Also referred to as “Five Trap” and Universal Trench; it is a step up from ABT and is known as "Fair Ball Trap" because whilst the targets are very similar to ABT in terms of their speeds, heights and angles, every competitor will shoot at the same randomised scheme of targets launched from the 5 Traps. This eliminates the possible luck element brought about by the use of a single trap that continuously oscillates hence Ball Trap.
Universal Trap Range
A Universal Trap range comprises a trench (The same as Olympic Trap) in front of the shooting stands that conceals only five machines. Squads of six take turns shooting from each of five stations. Trap position sequences for a round of 25, though predetermined, are unknown to the squad. Each squad member is allowed two shots at each target, with no penalty in scoring. Computer and phono-pull system for target selection are the same as in Olympic Trap.
Six shooters will take turns to shoot at a target each, before moving in a clockwise direction to the next stand in the line. Targets for each shooter are thrown immediately upon the shooters call of "Pull" and are randomly selected from any one of the 5 traps in the Trench. On release, the target is set to travel a distance of approximately 76 meters, which means that it leaves the trench at quite a pace!
Rod Gould - Winner of the 2008 Universal Trap UK Championship with a score of 197 / 200. He went on to win the British Grand Prix with another outstanding score of 199/200.
Competition Format
Competitors are randomly placed into numbered 6 man squads prior to the competition and these details along with range reporting timings are published at the venue the evening before the competition. Each squad will shoot 8 rounds of 25 targets, therefore total score is ex 200. Scoring is done on the basis of 1 point per target hit, regardless of whether this is achieved with the first or second shot.
Universal Trap has a larger following in the UK than Olympic Trap because the competitions are run over 200 targets instead of 125, are less expensive, and any shooter can enter into a world championship event, whereas to compete in World Olympic Trap events you must first qualify and then be selected to shoot for the GB Team.