Trap Shooting for Beginners | Rules, Tips, & Techniques

Trap Shooting for Beginners | Rules, Tips, & Techniques: Trap shooting can be intimidating, but when you understand the rules and basic concepts, it's really a fun and simple game that can be enjoyed by many. In this video, we go over the rules, tips, and techniques so you can get out and shoot trap with confidence.
Shoot Trap at ASP 💥 targetfocused.link/asp
💯 100𝙆 𝙂𝙄𝙑𝙀𝘼𝙒𝘼𝙔! 𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙉𝙊𝙒!
⌲ www.targetfocused.life/100k
💥𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙀𝙇 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙏𝙍𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙏𝙎!
⌲ / @targetfocusedlive
🎯 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙔 𝙏𝘼𝙍𝙂𝙀𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝘾𝙐𝙎𝙀𝘿 𝙄𝙉 𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙀 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙁𝙇 𝙋𝙊𝘿𝘾𝘼𝙎𝙏
⌲ targetfocused.link/podcast
Apple ⌲ targetfocused.link/podcastapple
Spotify ⌲ targetfocused.link/podcastspo...
🧢 𝙂𝙀𝙏 𝙏𝙁𝙇 𝙈𝙀𝙍𝘾𝙃
targetfocused.link/merch
👊 𝙅𝙊𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙁𝙇 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙔 (𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚!)
targetfocused.link/communitys...
🔥 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙀𝘿 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝘿𝙐𝘾𝙏𝙎 | 𝘿𝙄𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙏 𝘾𝙊𝘿𝙀𝙎
targetfocused.link/favproducts
Reduce Recoil ⌲ targetfocused.link/falconstri...
Eye 😎Pro ⌲ targetfocused.link/esseyepro Code "ESSTFL35" for a 35% discount
Shotgun 🪥Cleaning ⌲ www.targetfocused.life/otis Code "tfl15" for a 15% discount!
Choke Tubes ⌲ targetfocused.link/carlsonsch... Code "targetfocused20" for a 20% discount!
Mag Tube Extension ⌲ targetfocused.link/carlsonsma... Code "targetfocused20" for a 20% discount!
Ear 👂Pro Recommendations ⌲ targetfocused.link/axilbuds Code “tfldiscount”
Trap Machines ⌲ targetfocused.link/promaticla...
On❌ Hunt ⌲ targetfocused.link/onxhunt Code “TFL20” for 20% discount
💪Energy/Nutrition ⌲ targetfocused.link/mntops Code “TARGETFOCUSED” for 20%
Discount
Steve's Favorites on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/targetfoc...
🪛Wheeler Engineering Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set for Gunsmithing and Maintenance ⌲ amzn.to/3Q0YmgE
Make it look awesome with Custom Finishing ⌲ targetfocused.link/deadeye
😎𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙊𝙏 𝘼𝙏 𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀 ⌲ targetfocused.link/asp
🎯𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙑𝙀'𝙎 𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔
From Terrible at Shooting 😔 To Making a Living Shooting 🤯 How it all changed!
targetfocused.link/stevestory
💥𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 𝘼 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙏𝙍𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙊𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙒
𝘔𝘈𝘒𝘌 𝘠𝘖𝘜𝘙 𝘌𝘝𝘌𝘕𝘛 𝘜𝘕𝘍𝘖𝘙𝘎𝘌𝘛𝘛𝘈𝘉𝘓𝘌
targetfocused.link/booking
🎤𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙑𝙀 𝙏𝙊 𝙎𝙋𝙀𝘼𝙆 𝘼𝙏 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉𝙏
targetfocused.link/booking
𝙅𝙊𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙁𝙇 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙔 (𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚!)
targetfocused.link/communitys...
TFL videos, plus a lot more, are posted on the TFL Community. This community is where we engage, ask and answer questions, chat with members, and share our passion for shotguns, bird hunting, and clay shooting. targetfocused.link/communitys...
Keep Living Target Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Steve Gould

[@thebigguy5538]

If you’re new to trap, there are always loads of friendly people that will help you out. The best part about trap are the people.

[@Lovemypigeons]

There’s also a bunch of old culls at trap clubs , talk to 5 trap shooters and you’ll walk away with 7 different opinions on how to shoot trap. Hell it’s the same folks who will debate what’s the best choke. Once the mechanics are learned it’s 90% mental 10 % mechanics, that is what makes a great shooter. They don’t shake there head, throw the hulls, they put it past them and take the next target. They also worry about there game no one else’s.

