Trap Talk From The Back Fence – Episode Summary

Episode: Trap Talk’s Top Stories (Part 1) – Unforgettable Moments from the Archives! 🎯

Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr.
Release Date: March 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This special episode digs into the most memorable moments, advice, and laughs from the archives of Trap Talk, gathering insights from legendary shooters and rising stars. Zach and Ricky reflect on what makes trapshooting special—highlighting stories of grit, community, family, and the pursuit of excellence. You'll hear wisdom and candid tales from icons in the sport, plus advice for new and veteran shooters alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Practice Makes the Champion (00:23 – 01:55)

• Charlie shares his journey from humble beginnings to mastery, attributing his progress to increasing his doubles volume over the years. With help from mentor John R. Hall, Charlie started with 1,000 doubles a year, jumping to 3,000, then 10,000 and eventually 30,000 – and consistently saw his average rise.
  • “The more doubles I shot, the better I got, so that’s what I kept doing.” (Charlie, 00:55)
• Discussing shooting technique, Charlie describes his “moving gun” style—keeping the gun dynamic and snapping on the target as soon as it appears.

Memorable Moment:

• Zach and Ricky marvel at Charlie’s dedication, with Ricky exclaiming, “Holy crap,” after hearing about Charlie's 30,000 doubles year. (01:02)

2. Trapshooting Lifestyle & Memories (02:00 – 04:03)

• Charlie reminisces about growing up in Illinois, escaping to Texas to avoid becoming a “lifer” in Illinois trap, and funny stories about using Remington shell flats as living room furniture.

  • "When I got under 200 flats, I got nervous and got on the phone and ordered some more." (Charlie, 02:47)
  • Zach: “It’s just different world problems… We get a little light when we’re under like 20 and Charlie’s under 200.” (02:52)

• Favorite places to shoot include the Grand American (Vandalia and now Sparta) and the Golden West Grand, with both the competition and social activities making them memorable.

3. Advice for New and Experienced Shooters (04:04 – 04:31)

• "You just got to understand it’s going to take you a while... You’re not going to be a double A shooter right away… Gotta be persistent. Gotta work at it, the more work you put in, better results you get, you know." – Charlie (04:04 – 04:27)

4. Shooting Styles, Confidence, and Mindset (05:22 – 09:36)

Sean and a guest youth shooter discuss how shooting style is personal, and how success can be found with different techniques. Staying confident is highlighted—speed is a sign of confidence but doesn't always result in extra points.

• Sean: “My dad, when I was younger, he’s like, look, you don’t get bonus points for how quick.” (06:56)
• Be thankful for good days, accept the “trap gods” sometimes smile upon you just to keep you coming back.
• Trapshooting is uniquely accessible: “A young guy, a sub junior can get in a shoot off with the Michael Jordan of the sport tomorrow... One of the coolest things.” (Sean, 07:37)

On Longevity & Burnout:

• Sean shares that trap is a “lifelong sport.” Don’t burn out by trying to do it all in a short span.
  • “Don’t try to fit it all into two or four years... it’s hard on your parents... It’s a lifelong sport.” (Sean, 10:21)

5. Generational Stories & “Getting Hooked” (11:16 – 16:38)

• Guest Youth Shooter shares being introduced to the sport by his grandfather, moving up through guns and gauges, his first big out-of-state shoots, and falling in love with the community.
• Advice from mentors: focus on goals, keep it fun, but strive to improve and win.
• The importance of not being pressured by others—enjoying the sport for yourself leads to a “lifer” mindset.

6. Handling Pressure Post-Success & Pursuing Excellence (17:52 – 23:26)

• Pat talks about staying focused after major achievements (like entering the Hall of Fame). While championships are a goal, the desire to compete persists.
  • "Things really didn't change after the Hall of Fame for me. I still go out there and try to compete in every event, try to win every event.” (Pat, 18:19)
• Even high-level shooters deal with struggles—particularly with “seeing the target” and overthinking.
  • "When you're struggling, you're trying so much harder… trying to get everything to be just perfect rather than just shoot.” (Pat, 20:37)

7. The Evolution of Trapshooting & Technology (24:58 – 25:51)

• John R. Hall notes that new technology like voice calls and modern traps make it easier to reach high levels, but the pressure to be perfect has increased.
  • "Nowadays you gotta be 200 oh yeah, every time. And wait then for the shoot-off... It's a perfection game. The game has changed." (John R. Hall, 25:10)
• A candid reflection on how muscle memory can lead to mistakes, even after hundreds of thousands of targets.

