Trap Talk From The Back Fence – Episode 146: “The Details That Separate Good Shooters from Great Ones”
Date: October 17, 2025
Hosts: Zach Nanini (“Zach”) & Richard Marshall Jr. (“Ricky”)

Episode Overview

This engaging episode dives deep into the subtle but crucial details that set great trap shooters apart from the good ones. Hosts Zach Nanini and legendary co-host Richard “Ricky” Marshall Jr. talk practical advice on gear, lens selection, adapting to challenging conditions, mental management, and the mindset required for peak trap performance. Drawing on their own successes, teaching experience, and observations at major shoots, they offer valuable insights for shooters at every level.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Impact of Lighting and Lens Color

Timestamps: [04:32]–[12:45], [16:14]–[23:52]

• Seasonal Light Shifts:
  • Zach mentions how fall and spring often bring lighting challenges for shooters, particularly shadows and glare ([04:32]).
  • Ricky emphasizes how critical it is to choose the right lens color to adapt:

    “Lens color, that's what I… try to tell everybody is really find that lens that's going to work for your eyes with the lighting.” ([05:23])

• Lens and Eye Pigmentation:
  • The hosts discuss how shooters with lighter-colored eyes (blue, hazel, green) tend to be more sensitive to light and may need different lens options compared to those with darker eyes ([06:53]).
  • Ricky recommends not overcomplicating things:

    “Right now I use bronze, pink and clear... as far as trap, I'm using that bronze or, or the pink and that, that's what I use every time.” ([08:18])

  • Both agree it’s better to have a few up-to-date prescription lenses that work well than a bunch of outdated ones ([15:12]).
• Matching Lens Color to Conditions:
  • Zach notes his preference for “orange tone” lenses, but Ricky describes falling in love with bronze and pink, especially in low light and desert conditions ([09:08]).
  • As light changes, so should lens selection. Comfort and visual clarity trump all.

2. Weather, Target Presentation & Shooting Consistency

Timestamps: [10:56]–[14:40], [31:24]–[40:11]

• Shooting in Changing/Marginal Conditions:
  • Even on “perfect weather” days, the angle of autumn sunlight can glare targets or cast difficult shadows. “The angle at which the sun is coming in in October… is causing people, a little bit older, I would say, to have a little bit more issues with seeing the birds.” — Zach ([10:56])
  • Performance often shifts depending on who handles these changing conditions best:

    “If we look across the scores... the people that seem to shoot the very best at the fall handicap were the younger eyes.” — Zach ([10:56])

• Adapting to Variability:
  • Shooters should learn to break targets in ANY conditions, not just when they’re “in the window,” noting the importance of visual recognition and flexibly picking targets out.

    “When birds are crazy, what I tell everybody is just go back to the basics. Don’t try to do something… just pick them out.” — Ricky ([38:39])

• Pointing Ability vs. Method Shooters:
  • Zach draws a line between “fair weather shooters” and “all condition shooters,” stressing that handling variants (high, low, fast, slow birds) is key to greatness ([35:14]–[38:39]).

3. Break Points, Timing & Visual Connection

Timestamps: [18:44]–[23:52], [31:24]–[34:29]

• Shooting When You See the Target:
  • Ricky insists there’s no single correct break point:

    “So for me, I just keep everything the same. No matter the time of year or the gun club I'm shooting at, I just, when I see that target, I make my move on the line and, and shoot it.” ([19:09])

• Comparing Fast & Slow Shooters:
  • The hosts compare legends Britt Robinson and Joey Cerniglia—one fast off hand pulls, the other off voice releases—underlining that each style can work at the top if shooters trust their process ([21:17]–[22:59]).
• Critical Visual Connection:
  • Ricky demonstrates to students the importance of truly “locking your eyes” on the first target, especially in doubles, showing that failing to do so inevitably means a miss ([31:24]).

4. Mental Management, Confidence, and Target Management

Timestamps: [23:52]–[30:17], [47:14]–[54:06]

• Emotional Regulation After Misses:
  • Both hosts discuss how one miss can “breed” others, especially if shooters succumb to frustration or over-analyze instead of focusing on “seeing the bird well” for the next shot ([24:47]).