[@nickherron3599]

Hahahaha. Totally! Warm and fuzzy for sure!

[@kevinc3673]

100% ! My buddy and I went to a trap club yesterday for the first time ever. Everyone there was chill and helpful. I was intimidated when we first got there, but everyone was inviting and helpful!

[@tomcook158]

One point you didn't cover (which confused me when I first started shooting trap): The shooter who starts on station 1 (squad leader) is always the first shooter. So when you rotate, the shooter who was originally on station 5, now on station 1, doesn't shoot first. The squad leader on station 2 does. Rotate again, squad leader now on station 3 starts, and so on through all 5 stations.

[@SillyRichard]

I went shooting for the first time. Squad leader remain the same throughout the run.

[@LukieCharzard-zv2jd]

The leader does shoot first after they rotate!

[@ameershah1048]

Good infarmation i confeus shoot time iloock bird shoot tim gun Lead mising the target hw to you sagation to me thnks

[@w.murray9380]

​@@ameershah1048 Huh?

[@Peter-976]

​@SillyRichard that's exactly what he explained above.

[@thepizzalife1207]

The first time I shot on a line at my club I had my semi-12g in hand. They asked me a few questions, watched me handle my firearm and allowed me on the line, as i took my position on third station I waited for my turn, called "pull" and fired at my first clay......Missed, followed with my SECOND shot and felt proud when I dusted it. The immediate hollering from the range master followed by some laughing after the confused silence from the rest of the line absolutely froze me in place. After the much deserved ribbing and a crash course on etiquette, I fell in love with the sport.

[@scarbourgeoisie]

The fact that there is a highway in the background just blows my mind.

[@jamesclark4]

Yeah im new to shotguns didn't think all the bbs wouod drop off so hard that this would be safe

[@ForceM1782]

As a Trap shooter from Europe myself, i was a bit confused at first as well. My Club has a forested ravine we are shooting into as a background. But it’s quite honestly 100% safe at that distance (As long as you thoroughly check all the ammo and it’s only birdshot!). And it seems if you are located in the Great Plains like you seem to be, you’ll be hard pressed to find any location that’s not flat and open, unlike in most places where i live! I still think there is no chance you would get this authorized in Europe!

[@wyatt-n_dakota]

Yea my trap club has a rail yard where you shoot at

[@BeetleBuns]

birdshot won't hold enough energy to travel that far, max it can even go is probably less than 300 yards

[@ForceM1782]

@@BeetleBuns Absolutely, but try tell that to smooth brained European bureaucrats.

[@bradleynixon3839]

Man, I just finished my first year coaching a trap team. Same team I shot on when I was in High School! I will be starting every season showing this video to my shooters. Best introductory video I have seen. Thank you!

[@hakimthumb]

A great tutorial. Simple and broader than most would attempt. Very well done Sir.

[@thebigguy5538]

Great video, Steve!! I love trap; It’s an easy game to learn, but a difficult one to master!!

[@farside7225]

All of your video's are so helpful & informative. Thank you!

[@HispanicUniter09]

I have shot trap every year for my school for the last 2 years and the best I've got is 23/25. I use my yildiz lineage.

[@roymayeda1677]

Keep it up! If you can shoot 23, you can shoot 24 or 25. 👍

[@HispanicUniter09]

I started to develop a rhythm, but the best I have gotten this season is still 23/25

[@BrokenBarBox]

I’ve subscribed for a while and this is the best video you’ve put out. Thank you so much for the lesson!

[@Dman-jp9in]

Thanks for tutorials ! Looking forward to more

[@Dzb852]

I grew up with guns but never did trap shooting competition before. I’m a member of my local sportsman club. Have my own trap shooting machine. Been practicing on that before doing the competition. Lots of fun shooting.

[@TheJohnnyCombat]

A great video for beginners to watch. Clear and informative with an enthusiastic manner, this fella could teach you a lot. Thanks, Steve, keep up the good work. JC.

[@patrickbink4617]

This teaching video was fantastic. I must have picked up at least a dozen pointers that I did not know about. Keep it up, Steve - this is great!

[@anthonydeveno2928]

That was a great video Steve I'm lucky that the group of guys I shoot trap with are willing to help a new Comer learn how to shoot trap. I personally find trap very relaxing and it really helps with my focus at work or other tasks.

[@markbucher7609]

Great video Steve. I'm a former skeet shooter, never really shot trap. My new range has no skeet fields so I'm looking to learn and broaden my horizons!

