Competitive Trap Shooting

[30Carbine]

Hey guys and gals,

I'm pretty stoked to share that I'm planning to attend my first PITA shoot end of August. PITA is the Pacific International Trapshooting Association. I shot my first full 25 last week, and picked up a new O/U this weekend. I think with some diligent practice i'll be ready in 2 months.

I'm classified in the B category based on my age, so i'll be shooting from the 20 yard line, not 16, so I need to practice. The dude that won last time shot a full 100 targets. It's gunna be tough, but I've always been told you can do anything you put your mind to.

Anyone have any tips, suggestions, gear recommendations, training aids, etc?

Thanks for reading.

[AAShooter]

Congratulations! You are well on your way.

Trap is a very mental game. Top trap shooters are machines. Don't forget to work on that element of the game. I find Lanny Basham's work useful. I would suggest the following as a start:

http://www.amazon.com/With-Winning-Mind-3rd-Ed/dp/1934324264

Although equipment is important, never underestimate the important of shooting fundamentals. Finally, practice purposefully.

[30Carbine]

awesome! thank you so much. i'll order that. I've been shooting my Benilli Super Nova for about 4 months now. probably 1200 rounds through it. It's really uncomfortable after about 75 rounds. it's too short and small for me. I picked up a Mossberg Silver reserve II sporting. 14.5" Length of pull. If anything it's just more comfortable and fits me better. I know the gun won't make shoot 100's right out of the gate, but it will let me shoot longer and be more consistent.

The Super nova was full on field grade. 50/50 pattern. the Mossberg is a true trap gun at 60/40. I've been shooting it at 16 with full chokes.

I'm really trying to work on eliminating distractions, and getting my pre shot routing down better. less to think about.

[AAShooter]

Here is Lanny's trap specific site/work:

http://www.mentaltrainingshooting.com/trap/

[30Carbine]

so I shot 4 rounds yesterday. first was at 16. I took a buddy with me who's never been so that was fun. shot a 21 at 16 yards. then the rest were from 20 yards. 21, 24, 20. The comb on my gun came loose on the last station and really was distracting me. I was also really tired at that point, and had a hard time getting the gun level and steady. I'm pretty sure most of my misses were low. I dropped only one in the first 4 stations, the 4 straight on the #5 station.

It's a physical game too. I was beat.