Recap: Trap Talk Podcast – Featuring Sean Hawley
In a special feature adapted from the Trap Talk Podcast, co-hosts Zach Nannini and Richard “Ricky” Marshall Jr. sat down with Hall of Famer Sean Hawley of Utah. Known as one of the greatest doubles shooters in ATA history, Hawley shared stories of his beginnings, his philosophy on training, and advice for new shooters.
Humble Beginnings
Sean didn’t come from a trapshooting family—his uncle first took him to the range with a little H&R 20 gauge that left him bruised but hooked for life. His mother became his biggest supporter, traveling with him to shoots around the country.
Building Success
All-American Honors: Hawley is a 28-time All-American team member and a former All-Around Average Award leader, once posting a remarkable 99.67% doubles average in 2003 (missing just six targets over 1,800).
Practice Habits: He credits his coach Rick Courtwright for instilling fundamentals. As a junior with limited shells, Sean committed to 100–250 nightly gun lifts—a drill he continued for eight years, which he says built the foundation of his longevity and consistency.
Goal Setting: Hawley stresses setting short-, mid-, and long-term goals, from making the 27-yard line to joining state and All-American teams.
Coaching & Mentorship
As manager of the Vernal Rod & Gun Club, Sean encourages new shooters to travel and face different targets, backgrounds, and pressures to grow. He teaches that once a shooter breaks a milestone score—whether 25, 100, or 200 straight—they know in their heart they can do it again.
Fundamentals & Style
Both Hawley and Marshall favor flat-shooting guns set around 80/20, with low hold points on the trap house to maximize early target recognition. Hawley emphasizes fundamentals: consistent gun mounts, proper stance, and avoiding muscle fatigue so fine motor control remains sharp.
Wisdom for New Shooters
Focus on fundamentals above all.
Dedicate time to practice even without shells—gun lifts and dry training build stamina and muscle memory.
Don’t fear traveling to tough clubs—exposure to new conditions strengthens skills.
Remember: once you’ve done it once, you know you can do it again.
Final Take
The Trap Talk conversation with Sean Hawley offered a rare peek into the mindset and training habits of a Hall of Fame shooter. His story is one of discipline, resilience, and love for the game—a reminder that greatness in trapshooting is built through fundamentals, consistency, and long-term dedication.
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