OLYMPIC TRAP Meaning and
Definition
-
Olympic trap is a term used in the context of competitive clay pigeon shooting, a shooting sport in which participants aim to accurately hit flying clay targets, known as clay pigeons, using a shotgun. In particular, Olympic trap refers to the specific discipline or category of the sport that is contested at the Olympic Games.
Olympic trap involves a set of regulations and rules that govern the structure of the competition. In this discipline, shooters stand in individual shooting stations arranged in a semi-circle, known as a trap layout. These shooting stations are positioned either under cover or open to the elements. The layout consists of a trap machine, which throws clay targets into the air at varied angles and speeds, simulating the flight patterns of different game birds. The machine is capable of launching targets at a fixed height and distance.
Competitors, one at a time, attempt to shoot these targets as they are released from the trap. Each competitor shoots at five targets from each of the five shooting positions, which are located 15 meters behind the trap machine. As per the rules, the shooter must respond to the target within one second of its release. Points are awarded for hitting the target, and the total score determines the rankings in the competition.
Olympic trap demands a combination of precision, hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and concentration from the participants. It requires skill in accurately tracking and intercepting the rapidly moving clay targets, which can be challenging due to the varying flight paths and unpredictability of the thrown targets.
Etymology of OLYMPIC TRAP
The term "Olympic trap" refers to a discipline in the sport of shooting. It originates from the Olympic Games, which are a global sporting event held every four years. The word "trap" refers to the mechanical device used in the shooting discipline. Here, "trap" comes from the Old English "træppe" or Middle Low German "trappe", both meaning a snare or a device for catching something. In the context of shooting sports, a trap refers to a machine that launches clay targets into the air for shooters to hit. The word "Olympic" signifies that the discipline is recognized as an event in the Olympic Games and conforms to the regulations and standards set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
