I need some advice on trap

[bubbapug1]

I've been hitting Prado once or twice a month now for six months. I have run up to 47 straight, but usually I shoot a 23 or 24 or of 25. I have hit 25 four times only. When I go I shoot 75 shells.

Where I am missing birds is at the middle positions with birds going straight away and slowly rising. I miss them even though they look like a big fat blimp out there, while the far right and left hand stations give me no issues, unless I get behind a bird and pull the trigger too soon.

What is the strategy and proper lead and motion to hit the straight away shots? I'd like to move up to 50 straight, and onward, but the easy ones are sinking my advance.

Do I aim high, low, straight at it, sweep up while shooting??? Its driving me nuts.

[CSACANNONEER]

So you hit 4 out of 5 at station 3. I suggest relaxing and not thinking about it. I'm betting that you're doing everything right and mind Fing yourself enough to make you miss.

[AAShooter]

Several thoughts. When people start shooting trap, the straight away is one of the easiest shots and hard left/right targets are hard. Over time, the straight away target gets tough. Many start pulling over the top of it.

You can always do some practice with the trap fixed. Changing your hold point may help. Usually at the level you are shooting you may need to re-exam and make sure you have a good gun fit. Also, the mental aspects of the game become significant.

Are you sure it consistently the straight away targets causing your problems?

[bubbapug1]

Yes, it's the straight away shot I'm missing. I think I'm shooting low on it.

On the sharp angle shots I swing to catch the bird and at about one barrel OD ahead I pull the trigger. The string of shot just powders the bird.

I'm just inconsistent on keeping the gun moving in the straight away shot. Once the gun stops moving your rifle shooting, and the spread isn't as long which means you get a strong hit or a miss.

I'm thinking I need to swing up to the bird and pull when I'm on the bird while I keep swinging upward to slightly above the bird.

[bubbapug1]

So you hit 4 out of 5 at station 3. I suggest relaxing and not thinking about it. I'm betting that you're doing everything right and mind Fing yourself enough to make you miss.

Well now that you say that....yes, that's probably 75% of it!!

[repomanNWP]

Where I am missing birds is at the middle positions with birds going straight away and slowly rising.
Do I aim high, low, straight at it, sweep up while shooting??? Its driving me nuts.

I'm not nearly as good a shooter as you, but the advice I was given for this shot, which seems to work well for me, put your bead right on the bird for those straight/rising shots.

[AAShooter]

Much of this is dependent on how fast you are shooting your birds. Based on your scores I am assuming you are shooting them long before they crest. And, as discussed, follow through it important.

[mark501w]

When I miss the straight away shots I'am shooting over.

[kmca]

There's a good chance you're lifting your head on the straight away. A lot of us are thinking "I'm going to smoke this target, call the tv and media people, they should see this".

[bubbapug1]

Much of this is dependent on how fast you are shooting your birds. Based on your scores I am assuming you are shooting them long before they crest. And, as discussed, follow through it important.

I try to jump on them as soon as I get the sight picture correct. The longer they fly the less chance you have of a hit. I don't see great trap shooters letting birds fly far away.

[AAShooter]

I try to jump on them as soon as I get the sight picture correct. The longer they fly the less chance you have of a hit. I don't see great trap shooters letting birds fly far away.

Sounds good.