Mastering Trap Shooting: Tips from Olympian Kayle Browning
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Trap Shooting and Kayle Browning
- Different Trap Shooting Disciplines
- American Trap
- Olympic Trap
- International Trap (Bunker Trap)
- The Difference in Angles and Speeds
- Eye Dominance and Target Visibility
- Shooting Techniques and Mental Rehearsal
- Choke Preferences in Trap Shooting
- How to Prevent Gun Canting
- Practicing at Home
- Conclusion
Trap Shooting: Tips and Techniques from the Pros
Trap shooting is a popular and exhilarating sport that requires precision, focus, and skill. In this article, we will explore the world of trap shooting and learn from the expertise of Kayle Browning, one of the top trap shooters in the world. From different trap shooting disciplines to mental techniques and practicing at home, we will dive deep into the fascinating world of trap shooting and gain valuable insights from the pros.
Trap Shooting and Kayle Browning
Before we delve into the intricacies of trap shooting, let's take a moment to introduce our pro for this week's episode - Kayle Browning. Kayle is an accomplished trap shooter who has achieved remarkable success in her career. Recognized as the Number One Lady in the Nation, she boasts numerous world cup medals and is a 2020 Olympian. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Kayle is the perfect guide to help us navigate the world of trap shooting.
Different Trap Shooting Disciplines
Trap shooting encompasses various disciplines, each with its own set of rules and challenges. Understanding these disciplines is crucial for any aspiring trap shooter. Let's take a closer look at the three main trap shooting disciplines:
American Trap
American Trap is the most common form of trap shooting. In this discipline, shooters face a single machine that launches targets at a consistent height and speed. The average target speed is approximately 42 miles per hour. American Trap is known for its precise aiming and requires shooters to adapt to the consistent flight path of the targets.
Olympic Trap
Olympic Trap, also known as International Trap, follows a similar format to American Trap. However, there are key differences in terms of target angles, height, and speed. Olympic Trap features an underground bunker with 15 machines that launch targets at varying angles, reaching up to 45 degrees left and right. The targets can also be launched up to 3 meters high. The average target speed in Olympic Trap is approximately 68 miles per hour.
International Trap (Bunker Trap)
International Trap, often referred to as Bunker Trap, is essentially the same as Olympic Trap. The term "Bunker" is a colloquialism used to describe International Trap. Shooters in Bunker Trap face the same challenges as Olympic Trap, with targets launched from multiple angles and varying heights.
Understanding the distinctions between these trap shooting disciplines is essential for shooters looking to compete at different levels and understand the nuances of each discipline.
The Difference in Angles and Speeds
Intrap Shooting, the angles and speeds of the targets play a crucial role in determining the level of difficulty. In American Trap, the targets follow a consistent flight path. However, in Olympic Trap and International Trap, the targets offer greater unpredictability.
The angles of the targets in Olympic Trap and International Trap can range from 45 degrees left to 45 degrees right, providing shooters with challenging shots from various directions. Additionally, these disciplines allow for targets to be launched at varying heights, presenting shooters with dynamic and complex target presentations.
Furthermore, the speeds of the targets also differ between American Trap and Olympic/International Trap. In American Trap, the average target speed is around 42 miles per hour. In contrast, Olympic and International Trap present faster targets, with an average speed of approximately 68 miles per hour. The varying speeds and angles in these disciplines require shooters to maintain a high level of focus and adaptability.
Eye Dominance and Target Visibility
An essential aspect of successful trap shooting is understanding eye dominance and ensuring clear target visibility. Eye dominance refers to the eye that your brain relies on for visual input and processing. In trap shooting, having a clear and dominant eye is crucial for accurately tracking the targets.
To determine eye dominance, Kayle Browning recommends an exercise using a shotgun video. By watching the video and observing where the shooter's eyes focus, it becomes evident when the target is in clear sight. Upon achieving a clear connection with the target, the shooter initiates their move and maintains a clear focus throughout the shot.
