap?
Double Trap is an Olympic shooting discipline that launches two clay targets simultaneously from a set of three traps in front of each shooting station. Unlike Olympic Trap where targets can emerge from any of 15 machines, Double Trap uses only three machines per station, making target angles more predictable but no less demanding.
The discipline requires shooters to break both targets with single shots from each barrel - no second shots are allowed. With targets traveling at speeds up to 110 km/h (68 mph) and separated by precise angles, shooters must execute perfect gun mounting, engage the first target, transition smoothly, and break the second target, all within approximately two seconds.
A qualification round consists of 150 targets (75 pairs) shot over three rounds of 50 targets each. Shooters move through five stations, taking two pairs from each position per round. The top six competitors advance to a 50-target final where elimination rounds determine medals, making consistency under extreme pressure essential.
History
Double Trap was introduced as an Olympic event at the 1996 Atlanta Games to provide a faster-paced alternative to Olympic Trap. The discipline was designed to test rapid target acquisition and smooth transitions while being slightly more accessible than the extreme difficulty of 15-machine Olympic Trap.
American shooter Kim Rhode made history in Double Trap, winning gold in 1996 and bronze in 2000 before the women's event was controversially removed from the Olympics after 2004. The men's event continued until 2016, with shooters like India's Ronjan Sodhi and Kuwait's Fehaid Al-Deehani achieving legendary status.
Today, Double Trap remains an ISSF World Cup and World Championship discipline with a dedicated following. While no longer in the Olympics, advocacy continues for its reinstatement, recognizing it as one of shooting's most demanding and exciting competitive formats requiring world-class skill.
Key Characteristics
Three Traps Per Station
Each station has three trap machines for predictable but challenging angles
Simultaneous Release
Two targets launched at the same time from two of the three traps
One Shot Per Target
Only one shot allowed per target - must break both with first shots
Low Gun Position
Gun must be held below shoulder level until targets appear
Station Layout
Field Configuration
Double Trap is shot from five shooting positions arranged in a straight line, 15 meters behind a trench. Each station has three trap machines positioned in front of it, with two machines firing simultaneously to launch the pair of targets.
Position Layout
Leftmost position
3 traps in front
Left center
3 traps in front
Center position
3 traps in front
Right center
3 traps in front
Rightmost position
3 traps in front
Shooting Sequence
- • Squad of up to 6 shooters starts at Position 1
- • Each shooter fires 2 pairs (4 targets) from Position 1
- • Squad moves to Position 2, each fires 2 pairs
- • Continues through all 5 positions
- • Total: 10 pairs (20 targets) per round
- • Qualification: 150 targets (75 pairs) over 3 rounds
Trap Configuration
- • 3 trap machines per station
- • Two traps fire simultaneously
- • Known angles per station
- • Targets launch instantly on "Pull"
- • Speed: Up to 110 km/h (68 mph)
- • Distance: 75 meters
Finals Sequence
The top 6 shooters from qualification advance to the final. The final consists of 50 targets (25 pairs) shot in elimination format:
- • All 6 shooters start together
- • After each 5 pairs (10 targets), lowest scorer is eliminated
- • After 20 pairs (40 targets), 2 shooters remain
- • Final 5 pairs (10 targets) determine gold and silver medalists
- • Bronze medal determined by qualification score
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect qualification round is 150 points (75 pairs). In finals, shooters are eliminated based on cumulative score.
