The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP): Empowering Young Shooters

Trap shooting is one of the most popular disciplines in SCTP, where shooters aim at clay targets that are launched from a single machine positioned in a trap house. The targets are thrown away from the shooter at varying speeds and angles, providing a challenging experience. The goal is to break the target with a shotgun, testing both accuracy and timing. Trap shooting is a fantastic way for beginners to start in SCTP, as it teaches fundamental skills like focus, precision and handling moving targets. It's also a favorite in competitive settings, with local, state and national events offering athletes the chance to test their skills against others.

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Skeet shooting is another exciting discipline in SCTP, where athletes aim at clay targets launched from two machines—one high and one low—at a consistent speed and angle. The targets cross in mid-air and shooters must break them as they fly by from different directions. Skeet shooting challenges participants with its fast-moving targets and requires shooters to quickly track and engage them. It’s a highly technical discipline, making it perfect for athletes looking to refine their shooting skills while engaging in an intense, competitive sport. SCTP offers various divisions in skeet to accommodate shooters of all skill levels.

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Sporting Clays is often referred to as "golf with a shotgun" because it involves shooting at clay targets launched from different stations in varied trajectories, mimicking real-life hunting scenarios. This discipline challenges shooters with targets coming from multiple directions, including high, low and cross-body shots. It requires not only shooting accuracy but also the ability to predict and react to targets from varying angles. Sporting Clays in SCTP offers a fun, yet challenging experience for athletes, where they can improve their technical shooting skills and decision-making abilities in dynamic settings.

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International Skeet is an Olympic shooting discipline featured in SCTP, with shooters aiming at high-speed targets launched from machines at specific intervals. This discipline is recognized for its fast-paced nature and precise timing. The targets move faster and are more challenging to break than those in standard skeet shooting, requiring athletes to have excellent hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes and focus. SCTP’s International Skeet events provide athletes with an opportunity to develop the skills necessary for high-level competition, including the potential for national and Olympic team selection.

Learn more about International Skeet here.

Bunker Trap is another Olympic shooting discipline available in SCTP, offering an exciting and high-intensity challenge. Unlike traditional Trap shooting, where targets are launched from one position, Bunker Trap involves targets coming from a series of 15 different traps arranged in a semicircle. The targets are launched at varying speeds and angles and shooters must break them as they appear from multiple directions. This discipline requires precision, quick reflexes and advanced shotgun control, making it a great choice for experienced shooters looking to compete at a higher level. SCTP athletes in Bunker Trap develop the mental focus and agility necessary to excel in competitive shooting.