[@JohnBartonniceguyjohn]

Great instruction and the instructor is so professional. Loved this overview.

[@SeattleGiantsBB]

Great video Steve! This spring I’m going to start my grandkids, 15 & 16 boy & girl, trapshooting. I will have them watch your video a couple of times before heading out to the club. Thanks👍

[@blakebutler4650]

Excellent Video!! Thanks for sharing.

[@kalliekleitsch3445]

Much appreciated! Havent ever shot trap but wanting to get better at bird shooting so all points are great.

[@chriswalneck594]

Great video! Thanks for demonstrating the basics of Trap!

[@danielragostini]

muito obrigado pelas dicas

[@michaelodonnell1861]

Another great video! I’ve been shooting trap for 2 years now and love it. I want to try skeet this summer. Would love to see you do a video on skeet for beginners. Keep up the good work!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@sway696]

Was watching the guys at the club the other day and I'm definitely interested. Looks like a blast! Pun intended 💥🤣 thanks for the basic tutorial, not all of us know but would definitely like to try.

[@ForestToFarm]

Good job. Thanks for your time. Terry

[@StrongpointOutfitters]

Great video for new shooters

[@dustoff499]

Tried it today, first time, had a blast.

[@chrisboon4526]

Great video, thank you!

[@elizabethbalbin8091]

what a great video ! thank you !!

[@victormanuelmartinezjr.6549]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@chrisclarke9299]

Really great intel, thank you 😊

[@abengtebaran5346]

Extremely clear comments and regulations positions and focused points on the objeck 😳👍

[@robertgaylord8263]

Thanks, good tips.

[@revoearthling1749]

Thank you I've learned a great deal with your video

[@ashwinrajpurohit1090]

Excellent explanation 👍Thxs

[@jessefiorinif6057]

Love this video thanks bud

[@andjp7382]

Great video! At my club, we are working on putting a HS team together and this would be a great video for the first time kids to watch! If you make a series out of this that could help coaches all across the country.

[@joshfulk366]

Coaching a HS Trap Team is very rewarding. I know first hand. This one is one I'd definitely share with new shooters it takes a bunch of videos I already would send shooters and put it into 1. Good luck on hs team we just finished our 2nd season of hs trap

[@timkenney7986]

Well done, Steve!

[@TMFShooting]

Great Stuff 💯 Thank you 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@weissrw1]

This was really good. If you haven't already, please, do it for skeet! Thanks!

[@RockyS007]

Thanks bro this helps a lot

[@Nierlock]

This is Great! Can you do a vid on 5-stand?

[@thetraveler5798]

Thank you for the tutorial. So one competes against other or individual against others by way of score It's new to me but I think is fascinating to meet new people. Similar to bowling maybe ? 😎🤙

[@davidshepherd4410]

Brilliant video, this man knows how to shoot and convey the game to novices will watch him closely

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Never knew the origin of the word “trap”. Makes sense. Thanks dude.

[@henrysara7716]

Great Video thank you. I need to pay a visit to my local club asap.

[@MudLakeRanch]

My favorite video of yours so far. Trying to start a Trap League at my kids High School… and of course if you speak up, they want ya to coach. I’ve shot Trap (once) ever.

[@roymayeda1677]

You don't necessarily need to be a great shooter to help out. My son outshoots me all the time, but I'm still able to look at what he does and help him out. Just getting the kids the chance to try is huge. Biggest thing is safety. Unfortunately a lot of clubs run really loose "because they're just shotguns". Even if certain habits are usually considered okay in trap (barrel on foot is one I hate) it trains sloppy habits for other disciplines. Good luck!

[@sprayandprayhunting5711]

The best bro love these vids ❤❤

[@bobbriante2385]

My favorite sport!

[@walterdl2904]

One club where I shoot in western Massachusetts (Westfield Sportsmen's Club) has a machine on the trap field that can be placed in wobble mode. It adds a vertical dimension to the game. We don't use it in wobble often but I personally like it to better train me hunting live birds. It may also be good for 5 stand and sporting clays. What do you think?

[@hyomir]

Great video

[@Frmeansfr8]

Perfect

[@juniorsamples1108]

Steve, are you going to be at the Minnesota State Trap Shoot? If so, would you be competing in Saturdays Singles Championship and/or Sundays Handicap Championship?

[@findyourinnertube124]

Never gone trap shooting and no idea what to expect. Great tutorial.

