Trap Talk Ep. 121 – Listener Q&A: Your Trapshooting Questions, Answered!
In Episode 121 of Trap Talk, hosts Zach Nannini and Richard Marshall Jr. engage with their audience through a dynamic listener Q&A session. The episode delves into various aspects of trapshooting, offering valuable insights and advice for shooters of all levels. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions, organized by each listener's question.
1. Achieving a College Scholarship in Trapshooting
Listener: Wyatt Keller from Kentucky
Wyatt, an eighth-grader with two years of shooting experience, inquires about strategies to secure a college scholarship in trapshooting. Celebrated for making the 2025 AIM All-Star Team, Wyatt seeks guidance on enhancing his prospects.
Advice from Hosts:
- Proactivity & Networking: Hosts emphasize the importance of actively reaching out to college coaches and building relationships. Richard advises, “Never be scared to go and speak to people” (03:18).
- Character Building: Zach highlights the significance of character alongside shooting skills, stating, “Focus on the relationships and focus on your character building” (03:29).
- Diverse Shooting Experience: Exploring various shooting disciplines, such as skeets and sporting clays, can broaden a shooter's skill set and appeal to different college programs.
Notable Quote:
- Zach shares his personal experience, “If you find a team that you specifically want to go to... I already knew 25 people on the team before I ever showed up” (04:57), underscoring the value of existing connections.
2. Shooting Methods: Lead vs. Pull Away
Listener: Rick Batisco from New Jersey
Rick poses a two-part question regarding shooting techniques, specifically referencing methods like those taught by legendary shooters such as Chris Vindel and Frank. He seeks to understand whether top shooters utilize swing lead or pull away techniques and how these methods can enhance his game.
Discussion Highlights:
- Variety of Techniques: Hosts acknowledge that different methods work for different shooters. Richard notes, “you can't argue that K's method doesn't work or Chris's method doesn't work” (18:10).
- Incorporating Multiple Methods: Experimenting with various techniques and integrating successful ones into one’s repertoire is encouraged.
Notable Quote:
- Rick explains a specific technique, “He’s basically getting on that bird and then as he's on the bird... he starts creating a little bit of distance on the front” (14:10), illustrating the pull away method.
3. Gun Comb and Rib Alignment
Listener: Mark Eisner
Mark seeks advice on maintaining the correct alignment between his gun's comb and rib, especially when adding washers to his K Trap Special with a Pro Rib.
Advice from Hosts:
- Parallel Alignment: Zach affirms the necessity for the comb to remain parallel with the rib, advising, “make sure your sight picture is over the rib” (27:48).
- Customization: Richard suggests that adjustments may be required based on individual stock settings and recommends consulting with a professional fitter for precise alignment.
Notable Quote:
- Zach engages in a lighthearted debate, “I apologize, Zach is right. 80 to 120” (31:16), highlighting the importance of accuracy in settings.
4. Pre-Shot Routines and Safety Concerns
Listener: Jim Leonard
Jim raises concerns about observing shooters' pre-shot routines, specifically questioning whether closing the gun while another shooter is preparing poses a safety risk.
Discussion Highlights:
- Safety Protocols: Hosts clarify that as long as the gun is pointed safely and the finger is off the trigger, closing the gun is permissible.
- Respecting Shooters' Routines: Emphasis is placed on allowing shooters to maintain their routines without interference, ensuring both efficiency and safety at the range.
Notable Quote:
- Zach reassures, “If your finger is not on the trigger and the gun is pointed in a safe direction, I don't see a reason why it can't be closed” (38:36).
5. Enhancing Doubles Shooting and Photographic Memory
Listener: Joe Kapizak from New York
Joe discusses his approach to doubles shooting and questions the role of photographic memory and natural ability in achieving high scores.
Advice from Hosts:
- Practice and Reflection: Richard emphasizes consistent practice and reflective techniques to improve performance, stating, “practice, practice, practice” (25:52).
- Mental Focus: Zach highlights the importance of mental resilience and the ability to adapt based on past experiences.
Notable Quote:
- Richard shares his method, “I would see it and I would make my move, and I didn't second guess” (78:44), advocating for decisive action during shoots.
6. Optimal Timing for Moving to the Target
Listener: John Vieira
John seeks guidance on the optimal moment to begin moving to the target—whether to stay at home until the target is clear or to initiate movement upon seeing the target's flash.
Advice from Hosts:
- Synchronizing Movement: Hosts discuss the importance of timing when moving towards the target, ensuring that motion aligns with target visibility.
- Adaptability: Emphasis is placed on adapting techniques based on individual comfort and shooting conditions.
Notable Quote:
- Zach explains his approach, “as soon as I see a flash of color, I am moving” (57:33), illustrating a proactive movement strategy.
7. Introducing New Shooters to Trapshooting
Listener: Edward Ruffer and Joey Lebev
Edward and Joey ask about effective methods to introduce newcomers to trapshooting, including whether to start with three shots and the use of beginners’ equipment.
Advice from Hosts:
- Foundational Skills: Emphasize building confidence and ensuring the gun fits well the shooter’s physique.
- Progressive Training: Begin with straightaways before progressing to angled shots, ensuring foundational skills are solid.
Notable Quote:
- Zach underscores the importance of confidence and enjoyment, “the most important thing that someone can do... is build confidence and have fun” (81:02).
8. Mounting the Gun and Maintaining Consistency
Listener: David Jackson
David inquires about the ideal relationship between the shooter's cheekbone and eye when mounting the gun, questioning whether this relationship needs to remain constant.
Advice from Hosts:
- Consistent Mounting: Hosts advocate for keeping the comb of the gun directly under the eye to maintain a consistent sight picture.
- Minimal Movement: Encouraging minimal head movement to ensure stability and consistency in firing.
Notable Quote:
- Richard advises, “if you're looking like this... you want to bring the comb or the stock right underneath your eye” (86:00).
Key Insights and Conclusions
- Proactivity and Networking: Actively engaging with coaches and building relationships are crucial for advancing in trapshooting and securing scholarships.
- Technique Versatility: Exploring and integrating various shooting techniques can enhance adaptability and performance.
- Equipment Customization: Ensuring proper gun fit and alignment is fundamental for accuracy and consistency.
- Mental Resilience: Maintaining focus, managing mental stress, and reflecting on past performances contribute significantly to success.
- Safety First: Adhering to safety protocols and respecting others' shooting routines ensure a secure and efficient shooting environment.
Final Thoughts
Zach and Richard wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to continue practicing, stay adaptable, and maintain a passion for trapshooting. They emphasize the importance of community support and the shared goal of improving the sport.
Notable Closing Quote:
- Zach reflects on personal growth, “you can always grow, you can always change... [and] you can always be willing and welcome to adjusting and improving themselves for the better of their game” (75:07).
This episode of Trap Talk offers a wealth of knowledge for trapshooting enthusiasts, addressing both technical and psychological aspects of the sport. Whether you're a novice seeking guidance or an experienced shooter looking to refine your technique, the insights shared by Zach and Richard are invaluable for elevating your trapshooting game.