Interestingly, maintaining visual clarity on the target is not solely reliant on eye dominance. Shooters can train their non-dominant eye to improve clarity and focus. Developing a consistent routine that includes mindful breathing and mental focus can further enhance target visibility and shooting confidence.
Shooting Techniques and Mental Rehearsal
Trap shooting demands not only technical skill but also mental fortitude. Kayle Browning emphasizes the importance of a pre-shot routine and mental rehearsal for consistent performance during competitions. Having a set routine gives shooters a purpose and helps manage anxiety and fear-based thoughts.
One key element of the pre-shot routine is ensuring proper mechanics and alignment. Paying attention to gun mounts, footwork, and breathing techniques creates a solid foundation for a successful shot. Focusing on what feels familiar and confident allows shooters to maintain a tension-free state during their shots.
During mental rehearsal, shooters visualize executing perfect shots, focusing on each target individually. By breaking down the event into one target at a time, shooters can enhance their concentration and improve consistency. Mental preparation and rehearsal can vary from shooter to shooter, depending on individual circumstances and goals.
Choke Preferences in Trap Shooting
The choke of a shotgun plays a significant role in trap shooting, affecting the pattern of pellets and thus the spread of shot. Shooters have the option of using fixed chokes or interchangeable chokes, each offering distinct advantages based on individual preferences and shooting conditions.
In competitive trap shooting, Kayle Browning prefers using a sporting barrel with interchangeable chokes. Her combination of choice involves an improved-modified choke for the first shot and a full choke for the second shot. This versatility allows her to adapt her shotgun to different target presentations and shooting scenarios.
However, when it comes to hunting or certain disciplines like sporting clays and FITASC, Kayle enjoys the simplicity and maneuverability of fixed barrels. The use of fixed chokes provides stability and ease of mounting, which can be advantageous during dynamic shooting situations.
Ultimately, the choice between fixed and interchangeable chokes depends on individual shooting style, discipline, and personal preference.
How to Prevent Gun Canting
Gun canting, or the tilting of the gun during the mount, can negatively impact shooting accuracy. Identifying the cause of gun canting is essential for rectifying the issue. Kayle Browning highlights two potential causes: gun fit issues and improper shooting mechanics.
Gun fit issues can contribute to unintentional gun canting. Poor gun fit may prompt shooters to adjust their gun position in an attempt to align the barrel correctly. Seeking professional guidance and ensuring proper gun fit can resolve this issue.
Improper shooting mechanics, such as pulling the right arm too high during the mount, can also lead to gun canting. This causes the butt pad of the gun to curve, resulting in tilted gun alignment. Addressing and correcting these mechanical flaws through diligent practice and coaching can help eliminate gun canting.
Practicing at Home
Even when unable to access a shooting range or facility, shooters can still engage in effective practice at home. Kayle Browning suggests several drills and exercises that can be done at home to enhance skills and maintain proficiency.
Gun mounts are a fundamental aspect of trap shooting, and practicing proper gun mounts in front of a mirror can help shooters refine their technique. Observation of the mount, ensuring straight alignment, and avoiding canting are crucial aspects of mirror drills.
Eye drills can also be performed at home to train visual acuity and target acquisition. By setting up objects on a wall and mimicking target acquisition, shooters can improve their eye speed and accuracy.
Video analysis is another valuable tool for practice. Watching recorded videos of past shooting sessions allows shooters to assess their form, mechanics, and timing. Self-analysis and scrutiny of shooting technique enable shooters to identify areas for improvement and refine their skills effectively.
Conclusion
Trap shooting is a captivating sport that requires skill, focus, and dedication. Learning from experienced pro shooters like Kayle Browning can provide invaluable insights and techniques to enhance performance. By understanding the various trap shooting disciplines, refining shooting techniques, and practicing diligently, shooters can elevate their skills and achieve success on the competitive stage.
No matter the current circumstances, practicing at home using drills, video analysis, and visualization can help shooters maintain their skills and effectively prepare for future competitions. So grab your shotgun, embrace the challenge, and embark on an exciting journey into the world of trap shooting.
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