[@JW-fq1ec]

You are shooting my dream gun sir!

[@patrickgleason6610]

There has to be an inside joke there about Garrett missing everything! 🤣😂

[@RascalMcGovens]

Thoughts on a red dot on a skeet or pheasant gun?

[@mefirst5427]

Trap is fun game, but competitive at international level is very difficult and requires talent. ISSF and Olympics they throw the clay at much faster speeds.

[@pedrojsanchezalvarado5569]

Magnífica arma amigos usted tiene una elegancia arma

[@chrismarshall4486]

My dad never let us have our shotguns shouldered. Because we were doing it as practice for hunts and he said you’re never going to have the gun at your shoulder when a bird comes up. So I still shoot trap without it to my shoulder.

[@rickh9306]

International Trap is shot with the recoil pad by your hip. It is more difficult than regular or American Trap.

[@crossbowhunter9118]

A tip I was told a box of shotgun ammo is 5 across in every box so you go with 1 row at each round or you can count 5 shells and also. For me was shown and I was told to focus and try to read the words on the clay everyone is different. I am able to hit more once someone told me to do that

[@TheConfederate1863]

What choke do you use shooting trap ? Great vid btw!

[@victorree7676]

I'd be a little nervous, driving on that road in the distance. Seems like a location for a trap shooting field. You've got power lines out there too ?!?!

[@jamesclark4]

Guess its about a 1/2 mile away... target loads wont make it anywere close but 3.5" slug might idk

[@roymayeda1677]

The shot falls before the fields, and there's a lot of field between there and the interstate. Only bird shot allowed on range.

[@roystephenson5607]

Thanks for all your content! Just curious, how far is the highway behind your trap field?

[@BRENDANTHERED]

No kidding! I'm surprised they have a range so close to the road, especially shooting at / towards the highway.

[@treyveston7965]

Bird shot in the sizes typically used for trap shooting (7.5 and 8) only travels a maximum of 250 yards. The highway in the video looks like it is at least 500 yards away, so double the safe range. I was concerned as well, since I am a pistol and rifle shooter, primarily. I had no idea that bird shot had such a short trajectory (hence why I'm watching this video before my first trap shoot).

[@HuntingSanity]

Can we get videos like this for Sporting Clays, Five Stand, etc, please??

[@DomiNate_1]

Great video! Please do videos for Skeet, 5-Stand, and Sporting Clays as well! I just join a club in MN as well and Im looking to get into ALL THE SHOTGUN STUFFS! I just dont know where to begin... looks like its going to be TRAP! Also... shooting towards the road and powerlines not a problem? sorry, genuinely don't know. Do pellets run out of steam pretty quick?

[@roymayeda1677]

Yes, the small sizes used for target slow down and drop very quickly. Limited to no larger than 7-1/2 shot.

[@lancewilcox3944]

I just started shooting trap and I'm looking at the yildiz can you get the 700$ one and review it.thanks for all you videos

[@jezreeltimbol9918]

Hi! What do you think about using 28 inch barrel of cynergy O/U for trap shooting? I know people prefer 30 inch over 28 inch but I’m not a big guy at all. It makes me wonder if that would work well with trap and clay shooting.

[@stephenmorgan8510]

Do you have a recommendation on what choke to use for standard trap?

[@ChrisGordan]

Can we anticipate a similar video for the game of skeet? (Great vid, thx)

[@michaelgrey5105]

I've been involved with 4-H for several years. The methods you provide in this video is what I've been teaching. Great video. What about advance level? Thank you

[@TommyboyGTP]

What about the different loads available as far as shot size, weight of the payload, and velocity? When I see a box of shells labeled "handicap" is that for shooting on the back line? I'd like to see a more in depth explanation of the different target loads available and which ones to use for certain types of target shooting. Thanks for another great video!

[@dontreat6095]

A common trap load for shooting singles travels at 1145 feet per second. If you look at the specs for a Handicap load, the feet per second may be up to 1350 feet per second. Basically, it’s a “hotter” round that travels faster because you are shooting from farther away. The goal is to allow you to use the same leads as you do with singles. Ideally you won’t have to change how you shoot, the load will compensate.

[@TommyboyGTP]

makes sense, thanks @@dontreat6095

[@duke1386]

Can you please do a review on the Remington V3 PRO waterfowl!!!!!

[@michaelblankenstein]

What's the best choke to use for trap on a 12 gage?

