Trap Talk From The Back Fence Episode 033: Hold Points and Eye Positions Release Date: June 23, 2023

In Episode 033 of "Trap Talk From The Back Fence," hosts Zach Danini and Richard Marshall Jr. (Ricky) delve deep into the nuances of hold points and eye positions in trapshooting. Recorded live from Ohio, this episode offers a blend of personal experiences, technical insights, and listener engagement, making it invaluable for both novice and seasoned trapshooters.

1. Welcome and Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with Zach and Ricky greeting listeners and briefly mentioning their recent participation in state shoots. They emphasize the importance of social interaction in trapshooting events and set the tone for an in-depth discussion on eye positions and hold points.

2. Personal Experiences at State Shoots

Ricky shares his recent experiences at the Pennsylvania (PA) state shoot, highlighting his successes and the dynamic nature of different shooting locations.

• Ricky on PA State Shoot Performance (03:16):
  "I ended up winning... the overall by one over Joey Turnigo."

• Discussion on Transitioning to Ohio Shoots (04:24):
  The hosts discuss the differences between the PA and Ohio shoots, noting the variety in gameplay and the competitive atmosphere expected in Ohio.

3. Deep Dive into Eye Positions

The core of the episode revolves around the critical role of eye positions in trapshooting. Zach introduces the topic by referencing listener questions, prompting a detailed exploration of the subject.

• Ricky's Technique (05:19):
  "I look right through those beads and let my eyes get out to the edge of the trap house."

• Richard on Adjusting Eye Positions Based on Distance (06:04):
  "The closer you get, the wider the eyes; the farther away, the tighter the eyes are going to be."

Key Points Discussed:

• Through the Beads vs. Above the Gun:
  Ricky prefers looking through the beads using a soft focus to track the target, minimizing gun movement and flinching. In contrast, Richard tends to look slightly above the beads, adjusting based on lighting and target speed.

• Impact of Target Distance:
  At closer distances (e.g., 16 yards), a more focused eye position tightens the shooter's field of vision, reducing the chances of being blindsided by faster targets.

• Adjusting for Different Shooting Modes:
  Richard explains how eye positions vary between singles, doubles, and handicap shooting, emphasizing the necessity to adapt based on the game's demands.

4. Listener Questions and Technical Advice

The hosts address several listener-submitted questions, providing expert advice and practical solutions.

• Sighting Issues with Fixed Rib Guns (22:12):
  Dan from Australia reports issues with his new stock causing his head to roll off the comb after the first shot. Ricky suggests that Dan might have too much roll on the comb and recommends adjusting the stock length to prevent the gun from sliding out of position.

• Importance of Proper Coaching (25:34):
  Richard underscores the value of having experienced coaches observe and provide feedback, especially when shooters encounter slumps or technical difficulties.
  "Having someone watch you is very valuable."

• Use of Technology for Self-Assessment (26:46):
  Ricky mentions leveraging modern technology, like smartphone video, to analyze shooting techniques.
  "She'll video me and then I'll analyze the video."

5. Upcoming Episodes and Community Engagement

Zach and Ricky share their plans for future episodes, including potential interviews with renowned shooters like Gary Benetti, Dave Kelly, and Paul Chaplo. They express gratitude towards their growing listener base and encourage continued engagement through questions and feedback.

• Anticipation of High-Profile Guests (32:09):
  "We've got some great people ahead of us... Ron Alcara," and others are in the pipeline.

• Community Feedback (33:36):
  "We've got a lot of people coming up and saying they love the show."

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of consistent mental preparation and refining shooting techniques through regular discussions and practice. The hosts reiterate their commitment to helping shooters improve and enjoy the sport more fully.

• Richard on Continuous Learning (35:06):
  "Every week we do this and talk about this, we're just always thinking about it, and it's refining our process a little bit more."

• Encouragement to Practice (20:19):
  "Everyone should start at that position."

Notable Quotes

• Ricky on Soft Focus Technique (05:19):
  "I look right through those beads and let my eyes get out to the edge of the trap house."

• Richard on Eye Positioning (07:50):
  "With our comb to where we're looking on a ramp. Now, there are some shooters that have had some success with higher, but if you haven't at least tried it that way, I think everyone should start at that position."

• Ricky on Trigger Control (13:14):
  "I'm a guy that I trigger control. I shoot when I'm on the target... Bang."

Key Takeaways

1. Eye Positioning is Crucial:
   Proper eye placement can significantly impact shooting accuracy and consistency. Whether looking through the beads or slightly above, shooters must find a balance that suits their style and the specific demands of the shoot.

2. Adapt Techniques Based on Distance and Game Type:
   Adjusting eye positions and hold points based on the distance to the trap house and whether shooting singles, doubles, or handicap can enhance performance.

3. Seek Expert Feedback:
   Engaging with experienced coaches and utilizing technology for self-assessment can help shooters identify and rectify technical flaws.

4. Community and Continuous Learning:
   The trapshooting community is growing, with opportunities for learning and engagement through podcasts, live events, and personal interactions.

5. Consistency and Practice Lead to Improvement:
   Regular practice and mental preparation, reinforced by discussions and feedback, are key to refining shooting techniques and achieving better results.

Conclusion

Episode 033 of "Trap Talk From The Back Fence" offers a comprehensive exploration of hold points and eye positions, enriched by the hosts' personal insights and expert advice. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your technique or gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind successful trapshooting, this episode provides valuable guidance and motivation. Be sure to tune in, submit your questions, and join Zach and Ricky on their journey to elevate the trapshooting community.

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• Visit their website for more resources and information.