One Shot Per Target
Only one shot allowed per target. Must break both targets with first shots
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
No Bird
If either target is irregular or broken, shooter calls "No Bird" and receives a replacement pair
Finals Scoring
Elimination format - lowest scorer eliminated after each 5 pairs
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge only (maximum 24.5mm bore diameter)
Ammunition
Max 24.5g (7/8 oz) shot. #7.5 or #8 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun must be held below shoulder level until targets appear - "low gun" position
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 110mm diameter clay targets
Speed
Up to 110 km/h (68 mph) at trap exit
Distance
Targets travel up to 75 meters
Release
Two targets launched simultaneously from two of three traps
Separation
Precise angle between pair - known per station
Common Violations
Gun above shoulder level before targets appear
Shooting before targets are visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
Double Trap requires specialized over/under shotguns designed for fast mounting and smooth transitions between targets. Gun fit and balance are critical.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Type: Over/under (required for ISSF competition)
- • Gauge: 12 gauge only
- • Barrel Length: 76cm (30 inches) typical
- • Choke: Full or Improved Modified
- • Weight: 3.5-4.0 kg (7.7-8.8 lbs)
- • Stock: Fully adjustable comb, butt plate, and length
Ammunition
ISSF Regulations
- • Shot Weight: Maximum 24.5g (7/8 oz)
- • Shot Size: #7.5 or #8 typical
- • Velocity: 390-400 m/s typical
- • Case Length: 70mm maximum
- • Shot Material: Lead or approved alternatives
Performance
- • Fast-burning powders for consistent velocity
- • Premium wads for pattern consistency
- • Consistent crimp for reliable ignition
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
ISSF-approved shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs allow conversation while protecting hearing
Shell Pouch/Vest
Holds shells and empties conveniently - doubles require quick reloading
Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes with good traction
Popular Shotgun Models
Perazzi MX8/MX12
Over/under - Olympic standard, highly customizable
Krieghoff K-80
Over/under - Premium choice, tournament favorite
Beretta DT11
Over/under - Reliable, popular with international shooters
Blaser F3
Over/under - German engineering, excellent balance
Organizations
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)
The governing body for Double Trap worldwide. Founded in 1907, ISSF sets rules, sanctions competitions, and organizes World Cup and World Championship events.
Visit ISSF Website →National Federations
Each country has a national shooting federation (e.g., USA Shooting, British Shooting) that organizes domestic competitions and selects teams for international events.
Major Tournaments
ISSF World Championships
Annual - World's top shooters compete
ISSF World Cup
Multiple events annually - Elite international competition
European Championships
Annual - European competition
Continental Championships
Regional competitions (Pan American, Asian, etc.)
National Championships
Annual - Country-level competitions
Getting Started in Competition
Join National Federation
Membership required for ISSF-sanctioned competitions
Get Proper Equipment
ISSF-compliant over/under shotgun and ammunition
Find Double Trap Facility
Not all ranges have Double Trap - specialized facilities required
Enter Local Competitions
Start with club-level ISSF events
Competition Format
Double Trap competitions follow ISSF format:
Qualification Round
150 targets (75 pairs) over 3 rounds - top 6 advance
Final Round
50 targets (25 pairs) with elimination after each 5 pairs
Medal Determination
Gold/Silver from final, Bronze from qualification score
Fundamentals
Target Selection
Identify which target to shoot first immediately. Most shooters prefer the left target first, then transition right. Choose a consistent strategy and stick with it.
Smooth Transition
After breaking first target, smoothly swing to second without stopping. The transition should be one continuous motion. Don't pause between shots.
Low Gun Position
Gun must be held below shoulder level until targets appear. Practice holding gun in low position comfortably. Mount must be fast and smooth when targets appear.
Follow-Through
Continue swinging through both targets. Don't stop after first shot - maintain momentum for the second target.
Position-Specific Tips
Positions 1 & 2
Left positions - expect more right-angle targets. Shoot left target first, transition right
Position 3
Center position - most balanced. Targets can go either direction. Choose consistent strategy
Positions 4 & 5
Right positions - expect more left-angle targets. Maintain smooth transition between targets
Common Mistakes
Hesitation Between Shots
Pausing after first shot loses valuable time for second target
Stopping Swing
Gun must continue moving smoothly from first to second target
Rushing First Shot
Take time to break first target cleanly, then transition
Inconsistent Target Selection
Always shoot same target first (left or right) for consistency
Gun Above Shoulder
Gun must be below shoulder level until targets appear
Practice Tips
Dry Fire Practice
Practice low gun position, mount, first shot, transition, second shot at home (use snap caps)
Focus on Transitions
Smooth transition between targets is key - practice this specifically
Get Professional Coaching
Double Trap technique is highly specialized - expert instruction is essential
Mental Game
Stay focused, one pair at a time. Don't think about the previous pair. Finals require extreme mental toughness
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