Best way to teach a person how to shoot trap?

Question

How do you teach a person who has relatively little experience shooting to start to shoot trap?

Answer 1

Have them take a class from a NRA certified Shotgun instructor.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/...

Answer 2

Having no experience is probably a plus since they will have no bad habits.

Short version.

Eye & ear protection.

Start  familiarization w/ the shotgun, loading ,unloading & shooting safety practices.

Have them watch a few rounds & explain whats going ,& that you point a shotgun rather than aim.

For a first timer recoil might be a surprise so a practice shot or 2 will help having them hold the gun against the shoulder without a deathgrip & keep their cheek in contact w/ the stock to avoid a slap.

Lean a little forward w/ the weight on the pivot foot ( left one for righthanders)

Keep the elbow of the shooting hand a little high so that it does not interfere with swing.

The the forend should  lay in the other hand w/ a light grip & positioned in at a comfortable distance ( for them) about midway .

The cheek  should be low on the stock so that the eye will see the bead & the bird together at the same level consistently.

One eye open both eyes open , whatever works

Call "pull" or "bird " &  track the bird w/ the bead slightly ahead leading  by what amounts to about 6 or 8  times the width of the target.

for starters.

A little more for wide angles & a little less for close angles.

Keep the bead just about  on the target for straight away rising shots.

The swing should be based on the pivot foot & movement from the waist w/ the shoulders  square.

The swing  smooth trigger squeeze & follow through should be one continuous motion.

I used the "hey look at that method" & have the student ( esp younger ones) just piont w/ their finger &  outstretched arm at other peoples clays or birds flying by

Just tracking w/ an unloaded gun gets the idea across that it should feel natural & instinctive.

Not a believer in rigid shooting formulas , but books  will give the basic

safety & pointing techniques.

Having said that , my form sucks ( according to the book  & other shooters ), but I am comfortable , a decent shot & like many score highest when I dont overthink & relax.

Supposed to be fun.

Best regards

Answer 3

Aim at the target and pull the trigger

Answer 4

just tell them to lead the trap and shoot...and practice...

Answer 5

You get a hand thrower, and clay birds and throw the clay birds for them , before they go to a regular trap range to shoot.* It prepares and gives them practice before actually going to a regular trap range.* It helps build up their confidence and beginners shooting skills.*