Trap Shooting Techniques from an Olympic Champion: Nathan Hales’ POV with the ShotKam Gen 4 Mini
When you watch Nathan Hales shoot, it’s not just about breaking a clay target; it’s about precision, instinct, and years of grit distilled into a single moment. In Paris 2024, the Team GB trap shooter captured gold with an Olympic-record 48/50, marking Great Britain’s first Men’s Trap Olympic victory since 1968. Read about Nathan’s story, trap shooting disciplines, and how the ShotKam Gen 4 Mini transforms training for every shooter.
About Nathan: Champion Trap Shooter and Olympic Gold Medalist
Nathan Hales makes trap shooting look effortless, but behind every shot is the result of years of disciplined training. Growing up in the UK, Nathan’s father introduced him to trap shooting at a very young age. Those early years at local ranges ignited a passion that has made him a world-class trap shooter with an impressive career. Today, as a member of Team GB, he stands out for his precision, composure, and focus under pressure.
Career Highlights:
- Gold & Olympic Record: Men’s Trap, Paris 2024
- World Record: ISSF World Cup Lonato 2023
- Multiple ISSF World Cup & World Championship medals, including Gold (Men’s Team Trap) and Silver (Mixed Pairs Trap)
Watch Nathan Hales in Action: Trap Shooting Disciplines
Trap shooting is as much about strategy as it is about skill. Each discipline has its own distinct character that offers unique challenges and techniques. Our exclusive video series puts you right behind the gun with Nathan Hales, where we capture every moment with the ShotKam Gen 4 Mini. Here’s a breakdown of the four disciplines Nathan has mastered:
Olympic Trap
Olympic Trap is of the most demanding disciplines in competitive shooting, with a layout that tests even the most accomplished athletes. Fifteen traps launch clay targets at speeds of up to 65 mph, and the angles vary constantly to challenge your focus. Shooters rotate through five stations and can take two shots at each target. Nathan Hales set an Olympic record in this discipline in 2024, which secured his place among the elite.
Universal Trench
Universal Trench is similar to Olympic Trap, but less demanding. Five traps are hidden in a trench about 15 meters ahead, which release targets at moderate speeds and varying angles. Shooters will rotate through five stations with 25 clays per round.
Universal Trench will test your reaction and precision, but the target angles and speeds are less extreme than Olympic Trap. This makes it an excellent stepping stone toward top-level competition.
Down The Line (DTL)
DTL ranks among the most popular disciplines in various regions for both new shooters and experienced competitors. Targets travel directly away from the shooter with varying angles, and each participant is allowed two shots to break each target. It often serves as the first stage in a shooter’s development to help improve consistency and accuracy. Nathan Hales began his career with DTL before advancing to more complex disciplines.
Automatic Ball Trap (ABT)
ABT raises the level of difficulty compared to DTL. A single oscillating trap releases targets at different speeds and angles, which requires a high level of adaptability. This discipline blends the predictability of DTL with the complexity of Olympic Trap.
Why the ShotKam Gen 4 Mini Stands Out
The ShotKam Gen 4 Mini serves as a powerful training tool for shooters at any level.
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4K Video Clarity: Records every shot in exceptional detail so you can analyze hits and misses.
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Ultra-Lightweight Design: Thirty percent smaller than the previous model to preserve balance and handling.
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Custom Mounts: Attach to any shotgun.
- Optimized Battery Life: Operates for 4-5 hours to match even the longest training sessions.
From studying Nathan’s Olympic Trap form to refining personal approach in DTL, the ShotKam Gen 4 Mini provides a clear view of every target and every shot.
Advance Your Performance
The ShotKam Gen 4 Mini enables shooters to train with the precision of an Olympian. It supports both casual shooters and those preparing for competition by providing accurate feedback with every round.
Shop ShotKam Gen 4 Mini: Trusted by Olympic Shooters
Sources:
CPSA. Disciplines. Link
SWATCOM. “Nathan Hales.” SWATCOM Network. Link
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