Trap shooting

Upcoming matches

8 events matching this sport’s disciplines. Discipline does not establish league affiliation. Coverage is partial; confirm dates and registration with the organizer.

1. Oct 22, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   ATA Trap Big 5021101 Kettlefoot Lane, Bristol, VA 24202
   VA calendar →
2. Oct 24, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   ATA Big 501214 Rolling Lane Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051
   IL calendar →
3. Oct 24, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   Cosmic Clays Trap ShootHeartland Public Shooting Park, 6788 W Husker Hwy, Alda, NE 68810
   NE calendar →
4. Oct 25, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   3rd Annual Harry Waycasy Memorial Doubles Trap ShootOjai Valley Gun Club, Rose Valley, Ojai, CA 93023
   CA calendar →
5. Nov 7, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   ATA Big 501214 Rolling Lane Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051
   IL calendar →
6. Nov 7, 2026Listed date, not yet confirmed by the organizer
   ATA Big 507730 Target Trail Nokomis, FL 34275
   FL calendar →

We don't have locations for these events yet; use the state calendars above.

How a match works

1. A squad normally has five shooters, one at each numbered post. In a usual singles round, each shooter takes one turn at a time until everybody has fired at five targets from that post. [15] [5]
2. The shooter starting on post 1 is the squad leader; if that post is empty, the role passes to the next occupied post. The leader checks that everybody is ready and alone may request one observation target before a regular singles or handicap sub-event, or one pair before doubles. [26]
3. When your turn arrives, call “pull” for a target. After the last shooter finishes the post’s targets, the squad rotates clockwise to the next post. Do not move ahead of that final shot; remove all live or empty shells before changing posts. [2] [5] [26] [13]
4. Most ATA singles events contain 100 targets; championship events at larger shoots run 200. The rules also allow 50-target sub-events with ten targets per post. You do not have to change fields after every sub-event. [15] [5]
5. Handicap follows the single-target format from your assigned yardage. Adjacent squad members may be no more than two yards apart, with no more than three yards across the squad. [5] [7]
6. Doubles releases two targets together from 16 yards. Each target is scored separately; there are no partners. Most registered doubles events contain 100 targets, or 50 pairs. [5] [15] [25]
7. Ties may go to a shoot-off or carry over into the next like event. Unless shoot management specifies otherwise, single-target shoot-offs use 25 targets and doubles use 10 pairs. [11]

Where to compete

For ATA registered competition, use the official finder’s ZIP-code and distance search or its state and province choices. ATA states that over 900 clubs throw registered targets. Registered competitors need ATA membership but need not be members of the host club. [19] [4] [23]

• ATA match finder ↗
• ATA club finder ↗
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Your first match

1. Find a registered shoot. Use ATA’s official finder. Big 50 events offer a smaller registered format: 50 targets per event and a reduced ATA daily fee. [19] [16]
2. Read the program before entering. Check the events, fees, trophies and any penalty class or yardage in the host’s written program. A newcomer is not automatically placed in the lowest class. [14] [6]
3. Join ATA and bring your record. Join online or at the shoot. Bring your ATA identification and Average Card, or retain your new-member receipt until the card arrives. If you do not have the plastic identification card, enter your ATA number, full name and address on the entry form. Home-state or provincial association membership is required for registered shoots there. [4] [14]
4. Get classified and declare your category. The official reviews your averages and verifies handicap yardage. Declare any special category now: you cannot declare or change it after firing your first shot. Correct a classification or handicap error before shooting; it may otherwise lead to disqualification. [15] [8] [14]
5. Get your squad and pay the entry. Choose or receive your squad assignment, then pay the entry fees. Optional purses do not affect trophy competition. [15]
6. Follow the squad on the line. The squad leader checks readiness and requests the observation target. Take your turn, call “pull” for your target, and wait for the last shooter’s final shot before changing posts. Open the gun and remove every live or empty shell before moving. [26] [2] [13]
7. Check and record your score. Have a wrongly recorded hit or miss corrected before your first shot at the next post, or before leaving the trap after the last post. A totaling error may be corrected whenever discovered. Enter every registered event score on your Average Card or downloaded card. [10] [14]

Never fired a gun at a range? Start with your first range visit.