[@leoeby290]

This man is shooting toward the road

[@Redlegwar]

What model is that browning? Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

BT-99

[@aaron2446]

Please do skeet, I'm decent at trap but I need work on skeet

[@stevenhall1097]

My biggest question is. How can you shot trap with cars driving 🚗 in your line of fire???

[@SunBrohan]

Birdshot distance from muzzle to ground is somewhere between 300 and 700 ft depending on muzzle angle those cars are easily 1400+ ft away.

[@gracenmurphy1572]

Maybe a tutorial on skeet or sporting clays

[@mikey-gee3156]

Great video Steve…by the way, what shells are typically used for trap and/or skeet..? Very puzzling to me as I haven’t shot either before.

[@gdwilliams92]

There are all different kinds of target loads. I think the shot weight is limited to 1 1/8 ounce in the US. Across the pond they limit it at 1 ounce. For 12 gauge that is. I don’t know from experience, just from other videos I’ve been watching recently.

[@mikey-gee3156]

@@gdwilliams92 yeah I’ve only shot slugs at the range but hoping to get out for either trap or skeet.

[@TheMurds65]

What Choke do you recommend for trap?

[@danielg530]

Interesting range with a highway as a backdrop....

[@BRENDANTHERED]

...and powerlines!

[@roymayeda1677]

All way out of pellet range. In western MN and other plains areas, you can see for miles.

[@brianrobbins3499]

Been shooting trap for about 40 years and still look forward to going every week. Weather permitting

[@technician799]

Do you have a skeet video for beginners? I just bought a O/U and looking to get into the sport and learn as much as I can

[@TargetFocusedLife]

We don't...yet. It is on the list for this year.

[@davemcloughlin251]

Hi Steve, great intro to trap shooting. Quick question mate, what gun are you using in your demo?

[@rickpresley63]

Browning judging by the logo on the receiver.

[@justgawkin2418]

Hey Steve, have you done a review on the gun you were using? If not, could you? Looks interesting.

[@gdwilliams92]

I think it’s this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXFZ6d4hJefgtU

[@gdwilliams92]

If you don’t feel safe clicking the link I posted. It’s the browning bt-99 video.

[@tomshelton530]

Where can I find that shirt? Great video

[@TommyboyGTP]

What do you think of wobble trap?

[@joereynolds818]

I feel kinda funny about the cars on the highway in the background. Lol

[@dadoturkovic]

What gun are you usig? Brand and model

[@dan5087]

Seem a little close to that highway for my liking

[@lfeco]

½ mile.

[@whiskeytangofoxtrot4363]

Lol, won’t even get halfway to the highway

[@ianyoung5245]

LOL - I won a benelli montefeltro and plan on going to shoot clays. Saw this video explaining trap and then this same guy had the top review of the montefeltro >_

[@donniek7182]

Seeing the cars in the background reminds me of when the grand American was in Vandalia with the airplanes taking off and landing in front of you when you are shooting.

[@gregfitzgerald8462]

I have been shooting shotguns for many years in the field and just recently purchased my first over and under. My experience is with pump/auto shotguns which have single barrels. The one question I have is about the aim point. Is there enough difference in the two barrels that it would be necessary to adjust the aim point depending on which barrel is going to fire? I primarily hunt upland birds.

[@roymayeda1677]

You don't have enough range with the pellets for the barrel regulation to need any pointing adjustment.

[@paulk6077]

I am horrible at walk up birds that are flying directly away or arcing away a little left or right. Plus shooting a benelli that I have to float tge bird. Please do a video using your SBE3 shooting away birds. Thanks.

[@abrampl]

For me looking on drivin cars far away was quite strange ;)

[@ashwinrajpurohit1090]

I have been Trap shooting since 18 months. Not able to improve my scores. I been told by my co shooters that Iam not consistent .

[@loganm246]

Hey Steve, what gun is that your shooting in this video?

[@gdwilliams92]

I’m pretty sure it’s the browning by-99. He has a review on it.

[@loganm246]

@@gdwilliams92 ok thank you

[@raildodelmondes427]

Por favor, atirando na direção dos veículos na estrada?

[@HolladayAviation]

Curious when teaching kids, do they start with moving targets right away or do you start them with stationary targets? The range near us does not offer stationary targets.

[@roymayeda1677]

Our group sometimes introduced new shooters by locking the oscillator on the trap so it throws straightaways from post 3 constantly. They get the idea of tracking a moving target without having the added challenge of not knowing the target's direction