Complete Guide to Trap Shooting for Beginners
Everything you need to know for your first round of trap
10 min read
Beginner
Most accessible clay sport
Available at most gun clubs
Great for building fundamentals
What is Trap Shooting?
Trap is the oldest and most popular form of clay target shooting. You stand at one of five positions and shoot at targets launched away from you at varying angles—simulating a flushing game bird.
Why beginners love it: Trap is predictable. All targets fly away from you at similar heights and speeds—only the angle changes. This makes it easier to build consistent fundamentals before moving to more complex sports.
What to Expect
Field Layout
- • 5 shooting positions in a straight line
- • 16 yards behind the trap house
- • 25 targets per round (5 per station)
- • 20-30 minutes for a round
Target Presentation
- • Direction: Always away from you
- • Angle: Random left, right, or straight
- • Height: Consistent 9 feet at check point
- • Speed: ~42 mph at launch
Who is Trap For?
- Complete beginners learning their first shotgun sport
- Hunters practicing for upland birds like pheasant and quail
- Competitors pursuing one of America's oldest shooting sports
- Anyone wanting a straightforward, social shooting activity
Learn more: For detailed rules, station layouts, and competition info, see our American Trap Singles guide.
Ready to try it? Find a trap range near you.
Sources & References (2)
Last updated: November 2024