Welcome to Clay Target Shooting
Getting Started
Find a Club
Disciplines
Terminology
Getting Started in CTSA
There are many shooting clubs all over the country where novices and experts alike go to practice their particular discipline and you will always find someone willing to help the first-time shooter. The Clay Target Shooting Association of South Africa is the governing body and we aim to provide you with all the information you need on the various shooting clubs and different disciplines. This website has a tremendous amount of information for all our visitors and members.
To see if you like the sport of Clay Target Shooting, the best thing to do is try it out!
Visit your chosen club on a practice day
Once you have found a local club, find out when their next practice day is and go and join in with the fun on that day! You may not necessarily need your own shotgun as most clubs have enough people willing to lend a shotgun to allow you to have a go. You will need to ask for the club to supply you with ammunition for your shooting session. Targets are usually shot in ’rounds’ of 25 clays, the cost for which will vary slightly, depending upon the club’s facilities.
If you are very new to Clay Target Shooting, inform the contact person at the Club, they will ensure that someone meets you and shows you ‘the ropes’. Emphasis will be placed on the safe handling of guns, together with the need for adequate hearing protection.
Clay Target Shooting can be taken as seriously (or not) as you like!
Different types of Clay Target Shooting
Our sport is a family sport and you can shoot Clay Targets from social club level through to World Championship level.
We suggest for those starting as a new Clay Target Shooter that they begin with a Trap discipline like ATA Trap or DTL Trap. Or you might prefer NSSA Skeet which is also excellent and which lays the foundation for our Sporting disciplines. These disciplines are perfect for commencing on your Clay Target Shooting journey!
There are many disciplines which take you to World Championship level – English Sporting, NSSA Skeet, DTL Trap, ATA Trap, FITASC Sporting, and FITASC Universal Trench. But whatever you want to do, whether it is simply having fun once or twice a month, or aiming to become a National Team Member, Clay Target Shooting is a vibrant, active sport at any level.
Three types of Clay Target Shooting are shot in the Olympics: Olympic Trap, Double Trap (no longer in the Olympic Games but shot in all other international championships) and Skeet. The Olympic disciplines also have World Cups and World Championships.
For an overview of all of our Clay Target Shooting disciplines, please click HERE.
Once you are ready to join a Clay Target Club and the CTSASA, you can click HERE to find out how!
For further information, contact our Executive Officer on 044 620 4178 or fax on 086 684 1973 or email on info@ctsasa.co.za.
Clay Target Disciplines
Each discipline has a different limitation on the shot size and load for ammunition. Please check the latest rules for exact specifications.
Trench
Included in this group are Olympic Trap, Universal Trench and Olympic Double-Trap. Olympic Trap uses 15 trap machines which are located in a trench in front of the shooters. Six shooters form a squad and shoot a single target in turn. The shooters stand in a line behind the trench. Targets are set in different ‘patterns’. Universal Trench uses the same shooting range as Olympic Trap, but only uses the middle 5 machines. Shooters shoot targets in rotation as per Olympic Trap. Patterns of targets are different. Olympic Double-Trap uses the same shooting range again and only uses the middle 3 traps. Two targets are launched simultaneously. The shooter must shoot one shot at each target.
Trap
Included in this group are ATA Trap, DTL Trap, Double-Rise, ATA Trap Doubles and FITASC TRAP1. A single trap is located 16 yards in front of the line of shooters. There are 5 shooters in a squad and each shoot a single target in turn for both ATA Trap and DTL Trap. The main difference between the two is that only one cartridge may be loaded for ATA but both barrels can be used for DTL. The widest angle for the target also varies between the two disciplines. Maximum cartridge load for ATA is 32g and 28g for DTL. ATA Trap Doubles and Double-Rise are where two targets are launched off the same machine and the shooter must fire one shot at each target. All disciplines are shot over the same shooting range. In 2017 FITASC introduced a new discipline called TRAP1, which is similar to DTL Trap but shot over a Trench range. There are 6 shooters to a squad, maximum load is 28g.
Skeet
Included in this group are English Skeet, NSSA Skeet, Olympic Skeet and NSSA Skeet Doubles. The same range is used for all disciplines. The differences between them are variations of shooting sequences and speeds/distances of targets. Two trap ‘houses’ are located at opposite ends of a semi circle. Single targets are launched at which the shooter has only one shot. On some stands, two targets will be launched simultaneously (one target from each traphouse).
Sporting
Included in this group are English Sporting, 5-Stand Sporting and FITASC Sporting. The main theme is the simulation of live field shooting. Targets must comply with strict range setting rules for safety and fairness. English Sporting is mainly set using combinations of ‘doubles’, also known as ‘pairs’ – in other words, two targets (one shot at each target) where the shooter has one shot at each target. FITASC Sporting is more difficult in that there is a far greater variation of targets using both singles and doubles. 5-Stand Sporting uses Sporting targets but the group/squad of shooters stand in a line and shoot a target one after the other (unlike in the other two disciplines where only one shooter is on the shooting stand).