What to bring

Bring eye and hearing protection to your first match, even where a league only recommends it. Check the host’s requirements before you arrive.

ShotgunRequired

12 gauge or smaller. Smaller gauges receive no special handicap or classification allowance. [12]

Rule-compliant shotshellsRequired

Maximum velocity depends on shot weight: 1290 FPS for a maximum 1 1/8 ounces, 1325 FPS for a maximum 1 ounce, or 1350 FPS for a maximum 7/8 ounces or less. The rulebook allows a 3% shot-weight tolerance, not a velocity tolerance. Lead shot may not be larger than Number 7 1/2; steel’s maximum size is #6. Nickel- or copper-coated shot, tracer loads and black-powder shells are prohibited. [12]

Eye and hearing protectionRequired

ATA requires appropriate eye and hearing protection for all persons on the trap field, including competitors, referees/scorers and trap personnel. [13]

Shooting vestOptional

NSSF includes a shooting vest in its starter equipment list alongside a shotgun, shotshells, and eye and ear protection. [22]

What it costs

Annual ATA membership

Annual ATA membership only: $20 for ages 23 and older; $12 for Sub-Junior, Junior and Junior-Gold annual members. [4] [17]

AIM plus ATA

One year of AIM plus ATA membership for Sub-Junior, Junior or Junior Gold is $25 on the application revised 12/25. Event entry, ammunition and equipment are separate. [17]

Life membership

ATA membership only: $500. Senior life membership for 65 years and older: $250. [17]

ATA daily registration fee

$4.00 for each day of competition at each shooting location; $2.00 for Big 50 events. Zone or state association fees may also be charged. [4]

Target and event entry fees

Use the host’s written shoot program: ATA requires it to list all fees, events, options, trophies and any penalty handicap yardage used. ATA fees must be separated from the host’s other charges. [14]

Optional purses

Entering an optional prize-money pool costs extra but does not affect trophy competition. [15]

Card-payment fee

For ATA membership applications, the form revised 12/25 specifies a 3% transaction fee on card payments. This is not a universal club-entry surcharge. [17]

How scoring works

Your score counts targets ruled dead by the referee/scorer. A chip and a fully shattered target count equally. In doubles, each target is scored separately. [10] [2] [25]

• A visible broken piece or complete reduction to dust is dead. A puff of dust with no perceptible piece is a dusted target, and is lost. [10]
• A single target thrown broken is no target, even if you fired. Another target is allowed; it is not a miss. [10]
• A recorded scoring error must be corrected before you fire the first shot at the next post, or before you leave the trap after the last post. [10]
• Deliberately shooting twice at the same target in doubles is a lost-target ruling. An involuntary gun malfunction that fires both shells with one trigger operation follows the failure-to-fire rule instead. [10] [29]

Divisions and classes

16-yard singles

One target per turn from 16 yards. Shooters compete in classes based on averages and known ability. [5] [6]

Handicap

One target per turn from assigned yardage between 19.0 and 27.0 yards. Greater distance is the handicap; high scores and event placement can earn additional yardage. [7]

Doubles

Two targets per turn, scored individually. Doubles has its own ability-class thresholds. [25] [6]

Sub-Junior

Special category for shooters who have not reached their 15th birthday. Declare it at classification to compete for its trophy. [8]

Junior

Special category for shooters who are 15 but have not reached their 18th birthday. Declare it at classification. [8]

Junior Gold

Special category for shooters who are 18 but have not reached their 23rd birthday. Declare it at classification. [8]

Lady I and Lady II

Lady I is for female shooters who have not reached their 55th birthday; Lady II is for female shooters who have reached it. Declare the category at classification. [8]

Sub-Veteran

Special category for shooters who are 55 but have not reached their 65th birthday. Declare it at classification. [8]

Veteran

Special category for shooters who are 65 but have not reached their 70th birthday. Declare it at classification. [8]

Senior Veteran

Special category for shooters 70 and older. Declare it at classification. [8]

Wheelchair

For a permanent disability or condition that prevents using the legs as the primary means of locomotion. The Central Handicap Committee or its zone representative assigns the designation on request. A temporary condition requiring a scooter or other seating device does not qualify; shooting from a seating device is not itself prohibited. [9]

