How to Aim for Trap Shooting

The sport of trapshooting mimics the experience of bird hunting. It is an inexpensive sport enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life. The cost of starting in this sport is relatively low, and success at an amateur level comes quickly with practice. The goal of trapshooting is to shoot a 4 1/2-inch clay target out of the air with a shotgun. The spreading pattern of the shotgun pellets offers some forgiveness to a less than perfect aim.

Things You'll Need

  • Shotgun
  • Ammunition
  • Clay targets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Approach the shooting line and mount the shotgun. This consists of bringing the butt of the gun snugly to your shoulder on your dominant side. Look straight down the barrel, focusing on the bead at the far end.

    • 2

      Call "Pull" when you are set. An assistant or range keeper releases a clay target into the air.

    • 3

      Follow the clay target with the muzzle of the shotgun. Do not stop or aim; you must match the motion of the clay as it travels through the air.

    • 4

      Pull the muzzle slightly in front of the path the clay target is taking. Keep the muzzle moving on the same trajectory and slightly ahead of the target.

    • 5

      Squeeze the trigger gently until the shotgun fires. Watch the target and note where pieces break off. If the target seems to "explode," you are dead on. If pieces break off the back of the target, you must lead it more. If pieces break of the front end, you are leading too far.