American Trap Singles
The foundation of American trap shooting
What is American Trap Singles?
American Trap Singles is the most fundamental and popular form of trap shooting in the United States. Shooters stand at one of five positions arranged in a straight line, 16 yards behind a trap house that launches clay targets away from them.
Each shooter fires at five targets from each position, moving one station to the right after each round, for a total of 25 targets. The targets emerge at varying horizontal angles (up to 17.14 degrees left or right) but at a consistent height and speed, creating a challenging yet predictable shooting experience.
Unlike sporting clays or skeet, trap is shot from stations arranged in a straight line with all targets moving away from the shooter. This "going away" presentation is what makes trap unique and what originally made it perfect for practicing on live game birds.
History
American trap shooting has a long history, evolving from live pigeon shooting to clay target shooting. The practice developed significantly with the introduction of clay targets, providing a humane and consistent alternative.
The Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) was formed to establish standardized rules and competitions. The Grand American World Trapshooting Championships is recognized as a major annual event in the sport.
Today, American trap is one of the three main clay target disciplines in the United States, alongside skeet and sporting clays. The ATA sanctions registered shoots at clubs across the country.
Key Characteristics
Going Away Targets
All targets fly away from the shooter, simulating flushing game birds
Variable Angles
Trap oscillates automatically, throwing targets at random angles up to 17.14° left or right
Gun Position
Gun must be mounted after calling "Pull" - no pre-mounting allowed
Target Speed
Targets travel at 41-43 mph at trap exit, 48-52 yards when broken
Station Layout
Field Configuration
American Trap Singles is shot from five shooting positions arranged in a straight line, 16 yards behind the trap house. The trap house contains a single oscillating trap that automatically rotates to throw targets at random angles.
Position Layout
Leftmost position
Left center
Center position
Right center
Rightmost position
Shooting Sequence
- • Squad of up to 5 shooters starts at Position 1
- • Each shooter fires 5 targets from Position 1
- • Squad moves to Position 2, each fires 5 targets
- • Continues through all 5 positions
- • Total: 25 targets per round
Target Angles
- • Trap oscillates automatically
- • Targets thrown at random angles
- • Up to 17.14° left or right of center
- • Height: 9 feet at intermediate point
- • Speed: 41-43 mph at trap exit
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect round is 25 points (25x25 or "straight").
One Shot Per Target
Only one shot allowed per target. If missed, target is lost
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
No Bird
If target is irregular or broken, shooter calls "No Bird" and receives a replacement target
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 1-1/8 oz shot for 12 gauge. #7.5, #8, or #9 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun must be mounted AFTER calling "Pull" - no pre-mounting allowed
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 4-5/16" diameter clay targets
Speed
41-43 mph at trap exit, approximately 44 yards when broken
Height
9 feet above ground at intermediate point
Angle
Random left/right up to 17.14° from center
Common Violations
Pre-mounting gun before calling "Pull"
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with many shell
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
Trap shooters typically use over/under or semi-automatic shotguns with tighter chokes for longer-range targets.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 30-32 inches (longer barrels help with swing)
- • Choke: Full or Improved Modified for 16-yard shooting
- • Weight: 8-9 lbs for 12 gauge (heavier guns reduce recoil)
- • Stock: Adjustable comb and butt plate for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 1-1/8 oz or 1 oz
- • Shot Size: #7.5, #8, or #9
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps typical
- • Dram Equivalent: 3 or 3-1/4 dram
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 7/8 oz, #7.5 or #8
- • 28 Gauge: 3/4 oz, #8 or #8.5
- • .410 Bore: 1/2 oz, #9
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
Shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular for target visibility)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs allow conversation while protecting hearing
Shell Pouch/Vest
Holds shells and empties conveniently
Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes with good traction
Organizations
Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA)
The governing body for American Trap in the United States. ATA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit ATA Website →Classification System
Shooters are classified by average: For current classification percentages and requirements, refer to the official rules and regulations
Major Tournaments
Grand American World Trapshooting Championships
Annual - Sparta, IL - August (oldest continuously held shooting event in North America)
ATA State Championships
Annual - Each state hosts
Zone Championships
Annual - Regional competitions
Registered Shoots
Year-round - Local and regional competitions
Getting Started in Competition
Join ATA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Shoot Practice Rounds
Build consistency and establish your average
Enter Local Tournaments
Start with club-level registered shoots
Build Your Average
Classification based on your last 1,000 targets
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically consist of multiple events:
Singles Event
100 or 200 targets from 16 yards
Handicap Event
100 targets from varying yardages (18-27 yards)
Doubles Event
100 targets (50 pairs) from 16 yards
All-Around
Combined score from Singles, Handicap, and Doubles
Fundamentals
Gun Mount
Mount gun smoothly and consistently after calling "Pull". Gun should fit your body - cheek weld on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Practice mounting without a target to build muscle memory.
Stance
Weight slightly forward, feet shoulder-width apart. Point lead foot toward expected target break point. Upper body should rotate freely to follow targets.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target, not the barrel. Your brain will automatically align gun to target if mount is consistent. Watch the target from trap exit to break point.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target. Continue swinging after the shot.
Position-Specific Tips
Positions 1 & 2
Left positions - expect more right-angle targets. Establish lead early for crossing targets
Position 3
Center position - most balanced. Targets can go either direction equally
Positions 4 & 5
Right positions - expect more left-angle targets. Maintain smooth swing for crossing shots
Common Mistakes
Lifting Head
Keep cheek on stock throughout shot and follow-through
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
Inconsistent Mount
Gun mount must be identical for every shot
Looking at Barrel
Eyes should be focused on target, not gun barrel or bead
Pre-Mounting
Gun must be mounted after calling "Pull" - no pre-mounting allowed
Practice Tips
Dry Fire Practice
Mount, swing, and trigger pull at home (use snap caps)
Focus on Consistency
Same mount, same stance, same routine for every target
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately
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