John, while I've never competed in trap at all I did spend a considerable part of my life actively competing in NSCA events, and working hard to improve through "home practice". I was loaned an old Comet brand automatic trap and wireless remote. The machine could be set for a time delayed release. I would clip the remote on my shirt, position myself at the predetermined location, to get the presentation I wanted to work on, then press the button. I had sufficient time to mount my gun with my usual pre-shot routine before the machine threw the bird. I would dearly love to get that machine back from him and make it my own by purchase. It's the only one I've ever seen.
I practice I would set it up in the field somewhere on my place, then begin walking in a big circle, as if "running the bases" on a ballfield, only with many more locations than 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This way I would see all the normal presentations (except vertical and rabbit) ....... L to R crosser, quartering at all angles, incoming, R to L crosser, and going away. I'd shoot four shots at each location. If I ran all four I'd move to the next station. If I missed I'd stay and keep shooting until I ran four straight.
The confidence I'd carry away with me to a big tournament was well worth the trouble, and I punched into Master class at the 2010 U.S. Open by using this practice technique. I no longer pursue the big shoots because of the time away from home, and the desire to spend more time at home with family (read grandkids
). But I can appreciate the effort and time you put into being a winner. Well done!