Classification

Singles and doubles classes reflect established averages and known ability, not equipment. In the six-class singles system, the lower cutoffs are AAA 98%, AA 96.25%, A 94.75%, B 93% and C 90%; D is below 90%. For six-class doubles: AAA 96%, AA 92%, A 89%, B 86% and C 82%; D is below 82%. Each class ends just below the next higher cutoff. Other class systems and program-published modifications exist. A newcomer may be assigned any class until known ability is established; published target requirements may impose a penalty class or yardage. Special categories are separate from ability classes: declare yours before the first shot, and check the program for trophies offered. Age categories are established on birthdays. You may retain the previous age category for the rest of the target year, but moving to the new category is irrevocable. [6] [7] [12] [8] [15]

Safety rules

• Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection on the trap field. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. [13]
• Away from the firing line, keep the action open and the gun free of live or empty shells. An empty break-open gun may have its action closed while in a gun rack. [13]
• Load only on a post while facing the traps: one live shell at a time for singles or handicap, two for doubles. Remove every live or empty shell before changing posts. ATA strongly recommends not walking in front of other competitors. [13]
• Do not track targets behind a shooting squad or raise your gun in a way that interferes with another shooter. Test shots are prohibited. [13] [27]
• Management must immediately remove and disqualify a shooter for dangerous gun handling or endangering others. The same applies to obvious alcohol or drug impairment, or consuming alcohol, illegal or recreational drugs during or between same-day events. The drug rule also covers prescription medication when its effects make safe participation impossible. [28]
• Other grounds for disqualification include failing to report when called, shooting away from the regular firing line, or not reporting previously earned handicap yardage. Incorrect-yardage shooting has a limited correction rule for one inadvertently wrong post; it is not permission to choose your distance. [28]

Match levels and major events

• Local registered shoots require ATA membership, but membership in the host club or facility is not required. [4]
• Big 50 brings league and casual shooters into registered competition through 50-target events, a $2.00 ATA fee and the possibility of waived state fees. There must be at least three registered shooters per discipline. [16]
• ATA’s major shoots include state shoots, zone shoots, Satellite Grand Americans and the Grand American. [19]
• For Grand American handicap, fewer than 1000 registered handicap targets in the current target year means you cannot be classified below 25.0 yards. Qualifying targets must be registered by the day before the championships begin. Alternatively, shoot targets only from your assigned yardage and forfeit trophies, options, purses and added money; earned yardage and earned All-American points still apply. The handicap target requirement is waived for shooters 70 and older. [18]

Major events

Grand American World Trapshooting Championships ↗

Held annually at the World Shooting & Recreational Complex in Sparta, Illinois. ATA announces the 128th Grand American for August 4-14, 2027. [20]

Satellite Grand Americans ↗

ATA-sanctioned major shoots. Use the official finder for dates and host clubs. [19]

State and zone shoots ↗

ATA-sanctioned state and zone shoots. Use the official finder for dates and host clubs. [19]

Common questions

Glossary

Registered shoot

ATA-sanctioned competition whose scores enter the ATA record for averages, classification and handicapping. [15] [2]

Post

One of the five numbered firing positions on a trap field. [5]

Squad

The group of shooters assigned to shoot together; a usual full squad has five people. [15]

Bank

A group of trap fields used for a shoot. [15]

Trap house

The structure from which targets are thrown. [15]

Dead

A target broken in the air with a visible piece, or completely reduced to dust. [10]

Lost

The score for a missed target or one with only a puff of dust and no perceptible piece. [10]

No target

A ruling that allows another target, such as when a single target is thrown broken. [10]

Straight

Consecutive broken targets without a miss. [15]

Punch

A mark on the Average Card recording additional handicap yardage earned through performance. [7]

Known ability

Ability considered alongside established averages when assigning singles and doubles classes. A new shooter may be assigned any class until it is established. [6]

Penalty classification or yardage

An assignment based on target requirements published for the shoot, rather than an assurance that a newcomer begins in the lowest class or at normal handicap yardage. [6] [7]

Carryover

Resolving a tie using the next like event’s first sub-event, or more sub-events if needed, as designated by management. [11]