    “Misses breed misses and hits breed hits. If you smoke… a target… the confidence is going to go up.” — Zach ([28:35])

• Setting Achievable Goals:
  • Ricky preaches goal setting and incremental improvement, noting that “everybody could be a world champion. It's what you put into it…” ([40:53])
• Competition Mindset:
  • It’s important to finish, not defend a score:

    “You can't defensively put scores on the board... your hands are going to slow down, your body's going to slow down, you're going to stop, you're going to jump, you're going to pop your head off the gun because you made that perfect look.” ([51:37])

5. Gear, Gunfit & Adaptation Over Time

Timestamps: [47:14]–[55:15]

• Gunfit and Physical Change:
  • Proper gun fit is vital; adjustable combs are recommended, especially as shooters’ faces and bodies change.

    “Make sure, you know, I believe everybody should have an adjustable comb their gun, you know, and so we can properly fit the gun…” — Ricky ([53:47])

• No Micro-Adjustments for Lighting:
  • Ricky keeps his eye and barrel hold points constant regardless of season or age:

    “If it’s working, why change it?... My eyes are this much above the… barrel, but I look through the beads” ([48:29])

  • The trick is eyes always move first:

    “Your eyes are always going to get to the target before the barrel does. Because if not, then you’re aiming.” — Ricky ([49:34])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Comfort is different for everyone. There's a different level of lighting options and changes for someone with dark eyes like myself versus someone with really light eyes.” — Zach ([06:53])
• “If you're not walking onto that bird and you don't see that… that target is coming out of that zone a lot faster… you’re going to think, ‘Oh yeah, I'm going to shoot it kind of where it was last time’…” — Zach ([32:12])
• “You want to shoot targets where they're at, not where they're supposed to be.” — Ricky ([32:41])
• “It's what you put into it is what you're going to get out of it.” — Ricky ([40:53])
• “This game is a game that is shot best on the edge of reckless abandon… you’re… redlining. You're not blowing up the engine, but you're humming.” — Zach ([51:19])
• “I think people would generally break more scores if they got out of their own way… The confidence, the trust that we built up in that confidence, right?” — Zach ([50:47])

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Segment Topic | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Upcoming state shoots/Travel/Program highlights | [00:30]–[03:39]| | Lighting, Lenses, and Target Visibility | [04:32]–[12:45]| | Handling fall/spring light and eye pigmentation | [06:53]–[09:46]| | Weather/light at the MO Fall Handicap | [10:56]–[12:45]| | Lens choice—quality vs. quantity | [14:40]–[16:14]| | Visual connection, timing, and break points | [18:44]–[23:52]| | Emotional resilience, “target management” | [23:52]–[30:17]| | Shooting variable/erratic targets | [31:24]–[38:39]| | AAA-27-AAA achievement and its meaning | [41:04]–[44:35]| | Gun fit, body changes, eye-barrel position | [47:14]–[55:15]|

Final Takeaways

• Lens selection is personal and critical: Base it on your specific eyes and conditions, and always prioritize seeing the target comfortably.
• Adaptability sets great shooters apart: Learn to break all types of targets in all conditions—don’t just wait for perfect birds.
• Trust your eyes and stay mentally resilient: Don’t overthink after a miss; reset, focus, and keep executing your process.
• Proper gun fit grows with you: Adjust as your body changes, and revisit fit more often than most shooters think.
• You break targets where you see them best—not where the “perfect” spot is.

Whether you’re gunning for AAA-27-AAA or just trying to bump up your score, this episode is full of hard-won advice, real-life stories, and the kind of tough love that helps shooters get to the next level.

Next Steps, Listener Reminders

• Tune in next week for more interviews and deep-dive topics.
• If you’re heading to the Nevada State Shoot, say hi to Zach and Ricky!
• Share the show, send in questions, and bring a friend to the range.

“Bring out a new shooter, bring them out, get them involved… That’s the only way we’re gonna grow the sport.” — Zach ([57:25])

Happy Friday, and good luck on the line!