8. Mental Game: Dealing with Bad Scores & Staying Positive (27:15 – 30:50)

• Dagan emphasizes that mindset is everything. Singles is a “building block” event; a bad start can carry into subsequent events.
  • Focus not on breaking 100 every time, but on building a strong mindset for the day.
  • Analyze misses to learn, not to beat yourself up—determine if it’s a technical or mental slip.
  • "I try to look at why I'm doing it wrong and try to build a positive out of it." (Dagan, 29:00)
  • When practicing, simulate match conditions to make perfect fundamentals second nature.

9. Why They Love the Sport: Community, Family, Grit (32:23 – 36:27)

• Len shares about the dangers of missing a year and how the community keeps you coming back.
• Family stories—like shooting alongside his son when he broke his first hundred, and the bittersweet pride of celebrating from afar—highlight the generational bonds unique to trapshooting.
• Discussion on the competitiveness of state rivals, evolving squads, and the importance of camaraderie.
  • "It's a competitive sport and that starts to grind and starts to wear on you." – Len (33:39)

10. Trapshooting Leadership, Challenges, and Gratitude (38:02 – 41:49)

• Behind the scenes, keeping the sport vibrant involves tireless work, managing finances, and responding to criticism—often a thankless job.
• “Criticism, when somebody's criticizing you, they're talking, at least to you. It's an opportunity.” – Len (40:49)
• Shout-outs to the unsung heroes running tournaments, like Jim Moody.

11. Evolving With the Sport: Legacy, Technology & Mentoring (42:35 – 49:54)

• Cooper tells stories of growing up at the gun club with his father (ATA president), being left to roam and learn, and now appreciating the ability to mentor his own kids and enjoy the community at a slower pace.
  • Major changes noted: move from human pullers (sometimes problematic!) to voice-release technology.
  • Mentorship from Sean Holly was key to rebuilding skills after time away, underscoring the value of sharing knowledge.
• Cooper expresses gratitude for the podcast: “This podcast, this company, hands down, is doing more for trap shooting than anything in my era... What you guys are doing is bigger than anything that's ever been done in my era.” (Cooper, 49:00)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Charlie (00:55): "The more doubles I shot, the better I got, so that's what I kept doing."
• Ricky (01:02): "Holy crap."
• Sean (07:36): "Be thankful that the trap gods shine down on you that day."
• Guest Youth Shooter (16:06): "I like to talk and bs, have a good time. But when you get on the line, you know, you get serious."
• Pat (18:19): "Things really didn't change after the hall of fame for me. I still go out there and try to, you know, compete in every event, try to win every event."
• John R. Hall (25:10): "Nowadays you gotta be 200 oh yeah, every time. And wait then for the shoot-off... It's a perfection game. The game has changed."
• Dagan (29:00): "I try to look at why I'm doing it wrong and try to build a positive out of it basically."
• Len (40:49): "Criticism, when somebody's criticizing you, they're talking, at least to you. It's an opportunity."
• Cooper (49:00): "What you guys are doing is bigger than anything that's ever been done in my era."

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Dedication to Practice: 00:23 – 01:55
• Trapshooting Lifestyle Memories: 02:00 – 04:03
• Advice for New Shooters: 04:04 – 04:31
• Shooting Technique & Confidence: 05:22 – 09:36
• Burnout & Lifelong Sport Discussion: 10:01 – 10:37
• Youth Shooter’s Journey: 11:16 – 16:38
• Handling Pressure & Post-Success Focus: 17:52 – 23:26
• Evolution & Modern Pressures: 24:58 – 25:51
• Mindset on Bad Days: 27:15 – 30:50
• Family & Community Stories: 32:23 – 36:27
• Leadership & Behind-the-Scenes: 38:02 – 41:49
• Generational Reflection & Mentorship: 42:35 – 49:54

Episode Tone

Conversational, supportive, and nostalgic, the hosts and guests share both the humor and the realness of life in trapshooting—from shell couches to missed 100s, from “lifer” culture to the joys and challenges of leadership. The camaraderie of the shooting community—its mentorship, family bonds, and lasting friendships—shines throughout.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Persistent practice is essential—there are no shortcuts to success.
• Mindset matters as much as technique; confidence and positivity carry shooters far.
• It’s a lifelong sport: Pace yourself, avoid burnout, cherish the friendships and family moments.
• Trapshooting continues to evolve—embrace the technology, but respect the tradition.
• Community is the heart of trap: From local youth shooters to legends and officials, everyone plays a role in keeping the sport alive.
• The podcast itself is now part of that legacy, bridging generations and giving voice (and stories) to the sport’s beating heart.

End of Summary