Podcast Summary: "STOP These 10 Trapshooting Mistakes for Better Scores! Trap Talk E84"

Released on July 26, 2024
Hosted by Zach Nanini & Richard Marshall Jr.

In this engaging episode of Trap Talk From The Back Fence, hosts Zach Nanini and Richard Marshall Jr. delve deep into the common pitfalls that trap shooters encounter, providing actionable insights to elevate their performance. Structured around 10 critical mistakes, the discussion blends personal experiences, expert advice, and motivational anecdotes to guide both novice and seasoned shooters towards achieving better scores.

1. Moving the Gun Before Ready

Timestamp: [00:53]

Zach initiates the conversation by highlighting the prevalent mistake of moving the gun on the call or prematurely before seeing the target. This habit disrupts the natural flow and precision of the shot.

Zach Nanini [01:00]: "The common mistake that I see a lot, that I do a lot, and a lot of people do a lot is calling pool before they're ready or moving the gun on the call."

Richard echoes this sentiment, sharing his experience from an Ohio shoot where breaking a hundred was attainable by maintaining a steady gun.

Richard Marshall Jr. [02:00]: "If I keep my dang gun still, I'd break a hundred."

Key Takeaway: Maintain gun stability until the target is clearly sighted to ensure accurate shooting.

2. Lacking a Positive Mental Attitude

Timestamp: [04:30]

The hosts discuss the importance of entering competitions with confidence and a positive mindset. Negative attitudes not only affect performance but can also diminish the overall shooting experience.

Richard Marshall Jr. [04:35]: "If you go into an event with a bad attitude or not believing or not having that confidence, it can severely impact your scores."

Zach emphasizes adaptability, suggesting shooters should embrace varying weather conditions without letting them affect their performance.

Zach Nanini [05:05]: "You can either say, 'Oh crap, it's rainy, I'm going to suck,' or you could say, 'Let's make the best of it and shoot.'"

Key Takeaway: Cultivate a resilient and positive mindset to navigate challenges effectively during competitions.

3. Improper Gun Fit and Setup

Timestamp: [08:25]

A properly fitted gun is crucial for optimal performance. The hosts note that many shooters overlook the importance of ensuring their shotgun aligns correctly with their eye position.

Richard Marshall Jr. [09:00]: "Most common is people aren't looking down the rib. They're off to the side."

Zach shares his early experiences with an uncustomized shotgun, emphasizing the necessity of consistent mounting for accuracy.

Key Takeaway: Invest time in fitting your gun correctly to ensure consistent alignment and enhance shooting precision.

4. Insufficient Preparation

Timestamp: [12:00]

Preparation extends beyond just physical gear. The hosts stress the importance of organizing shells, clothing, and other essentials beforehand to avoid disruptions during shoots.

Richard Marshall Jr. [13:40]: "Get your shells ready, pack your clothes, and ensure everything is set the night before."

Zach adds the significance of nutritional preparedness, advocating for carrying energy bars or snacks to maintain energy levels.

Zach Nanini [19:00]: "Keep an energy bar in your shooting bag in case you need a quick boost."

Key Takeaway: Thorough preparation ensures a smooth shooting experience and allows shooters to focus solely on their performance.

5. Absence of Clear Goals

Timestamp: [21:16]

Setting specific, achievable goals is pivotal for continuous improvement. Both hosts share their personal objectives, such as breaking 100 straight and winning trophies at each shoot.

Zach Nanini [21:36]: "I want to break 100 straight at every shoot I go to, and I want to win one trophy at every shoot I go to."

Richard recounts his experiences of setting similar goals and the satisfaction derived from achieving them, even when it involves shoot-offs.

Key Takeaway: Define and pursue clear goals to stay motivated and track your progress effectively.

6. Neglecting Documentation and Journaling

Timestamp: [28:01]

Keeping detailed records of each shoot can significantly aid in identifying patterns and areas for improvement. Zach shares his method of using a notes app to log details like weather, target behavior, and personal feelings during shoots.

Zach Nanini [28:15]: "I keep notes on my phone for every shoot, including what I was feeling and what happened that day."

Richard reminisces about his early days of journaling at the Olympic Training Center, underscoring its long-term benefits in maintaining shooting acumen.

Key Takeaway: Regular documentation helps in retaining valuable insights and fosters continuous learning.

7. Poor Gun Follow-Through

Timestamp: [35:14]

A consistent follow-through ensures shooters remain in rhythm, especially during double shots. Richard emphasizes the importance of not coming out of the gun prematurely.

Richard Marshall Jr. [36:10]: "Stay locked in to be able to shoot doubles effectively."

Zach concurs, sharing his technique of maintaining gun stability to prevent disruptions in his shooting sequence.

Key Takeaway: Develop a steady follow-through to enhance shot consistency and accuracy, particularly in rapid-fire scenarios.

8. Incorrect Footwear and Stance

Timestamp: [40:52]

Proper stance and foot placement are fundamental for balance and mobility. The hosts highlight common errors, such as inconsistent foot positioning, which can adversely affect shooting performance.

Richard Marshall Jr. [40:59]: "You have to be comfortable, but also able to move properly to the target."

Zach recalls observing shooters with misaligned stances leading to inefficient movements and missed targets.

Key Takeaway: Adopt and maintain a correct and consistent stance to ensure stability and effective target engagement.

9. Inconsistent Eye Positioning

Timestamp: [43:06]

Where a shooter focuses their eyes significantly impacts shot accuracy. The discussion centers around maintaining a consistent eye position relative to the shotgun's rib.

Richard Marshall Jr. [44:13]: "Keep your eyes consistent; don't let them wander above or below the beads."

Zach shares advice from seasoned shooters like Jimmy Heller on eye placement, emphasizing starting where the target is visible.

Key Takeaway: Consistently position your eyes to maintain focus and improve shot precision.

10. Poor Temper Control and Emotional Management

Timestamp: [49:40]

Emotional stability is crucial in maintaining performance under pressure. The hosts discuss how anger and frustration, whether from personal mistakes or external factors, can derail a shooter's focus and effectiveness.

Zach Nanini [50:38]: "If you let outside experiences bother your game, you're setting yourself up for a downward spiral."

Richard advises controlling reactions to missed shots or external disruptions to preserve mental clarity and performance.

Key Takeaway: Maintain emotional composure to prevent negative emotions from impacting shooting performance and decision-making.

Conclusion

Zach and Richard wrap up the episode by encouraging shooters to implement these strategies diligently. They emphasize the collective goal of fostering a supportive and knowledgeable trapshooting community. With a blend of technical advice and motivational insights, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to refine their trapshooting skills and achieve higher scores.

Notable Quotes:

• "Keep the gun still until you see the target." – Zach Nanini [01:00]
• "Have fun, be positive." – Zach Nanini [54:46]

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Stay tuned for more expert tips and engaging discussions to enhance your trapshooting journey!