What one Sees
Posted On: 05-29-2025
I was reading an article in Shotgun News the other day discussing what one sees when a target is thrown. I knew the answer, but I often know many do not have a good answer for what they see flying. The ATA trap target is maximum of 4 and 5/16” in diameter and weighs in at 95 to 105 grams (3.4 ounces – 3.07 ounces) and is maximum of 1 1/8” in height. For the most part they look the same and have that saucer shape because this gives them the aerodynamics they need to fly.
ATA trap targets are typically all orange but may be slightly softer pitch material than a sporting clay target. So how does a youth shooter differentiate what they see flying through the air? I ask this to youth shooters, and they typically say, “I see the orange target.” I get that, but would it be possible to see more detail? What if their focus was so good they could see the dome, see the rim, even see the lettering. If that were possible (yes, it is) then imagine how simple it would be to see the target and quickly move to the lead. Again, the extreme focus allows the eyes to see the lead as well as the target.
Honestly what we see is a huge variable. Consider a detective that asked what someone saw at a crime scene. Some saw a white car, some a red car and others saw a blue car. I once had a professor lecture for about 30 minutes and then ask the class to put our heads down our desks and without looking up write down what he was wearing as he lectured. It was a hilarious example what we all looked at, but never really saw. Some said of course pants and a shirt, out of the entire class no one mentioned he was wearing a bow tie of which he had never worn to class.
My point is what a youth shooter sees has a lot to do with how well they hit targets. If they can’t see beyond the orange, to the rim, dome or letters they lack a key element to shooting well. I have said this before, but if your youth shooter wears glasses make sure they are correct and consider shooting glasses in a prescription because otherwise you will notice they look over their glasses to shoot. Having a keen focus is so important.
Try a few drills during practice to enhance their sight. One I use is tennis balls with a letter or symbol on them and toss them back and forth while the team tries to see the markings. For several tosses they will see nothing but the ball, but eventually someone will notice marking and then the correct symbol or letter. Another tool is the reactive catch trainer, a three-armed throwing device with red, green and yellow arms. When thrown back and force calling the color for the other person to catch is a great way to gain a high level of eye focus. It is not easy but with practice it becomes easy.
Take the time to simply ask what a youth shooter sees and go from there.
David R. Vaught, Ph.D.
Executive Director