Trap Talk From The Back Fence
Episode 171: Your Trapshooting Questions Answered
April 10, 2026
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Rick Marshall Jr.
Special Guest: John Cadle

Episode Overview

In this lively listener Q&A episode, Zach, Rick, and John field a wide range of trapshooting questions submitted via Facebook and email. The trio draws on decades of shooting, coaching, and equipment experience to tackle technical, mental, and practical aspects of trapshooting, sharing expert insights and plenty of storytelling in true Trap Talk fashion.

Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Upcoming Shoots and News from the Cardinal Center

Timestamps: 00:29–05:01

• Major Events: Buckeye Open (May 27-June 1), Ohio State Shoot (June 22-28), Cardinal Classic (Aug 11-16). Special giveaways—guns, gold, silver, junior purses.
• Facility Features: Ample camping, resort-like amenities, swimming pool, trails.
• Tech Update: Cardinal Center now using SOS Clays app for real-time squad and payout tracking.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “If you haven’t gone to Ohio, you need to seriously reconsider your lives. Go to the Cardinal Classic—shoot targets at the greatest place in Ohio and win silver and gold...” —Zach Nini (03:32)
• Notable achievements: Rick was the first to break 100 in handicap from the 27 at Ohio; ties with Leo Harrison for most “hundreds” broke there (04:36).

2. Listener Q&A

A. Mid Rib Sporting Gun vs. High Rib Gun

Timestamps: 06:32–08:26

• Preference is Key: Both Zach and Rick stress gun choice comes down to personal feel and visibility. Don’t be pressured by others’ opinions.
  • “Shoot what you like. Don’t let anybody tell you that. Oh, you can’t shoot that gun. That won’t work. Maybe didn’t work for them, but it could work for you.” —Rick (08:09)

B. Coaching Youth Shooters & Breaking Plateaus

Timestamps: 08:43–15:01

• Maintain Fun & Focus: Key for coaching juniors—keep it fun, focus on “the now,” and don’t obsess on score.
• Gun Fit & Growth: Frequent fit checks are crucial, especially during growth spurts (14:00).
• Mental Aspects: For kids plateauing at 23-24, focus on confidence and mental game.
  • “If you can get this right, you’re going to break more—as long as the gun fit...” —Rick (12:05)
• Anecdote: Adjusting Zach’s stock mid-tournament led to breakthrough (13:30).

C. Ammo Choice for Handicap: 7.5 vs. 8 Shot

Timestamps: 15:02–16:19

• Consensus: 7.5s from 27-yard line all day.
• “I’m a seven and a half man—all day. We love it.” —Zach (16:00)

D. 27-Yard Handicap Advice for AAA Shooters

Timestamps: 16:19–23:19

• Set Gun for Handicap: Many shoot handicap with guns set up for singles; Rick recommends opposite.
• Mindset is Key: Handicap requires a more aggressive, reflex-driven approach than singles.
  • “Singles is deliberate...Handicap is erratic. You’re on the edge...” —Rick (17:57)
• Personal Progress: Zach shares his journey increasing his 27-yard average by pressing “the edge” (20:39).
• Transition Challenges:
  • “There’s only a few guys in the world that can take all three legs [singles, doubles, handicap] and keep them on all the time...” —Zach (21:36)

E. Staying Focused in Non-HOA Events

Timestamps: 29:27–35:07

• Universal Effort: Give 100% at every event, regardless of stakes.
  • “If you’re gonna shoot, give your effort. Period. That’s it.” —Zach (35:07)
• Don’t save focus for big shoots—treat all events the same.

F. Adjusting Gun Fit for Growing Shooters

Timestamps: 35:31–38:45

• Watch Out for Stretching: Don’t chase extra length; prioritize comfort and consistent head position.
• Recommended Gear: Adjustable combs and length-of-pull mechanisms help.
  • “The biggest thing that you can do wrong is get way, way, way too long...” —Zach (37:44)

G. Travel & Club Shoutouts

Timestamps: 39:04–40:51 & 80:04–81:51

• Favorite Small Clubs: Rick mentions Middletown, OH and his home club; Zach shouts out Martinez, Gateway (MO), Metcalf (CA).
  • “Every gun club in the country is my favorite club. Why? Because I get to do what I love every day...” —Rick (80:04)

H. Mental Consistency & Focus Management

Timestamps: 48:21–54:03

• Three-Second Focus Rule: Focus hard only for the shot, then relax in between.
  • “Three seconds. Shoot and go, baby. That’s all you need.” —Rick (51:03)
• The best shooters rapidly switch between deep focus and relaxation.

I. Practicing from Longer Yardages

Timestamps: 88:13–91:27

• Practice Harder Than You Play: Shooting from the 27 even if you’re a 22-yarder builds confidence.
  • “If you practice harder than you play, then you’re gonna do fine...” —Zach (89:03)
• Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself—good trap shooters are just plain good shotgun shooters.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “If you haven’t gone to Ohio, you need to seriously reconsider your lives.” —Zach (03:32)
• “Shoot what you like. Don’t let anybody tell you that.” —Rick (08:09)
• “Get the gun on my face and keep my head locked in that position.” —Zach (38:39)
• “Three seconds. Shoot and go, baby. That’s all you need.” —Rick (51:03)
• “Practice harder than you play.” —Zach (89:03)

Technical/Equipment Segments

Gun Setup, Choke, Ammo Advice
Timestamps: Throughout Q&A

• Doubles Choke: Both recommend 20/30 thousandths (Mod/IMod), no need for Full.
• Handicap Gun Setup: Aim to set up gun for the 27; be willing to tweak as you move back.
• Ammo: Singles—stay around 1145-1165 fps, 1⅛ oz #8; Handicap—7½s, heavier loads from 24+/27.
  • “The faster you push a given load, the more opportunity you have for flyers and holes...” —Zach (70:58)

Trap Club & Product Shoutouts

• Cardinal Center (OH): Praised for hospitality, amenities, big prize purses, top-tier targets.
• SOS Clays App: Great tech for managing shooters, squads, and payouts (03:04, 27:54).
• Trapshooting USA Magazine: Special deal offered for listeners—print/digital subscription (75:08).
• Merchandise: Trap Talk swag available at shop.traptalkpodcast.com (05:35).

Coaching/Instructional Insights

• Youth Coaching: Focus on steady fun, self-trust, and individual gun fit due to constant growth (09:19, 14:00).
• Mental Game: Trust your instinct, believe in yourself, don’t fixate on average, embrace adaptability.
  • “If you don’t believe in yourself, your best bet is to go sit in the car and not shoot.” —Rick (12:05)
• Handling Disruptions: Best shooters react calmly to interruptions, keep control over their response.

Expert Tips in Brief

• Set your gun up for the most challenging event (usually 27-yard handicap), then adapt for others.
• Rapid focus/relaxation cycles prevent mental fatigue over long events (“three-second rule”).
• Challenge yourself—if you can break them at the 27, closer yardages will feel easier.
• Prioritize dense, well-patterned loads over raw speed, especially for singles.
• Gun fit is foundational—prioritize it as a youth or if you’re struggling.
• Don’t worry about background—“Look at the damn target, boy!” —Zach (77:03)
• Budgeting: Treat trapshooting as entertainment/travel—prepare to “lose every dollar you spend” unless you get lucky with wins.

Closing

A high-energy, information-rich episode peppered with humor and honest advice. Zach, Rick, and John keep it real with both technical know-how and coaching wisdom, making this a must-listen (or read!) for anyone looking to up their trapshooting game, troubleshoot issues, or just enjoy engaging stories from the sport’s top minds.