Best way to teach a person how to shoot trap?

Having no experience is probably a plus since they will have no bad habits.

Short version.

Eye & ear protection.

Start familiarization w/ the shotgun, loading ,unloading & shooting safety practices.

Have them watch a few rounds & explain whats going ,& that you point a shotgun rather than aim.

For a first timer recoil might be a surprise so a practice shot or 2 will help having them hold the gun against the shoulder without a deathgrip & keep their cheek in contact w/ the stock to avoid a slap.

Lean a little forward w/ the weight on the pivot foot ( left one for righthanders)

Keep the elbow of the shooting hand a little high so that it does not interfere with swing.

The the forend should lay in the other hand w/ a light grip & positioned in at a comfortable distance ( for them) about midway .

The cheek should be low on the stock so that the eye will see the bead & the bird together at the same level consistently.

One eye open both eyes open , whatever works

Call "pull" or "bird " & track the bird w/ the bead slightly ahead leading by what amounts to about 6 or 8 times the width of the target.

for starters.

A little more for wide angles & a little less for close angles.

Keep the bead just about on the target for straight away rising shots.

The swing should be based on the pivot foot & movement from the waist w/ the shoulders square.

The swing smooth trigger squeeze & follow through should be one continuous motion.

I used the "hey look at that method" & have the student ( esp younger ones) just piont w/ their finger & outstretched arm at other peoples clays or birds flying by

Just tracking w/ an unloaded gun gets the idea across that it should feel natural & instinctive.

Not a believer in rigid shooting formulas , but books will give the basic

safety & pointing techniques.

Having said that , my form sucks ( according to the book & other shooters ), but I am comfortable , a decent shot & like many score highest when I dont overthink & relax.

Supposed to be fun.

Best regards

Annie, here's a bit of a tip for him. Tell him to keep his head down and follow through with his head down. The instant you let up is the instant you miss. The stance is something that you develop on your own, everyone is a bit different in that respect. When he brings the gun up, it should be a very gradual and smooth curve following the clays. Not just run the gun upwards and then follow. One smooth, graceful motion. Good luck... and remember to tell him, it's all about fun at this point. It's a good learning experience for him, and it's a good learning experience for you (teaching him to shoot).

You get a hand thrower, and clay birds and throw the clay birds for them , before they go to a regular trap range to shoot.* It prepares and gives them practice before actually going to a regular trap range.* It helps build up their confidence and beginners shooting skills.*

Have them take a class from a NRA certified Shotgun instructor.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.asp

just tell them to lead the trap and shoot...and practice...

Aim at the target and pull the trigger