High All-Around

Combined performance across the three championship events, typically 400 targets: 200 singles, 100 handicap and 50 pairs of doubles. [15]

Option

An optional prize-money pool that does not affect trophy competition. [15]

Target year

September 1 through August 31 of the following year, the period used for ATA averages. [3]

Sub-event

The targets shot on one field in one complete rotation through all five posts. Several sub-events may make up an event. [5]

Average Card

Your ATA record of event scores and handicap yardage, used by classification personnel to assess current shooting ability. [14] [7]

Classification

Assignment to an ability class using your established average and known ability. Singles and doubles have different class thresholds. [6]

Yardage

Your handicap distance, recorded on the Average Card. Use the highest whole yardage punched; a card at 20.5 yards calls for the 20-yard line. [7]

FPS

Feet per second, the unit used for ATA shotshell velocity limits. [12]

Failure to fire

An allowable failure to fire gives a replacement target under Section VII.D. In singles and handicap, two are allowed per sub-event; subsequent failures are lost. [29]

Watch and read

• ATA introduction to registered trapshooting ↗Page · Amateur Trapshooting Association
• 2027 ATA Rulebook ↗Page · Amateur Trapshooting Association
• AIM youth program and team contacts ↗Page · AIM / Amateur Trapshooting Association
• ATA Shooter Information Center — scores and target records ↗Page · Amateur Trapshooting Association
• Join ATA ↗Page · Amateur Trapshooting Association
• NSSF introduction to trap shooting ↗Video · National Shooting Sports Foundation

Related sports

• Skeet shooting
• Sporting clays
• Olympic shooting
• Scholastic Clay Target Program
• USA Clay Target League
• Compare every league

Sources

Facts checked October 4, 2026 against the sources below. Each bracketed number on the page links to its source.

1. [1]
   Overview of the ATAshootata.com
2. [2]
   Trapshooting overviewshootata.com
3. [3]
   2027 ATA Rulebook — edition and target yearshootata.com
4. [4]
   2027 ATA Rulebook — joining and registered shoots (II.A; IV.A–B)shootata.com
5. [5]
   2027 ATA Rulebook — posts, sub-events and event formats (IV.E–H; V.A–B)shootata.com
6. [6]
   2027 ATA Rulebook — classification and penalty classification (V.C–D)shootata.com
7. [7]
   2027 ATA Rulebook — handicap assignment, earned yardage and reviews (VI)shootata.com
8. [8]
   2027 ATA Rulebook — special categories (IV.K)shootata.com
9. [9]
   2027 ATA Rulebook — wheelchair category (IV.L)shootata.com
10. [10]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — official scoring (VII.A–E)shootata.com
11. [11]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — shoot-offs (IV.I)shootata.com
12. [12]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — guns and ammunition (XIII.G)shootata.com
13. [13]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — safety requirements (IV.J)shootata.com
14. [14]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — shoot programs and score records (II.C; III.B; IV.G)shootata.com
15. [15]
    Intro to registered trapshooting — format, registration and glossaryshootata.com
16. [16]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — Big 50 program (Appendix V)shootata.com
17. [17]
    ATA membership application — revised 12/25shootata.com
18. [18]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — Grand American qualification (XI.A)shootata.com
19. [19]
    Why join the ATA — participation and major shootsshootata.com
20. [20]
    Grand American — next announced championshipshootata.com
21. [21]
    AIM — youth participation and finding a teamaim4ata.com
22. [22]
    Getting started with trap shooting — clay-sport distinctionsletsgoshooting.org
23. [23]
    ATA Shoots, Clubs, States & Zones — search controlsshootata.com
24. [24]
    Skeet shooting — field layoutusaclaytarget.com
25. [25]
    ATA trapshooting disciplines — doubles scoringshootata.com
26. [26]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — squad leader and changing posts (IV.H; VII.A)shootata.com
27. [27]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — prohibited line distractions (IV.J)shootata.com
28. [28]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — disqualification and yardage correction (XII.B; VII.A.9)shootata.com
29. [29]
    2027 ATA Rulebook — failures to fire (VII.C–D)shootata.com

Inclusion is not an endorsement. Send a source or correction.