For purposes of clarity, we distinguish our disciplines into ‘standard’ and ‘sporting’. Standard being numbers 1 – 3 above because they are shot over fixed ranges with targets that are set according to very rigid rules on their trajectory and speed.
Terminology
American Trap (ATA – Amateur Trapshooting Association)
A discipline in Clay Target Shooting where a single trap is used to release a clay. The squad of five shooters stand in a line behind the trap and each take it in turn to shoot at a target released from the trap. Each shooter will eventually shoot at 5 targets from each stand.
Battue (Plate)
Special type of flat target used in all forms of sporting English Sporting (known as Sporting Clays in the USA), 5-Stand Sporting, Sportrap and FITASC Sporting
Bead
Generally a small white, round object which is situated on the very end of the barrel on top of the rib. It is used as almost a subconscious ‘sight’ for the shooter. Sometimes there is another bead in the middle of the rib as an additional sight to help you line up the front bead and your eye.
Broken
The state of the gun when not in use, i.e. the chambers are visibly empty and the barrels are not closed up to the stock. Guns should always be in this condition unless one is on the shooting-stand ready to shoot.
Cartridge
The ammunition used to break the clay. A cartridge contains a primer to ignite the shot powder which propels the lead shot out of the gun. Cartridges vary in their weight (in Clay Target Shooting we use from 24gm to 36gm) and in their shot size (from 2mm to 2.5mm diameter).
Choke
The narrowing or constriction at the end of the barrel to either widen or narrow the pattern of shot as it leaves the gun.
Classification
All shooters who participate in National and Provincial Championships will get classified according to their ability. Classes are: A, B, and C. Further categories are: Ladies, Veterans, Juniors and Colts. The shooter’s scores are used to provide calculations on which their classification is based.
Clay Target
The round dish shaped target made of pitch and lime varies in sizes from 60mm through to 110mm. Varies in colour – can be black, orange, white or pink.
Double
When a shooter must shoot at two targets (i.e. one shot at each target). They can be sent out simultaneously (two targets released from two different traps at the same time – one on each trap), following pair (i.e. one after the other along the same trajectory) or on report (the second target is thrown immediately the first shot has been fired at the first target). Two targets can also be loaded on one trap that has one (or two) ‘arms’ and thrown as a simultaneous pair – this would be from a manual trap.
DTL
Down-The-Line Trap – a variation on ATA Trap. Scoring is 3 points for a kill, 2 for a second barrel kill and zero for lost. The angles of the targets are slightly different from ATA Trap.
Ear Defenders
It is important to protect the ears from damage from the loudness of the cartridge being fired. Ear protection takes the form of either sponge plugs/plastic plugs which are inserted into the ear, or earphones which cover the whole ear. Ear protection is compulsory in all shooting disciplines.
English Sporting
A discipline which uses sporting clays (normals, minis, battues, rabbits, super-mins) where the shooter can call for the target with the shotgun already in the shoulder. This event is generally shot over 10 stands of 10 targets on each stand. Each stand will have two targets thrown in a pair. The shooter will shoot at five pairs, each pair being the same combination. Sometimes stands can have 3 or 4 pairs – it depends upon the numbers of shooters participating. The more stands, the more variety of pairs!
Etiquette
Shooters respect for fellow shooters. Shooters may not touch another person’s firearm unless given permission by the owner. Guns are carried broken at all times. Guns are not pointed at anything except targets or down range. Shooters must wait until the last person has finished shooting before moving off the range.
Side-by-Side
A shotgun where the barrels (two of them) sit side by side is not ideal for competitive Clay Target Shooting, but can be used for non-serious shooting or field shooting.
Single
Sporting Clays
Different types of targets are used to simulate live game shooting. Therefore, virtually any trajectory, speed or angle can be used. The clay types are normal, mini (called a ‘midi’ in Europe), super-mini, battue (plate), rocket, rabbit.
ISSF
International Shooting Sport Federation – the international shooting union which governs Olympic shooting.
F.I.T.A.S.C.
Federation Internationale de Tir Aux Armes Sportives de Chasse – the international governing body for F.I.T.A.S.C. Sporting and F.I.T.A.S.C. Universal Trench.
F.I.T.A.S.C. Universal Trench
See “Trench”.
F.I.T.A.S.C. Sporting
A type of sporting discipline where targets are shot in rounds of 25 or 20 over 3 or 4 stands. Each stand will have a different sequence of singles and doubles (pairs). The shooter must not mount the gun to the shoulder until the target has been called for and is visible to the shooter. The gun must remain at 25cm below the shoulder until the target can be seen.
Glasses
It is compulsory for all shooters to wear eye protection from stray fragments of clay or burn powder. Good glasses will also help the shooter to see clays more easily by cutting down glare from the sun, or brightening up a dull day.
Gun Fit
Very important for all shooters to have their gun “fitted”to them. It ensures that the sight picture the shooter sees is perfectly straight and that the gun does not ‘kick’ when used.
