Podcast Summary: Trapshooting Foot Placement & Stance - E69
Podcast Information:
- Title: Trap Talk From The Back Fence
- Hosts: Zach Nanini & Richard Marshall Jr.
- Episode: Trapshooting Foot Placement & Stance - E69
- Release Date: April 12, 2024
- Description: Listen in as Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr. talk trapshooting with the legends, the game’s top shots, and more!
Introduction
In Episode 69 of Trap Talk From The Back Fence, hosts Zach Nanini and Richard Marshall Jr. delve deep into the intricacies of trapshooting foot placement and stance. Shunning the usual surface-level discussions, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration suitable for both novice and seasoned shooters.
Importance of Foot Placement
Zach Nanini emphasizes the foundational role of foot placement in trapshooting:
“I think the base of shooting all starts with the feet and it's just such a freaking important topic to go into.”
[00:43]
Richard Marshall Jr. echoes this sentiment, reinforcing that a solid stance is crucial for consistency and performance:
“Feet, it all starts at your feet. So you want to make sure your feet are good.”
[11:03]
Right-Handed Shooter Stances
The discussion begins with the foot positioning for right-handed shooters across the five posts on a trap field.
-
Post 1:
Richard explains how he positions his feet when leading off on post one:“I'm starting on one now when I walk up to the Post, any post. I'm always checking my feet first... parallel, shoulder width apart.”
[07:23]He highlights the slight rotation:
“I always rotate everything clockwise.”
[08:09] -
Post 2 to 5:
As shooters move from post one to post five, their stance adjusts to accommodate different angles:“Take a little micro shift... you want to have your weight 60ish percent forward.”
[09:46]
Left-Handed Shooter Stances
For left-handed shooters, the stances mirror those of right-handed shooters but are adjusted accordingly to maintain consistency.
-
Post 1 for Lefties:
Richard describes the setup for a left-handed shooter starting on post one:“A left-handed shooter would be like a post one stance for a lefty... shooting across your body.”
[13:17] -
Post 2 to 5:
Similar to right-handed shooters, lefties rotate clockwise but begin from a mirrored position:“Left handed shooter on one's going to start with their feet closed and pointing to the left.”
[18:28]
Weight Distribution and Balance
A key point elaborated is the 60-40 weight distribution with emphasis on maintaining forward weight to prevent the gun from rising:
“You want to have your weight 60ish percent forward.”
[09:53]
Richard further explains the importance of balance:
“If you're leaning back, the gun automatically goes up.”
[12:32]
Adjustments and Micro Shifts
The hosts discuss the necessity of micro adjustments during shooting to accommodate varying target behaviors:
“You take a little micro adjustment... and that should help you.”
[11:03]
Zach adds that even minor shifts can significantly impact performance:
“A shift 1 inch can change everything... you lock right back in.”
[29:15]
Singles vs. Doubles vs. Handicap Shooting
The episode distinguishes between different shooting types and their stance requirements:
-
Singles:
Emphasis on being deliberate with movements to maintain consistency:“Handicapping singles, you got to be deliberate.”
[30:10] -
Doubles:
Focus on maintaining forward weight after the first shot to prepare for the second:“When I shoot... absorbing that recoil and make that little bit loop.”
[31:24] -
Handicap Shooting:
Richard maintains a consistent stance across singles, handicap, and doubles, adjusting only speed:“I use the same foot position for singles, handicap, and doubles.”
[29:56]
Importance of Footwear
The conversation shifts to the critical role of proper footwear in trapshooting:
“Wear some good shoes when shooting... I tend to wear Brooks or Adidas Ultra Boost.”
[51:01]
Key recommendations include:
- Avoid shoes with overly soft heels to prevent rolling.
- Prefer shoes with a slight edge or tilt to aid in maintaining forward weight.
“A good quality shoe, not a shoe that is super soft in the heel.”
[52:24]
Zach humorously notes the impact of footwear on performance:
“If you buy him a pair of Brooks Beast tennis shoes. He came back... he got three yards in handicap.”
[54:22]
Personal Experiences and Insights
Zach shares a personal anecdote about an Achilles injury that impacted his stance and shooting performance:
“I had to reinvent my game... I won the overall in state that year, but I didn't do it pretty because I didn't have my feet anymore.”
[46:22]
Richard offers solutions and encouragement for overcoming physical challenges:
“You just need to come along to a couple of my two, three, four day classes... you'll get them.”
[50:04]
Conclusion
Zach and Richard wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of a solid foundation in foot placement and stance. They encourage listeners to experiment with their stances, make necessary adjustments, and invest in quality footwear to enhance their trapshooting performance.
“It starts with the feet. If you don't have your feet right, everything after that is going to follow in a bad direction.”
[45:06]
They also tease future episodes featuring interviews with other instructors to further enrich listeners' trapshooting knowledge.
Notable Quotes
-
Zach Nanini:
“The base of shooting all starts with the feet and it's just such a freaking important topic to go into.”
[00:43] -
Richard Marshall Jr.:
“Feet, it all starts at your feet. So you want to make sure your feet are good.”
[11:03] -
Zach Nanini:
“A shift 1 inch can change everything... you lock right back in.”
[29:15] -
Richard Marshall Jr.:
“You just need to come along to a couple of my two, three, four day classes... you'll get them.”
[50:04]
Final Thoughts
Episode 69 of Trap Talk From The Back Fence serves as an essential guide for trapshooters aiming to refine their stance and foot placement. Through detailed discussions, personal experiences, and actionable advice, hosts Zach Nanini and Richard Marshall Jr. provide listeners with the tools necessary to enhance their shooting performance and achieve greater consistency on the trap field.