Although the season does not officially start until Spring, the Fremont Trapshooting Team has started to prepare months ahead of the competition. Coach Becky Nielsen is a teacher at Washington Elementary school and a volunteer coach for the trap team, she teaches the senior team including 9th-12th grade. Before the first competition on March 15, 2025, Nielsen wants her team to grow not just as shooters but as individuals.
“I want my kids to walk off the line with more than just the ability to break targets,” Nielsen said. “I want them to have confidence, grace in winning and losing and the kindness to support others.”
The athletes share their own excitement as they practice shooting clay pigeons at the Fremont Isaac Walton Valley Trap Range during the off season.
“I’m most excited about getting better at shooting and hanging out with friends,” sophomore Conner Indra said.
Nielsen helps around 30 shooters including both boys and girls both beginners and experienced shooters. For beginners, she focuses on the basics, such as stance and how to aim their gun.
“For beginners, we emphasize stance, visual focus, and target identification,” Nielsen said.
For those with previous shooting experience, she focuses on the mental aspect of the sport.
“Mindset and goal setting are essential,” Nielsen said. “I want them to refine their mental game to help them overcome slumps and competitive pressure.”
Mental preparation is crucial, and Nielsen includes this in practice.
“We focus on pre-shot and post-shot routines, which are essential for a strong mental game,” she said.
A pre-shot and post-shot routine is what a shooter does to set him or herself up before a shot. A good pre-shot and post-shot routine is important for a shooter because it sets up the shooter physically and mentally for a shot. It also creates a rhythm for a shooter to continuously succeed in hitting a target.
Under the guidence of Nielsen for mental aspect of the sport, Indra feels more confident in accomplishing his physical goals for the upcoming season.
“I aim to shoot 42 out of 50 on the 18-yard line and 47 out of 50 on the 16-yard line,” Indra said. “I also want to win some awards.” He reflected on his past experiences, noting, “I’ve learned to make sure my chin is straight with the barrel and to keep my finger on the trigger instead of outside the trigger ring to shoot faster. I don’t guess where the target is going; I chase it. I don’t let the target come to me.”
Because the sport is unique in handling firearms, the team’s top priority is safety. Each shooter must complete the hunter safety course prior to joining the team.
“We have zero tolerance for mishandling equipment,” Nielsen said. “Safety is our top priority,” Nielsen said. “An accident on the range will be much more significant with greater recourse thanother sports. We absolutely cannot allow that to happen. We tell everyone including shooters, parents, and spectators that safety is the first priority and everyone’s responsibility.”
This policy helps ensure that all athletes remain attentive and careful with their firearms.
As the season approaches, Nielsen hopes that all participants will enjoy trapshooting for years to come.
According to team members and coaches, skills they learn, such as focus, determination and perseverance, will benefit them in many areas of life.
“I want them to realize that it’s something they can do with friends and family for years to come,” Nielsen said.
With support from local schools and word-of-mouth promotion, the Fremont Trapshooting Team continues to prepare and look forward to a successful 2025 season.
The first team meeting will be in January 2025. Students interested in participating in joining the Fremont Trap Team can email Becky Nielsen at [email protected].