Kill/Lost
When a target is hit (i.e. more than a visible piece is seen to come off the clay in flight) it is announced as a “kill”. Americans also use the word “dead”. If, when a target has been fired at and missed, it is referred to as “lost” or “zero”.
Lead
Or sometimes referred to as “forward allowance”- the amount of space which you shoot in front/ below/ on top of a clay in order to break it. Remember that you shoot where the clay is going and not where it is.
No-Target
Often referred to as No-Bird – is when a target comes out of the trap broken; is the wrong trajectory or when the shooter commits an offence.
Minimum Qualifying Score
The score required in order to qualify to take up a Quota Place in the Olympics.
NSSA Skeet
A variation on English Skeet – the targets are slight faster (but not as fast as Olympic Skeet) and instead of shooting a pair of targets on station four, the “duck” station is used (station 8).
Olympic Skeet
A form of skeet where the targets are faster, the gun must rest on the crest of the hip-bone until the target appears (only then can you mount the gun to the shoulder and fire) and you have a possible delay of anything between 0 and 3 seconds between the time you call Pull! until the target appears.
Olympic Trap
See “Trench”.
Olympic Double-Trap
See “Trench”.
Squad
Refers to the group of shooters who shoot a round of clays or a competition.
Stand
The position from where the shooter will fire his shots.
Straight 25
When a shooter scores 25 out of 25 it is referred to as a “Straight 25”. Straight 50’s, 75’s and 100’s are also recorded and members can purchase badges to sew onto their shooting jackets which reflect their achievement.
On Report
In all forms of sporting clay disciplines, this term is used when the shooter first shoots at one target and then on the firing of the first shot, the next target is released.
Over & Under
A shotgun where one barrel sits on top of the other, joined together by “side ribs.”
Pull!
The command the shooter issues when he is ready for the clay to be released. Some shooters call “ready”, others just grunt! Some Americans call “hup”!
Rafale
In FITASC Sporting, the term used for two targets sent from an automatic trap one immediately after the other – known in English as a ‘following pair’.
Quota Place
A place in the Olympics earned by a shooter for his country.
Range
The place where shooting takes place.
Rib
The flat piece of metal on top of the barrels. It is non-reflective so that there is no glare to distract the shooter when mounting the shotgun to shoot.
Rocket
Special type of thick, heavy target used in all forms of sporting clay disciplines.
Round
Generally 25 targets are shot per round. Olympic Double-Trap is shot in rounds of 30.
Scoring
All scoring in Clay Target Shooting (with the exception of what is known as Down The Line) is 1 point per target hit. All scores are listed out of 25 and then out of the total targets for the competition. A competition is generally either out of 100 or 200 targets, therefore listed within that result will be either four scores out of 25, or eight scores out of 25. Olympic disciplines are scored out of 125 for Olympic Skeet and Olympic Trap and Olympic Double-Trap is 150 targets.
Semi-Automatic Shotgun
This type of shotgun is ideal for someone who shoots a lot; for someone of a slight build or for a young person. The reason being is that it delivers very little recoil. It is a single-barreled shotgun where you can insert two cartridges in the breech. The recoil from the firing of the first cartridge loads the second cartridge. It is very important for the shooter to adhere to the safe carrying of this type of shotgun. The semi-auto should be carried with the barrel pointing upwards, breech open and facing forwards and the shotgun unloaded otherwise it can be safely carried unloaded in a normal gun bag.
Shooting Vest
Normally a sleeveless jacket with pockets to hold cartridges and a leather patch on the shoulder from which the shooter will shoot. The leather patch absorbs some recoil and allows the gun to slip into the shoulder easily.
Shotgun
A shotgun is the firearm used in Clay Target Shooting, It is a smooth-bore weapon. Please note that we do not use RIFLES – a rifle is a very different firearm. The difference is that a shotgun uses a cartridge filled with lead pellets, whereas a rifle uses a single projectile. Further, the barrel of a rifle is “spiralled’ so that the projectile (bullet) is sent spinning as it travels through the barrel.
Side Ribs
Metal pieces which hold barrels together.
Swing
Used to refer to the movement of the gun when the shooter shoots. It is important to have a smooth swing (as in golf.) The trigger should be pulled during the swing and not at the end of the swing.
Trap
The machine which launches the clay into the air.
Trench
There are three disciplines in this group which use a combination of 15 traps, 5 traps or 2 traps. All traps are concreted into a “trench” situated in front of the shooters. Olympic Trap and Olympic Double-Trap are in this group. The other discipline is F.I.T.A.S.C Universal Trench which uses 5 traps out of the 15.
Umpires
The Umpire in Clay Target Shooting is responsible for judging whether the targets are “killed” or “lost” and for applying the rules of the relevant shooting discipline. Rules do vary between each discipline, so it is encumbent upon each shooter to know his rules. Umpires are called “judges” in the ISSF. Also called ‘referees’ in the American disciplines.
