Master Sporting Clays: Trap-Style Targets and Quartering Tips in the UK
Trap-style presentations are a staple in American clay shooting, and if you’ve spent any time shooting in the States, chances are you've already encountered them. In this ShotKam episode, Jonny Carter of TGS Outdoors reunites with pro coach Josh Brown to dissect trap-style clays: how they differ from quartering targets, and what makes them deceptively simple yet easy to overthink. Watch the full video below and enable captions in your language using the ‘CC’ button.
Trap-Style Targets Explained
At first glance, trap targets appear straightforward. Unlike quartering birds that drift across the shooter's path at an angle, trap-style clays tend to fly straight away. They're essentially a more direct version of a quartering bird, usually with less visible movement or angle. The simplicity, however, is where many shooters trip up.
Pro Tip: Let the clay beat the barrel. Don’t overcomplicate it; watch the target come through the gun, then shoot.
Don’t Overthink the Line
According to Josh, one of the most common mistakes shooters make is reading too much into the target’s angle. Whether it’s a quartering bird or a straightaway trap shot, the principle remains the same: avoid trying to place the gun too precisely. Instead, trust your eyes.
Pro Tip: As soon as the bird enters your kill zone and creates the right “picture,” pull the trigger. Your eyes know when it’s right.
Gun Hold and Starting Position
When shooting trap-style targets, your hold point shouldn’t start too close to the break point. Starting just below the line of the clay allows for a more natural upward move into the shot. Jonny demonstrates how keeping the gun too low or moving too early can lead to rushed or awkward shots.
Pro Tip: Set your hold point just under your expected kill point. This gives your barrel room to meet the clay naturally.
Adding Distance and Pressure
To simulate a more competition-style scenario, Jonny and Josh step 15 yards back from the trap. Suddenly, the target appears smaller and faster. But rather than giving in to the intimidation, Josh advises focusing on instinct and timing.
Pro Tip: Distance adds fear, but the shot remains the same. Trust your hold point, stay relaxed, and don’t rush your move.
Why Gun Speed Matters
At greater distances, shooters often make the mistake of trying to stay out in front of the clay. This “forced lead” approach typically results in a miss, as the barrel ends up way ahead of the target. Josh’s method? Let the clay come to the gun, then drive through with natural speed.
Pro Tip: Built-in lead comes from gun speed. Don’t manufacture lead, and let your barrel’s motion do the work.
ShotKam Reveals What the Eye Can’t
While it might look like nothing changes between a hit and a miss, ShotKam’s 4K footage highlights every subtle difference in timing and barrel placement. Jonny and Josh review each shot, showcasing how even minor hesitation or “checking” can throw off the shot.
Pro Tip: Use ShotKam to analyze your instinctive vs. overthought shots. The difference in frame-by-frame playback is eye-opening.
Importance of Timing
The team emphasizes that consistency in trap shooting comes down to timing. Your rhythm begins with the clay beating the gun. This serves as the green light to move. Starting too close to the kill point disrupts this natural flow and causes timing issues.
Pro Tip: Use the clay beating your barrel as your trigger. That’s your cue to drive through the target and fire.
Final Thoughts
Trap-style targets may seem basic, but they test a shooter’s trust in timing and instinct. As Jonny and Josh demonstrate, the key isn’t complicated technique but simple execution. Don’t chase the clay. Let it come to you. With ShotKam’s high-definition footage and real-time feedback, you'll gain the visual insight to refine your timing and shoot with confidence.
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