Down The Line Single Rise
The British classic with 3-point scoring
What is Down The Line Single Rise?
Down The Line (DTL) Single Rise is the most popular trap shooting discipline in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. Like American trap, shooters stand at one of five stations arranged in a straight line behind a trap house that launches clay targets away from them.
The key distinction is DTL's unique three-point scoring system. Breaking a target on the first barrel earns three points, while a second-barrel kill earns two points. This creates strategic decision-making - should you take a conservative first shot for the guaranteed three points, or push for a more aggressive break that might require a second barrel?
Each round consists of 25 targets shot from five stations, with five targets from each position. The maximum score is 75 points (25 first-barrel kills), making DTL both a test of accuracy and consistency. Top shooters regularly achieve perfect 75-point scores, so precision under pressure becomes paramount.
History
Down The Line evolved from early British trap shooting traditions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While American trap developed with single-point scoring, British shooters adopted a system that rewarded first-barrel accuracy, reflecting the premium placed on clean kills in driven game shooting.
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) standardized DTL rules in the mid-20th century, establishing it as Britain's premier trap discipline. The sport became deeply embedded in British shooting culture, with DTL leagues and competitions held at hundreds of clubs across the UK.
Today, DTL remains the foundation of trap shooting in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The discipline's emphasis on precise shooting and its accessible yet challenging nature have made it a beloved introduction to clay target sports for generations of British shooters.
Key Characteristics
Three-Point Scoring
First barrel kill = 3 points, second barrel kill = 2 points
Two Shots Allowed
Two shots per target - strategic decision on first vs second barrel
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Maximum Score
Perfect round is 75 points (25 targets × 3 points each)
Station Layout
Field Configuration
Down The Line Single Rise uses the same field layout as American trap - five shooting positions arranged in a straight line, 15 meters (16 yards) behind a trap house that launches clay targets away from them.
Position Layout
Leftmost position
Left center
Center position
Right center
Rightmost position
Shooting Sequence
- • Squad of up to 5 shooters starts at Position 1
- • Each shooter fires 5 targets from Position 1
- • Squad moves to Position 2, each fires 5 targets
- • Continues through all 5 positions
- • Total: 25 targets per round
- • Maximum score: 75 points
Target Angles
- • Trap oscillates automatically
- • Targets thrown at random angles
- • Up to 22.5° left or right of center
- • Height: 2.4-3.0 meters at 10 meters
- • Speed: 41-43 mph (66-69 km/h) at trap exit
Scoring System
DTL uses a unique three-point scoring system that rewards first-barrel accuracy. The maximum score per round is 75 points.
First Barrel Kill
3 points - Target broken with first shot
Second Barrel Kill
2 points - Target broken with second shot
Miss Both Barrels
0 points - Target not broken
Perfect Round
75 points - All 25 targets broken on first barrel
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 28g (1 oz) shot for 12 gauge. #7.5, #8, or #9 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling "Pull"
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 110mm diameter clay targets
Speed
41-43 mph (66-69 km/h) at trap exit
Distance
50-55 yards (46-50 meters) when broken
Angle
Random left/right up to 22.5° from center
Height
2.4-3.0 meters at 10 meters from trap
Common Violations
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells
Shooting at broken or irregular target without calling "No Bird"
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
DTL shooters typically use over/under or semi-automatic shotguns. Since pre-mounting is allowed, gun fit and consistency are key.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 30-32 inches (76-81cm)
- • Choke: Full or Improved Modified
- • Weight: 3.5-4.0 kg (7.7-8.8 lbs) for 12 gauge
- • Stock: Adjustable comb and butt plate for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 28g (1 oz) maximum
- • Shot Size: #7.5, #8, or #9
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps typical
- • Case Length: 70mm typical
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 24g (7/8 oz), #7.5 or #8
- • 28 Gauge: 21g (3/4 oz), #8 or #8.5
- • .410 Bore: 14g (1/2 oz), #9
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
Shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular for target visibility)
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
Miroku MK38
Over/under - Popular in UK, excellent value
Remington 1100
Semi-auto - Soft recoil, affordable
Organizations
Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA)
The governing body for DTL in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1928, CPSA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit CPSA Website →Classification System
Shooters are classified by average: AA (98%+), A (96-97.99%), B (93-95.99%), C (90-92.99%), D (87-89.99%), E (84-86.99%), F (below 84%)
Major Tournaments
CPSA British Open
Annual - UK's premier DTL competition
CPSA National Championships
Annual - National level competition
Regional Championships
Annual - Regional competitions across UK
League Competitions
Year-round - Local and regional leagues
Getting Started in Competition
Join CPSA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Shoot Practice Rounds
Build consistency and establish your average
Enter Local Tournaments
Start with club-level registered shoots
Build Your Average
Classification based on your scoring average
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically consist of multiple events:
DTL Singles Event
100 or 200 targets from 15 meters
DTL Handicap Event
100 targets from varying distances
DTL Double Rise
100 targets (50 pairs) with 3-point scoring
All-Around
Combined score from Singles, Handicap, and Doubles
Fundamentals
Gun Mount
Since pre-mounting is allowed, mount gun consistently before calling "Pull". Gun should fit your body perfectly - cheek weld on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Practice mounting to the same position every time.
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. Your brain will automatically align gun to target if mount is consistent. Watch the target from trap exit to break point.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target. Continue swinging after the shot.
Scoring Strategy
First Barrel Priority
Aim for first-barrel kills (3 points) but don't risk missing entirely. Better to get 2 points than 0
Consistency Over Aggression
Consistent 2-point kills (50 points) beats risky 3-point attempts that result in misses
Know When to Use Second Barrel
If first shot is marginal, don't hesitate to use second barrel immediately
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
Looking at Barrel
Eyes should be focused on target, not gun barrel or bead
Risky First Shots
Don't risk missing entirely for a 3-point attempt - 2 points is better than 0
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
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately. With top scores at 74-75, every point matters
Ready to Try Down The Line Single Rise?
Find clubs near you that offer DTL shooting
Find Clubs Near Me