Complete Guide to Trap Shooting for Beginners
Everything you need to know for your first round of trap
Improve Your Game
Trap rewards consistency. A repeatable mount, stance, and timing will break more targets than any equipment upgrade.
Key Techniques
Consistent Gun Mount
Mount the gun the same way every time—cheek on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Practice at home without ammo.
Eye on the Target
Focus on the clay, not the bead. Your eye and hands naturally align the gun—trust the process.
Smooth Follow-Through
Keep swinging after you pull the trigger. Stopping the gun is the most common cause of misses.
Pre-Shot Routine
Same stance, same hold point, same mental checklist. Consistency before calling "Pull!" leads to consistency after.
Common Mistakes
Lifting Your Head
Peeking to see the result changes your aim. Keep your cheek welded to the stock through the shot.
Aiming Instead of Pointing
Trap is pointed, not aimed. Looking at the bead slows you down and introduces errors.
Rushing the Shot
The target isn't going anywhere fast. A smooth, deliberate mount beats a panicked jab every time.
When to Get a Coach
A qualified coach can spot issues you can't feel—head lift, inconsistent mount, timing problems. Consider a lesson:
- • When you plateau and can't figure out why you're missing
- • Before bad habits become ingrained
- • When preparing for competition
Sources & References (2)
Last updated: November 2024