Disciplines involving the use of firearms to break airborne targets, typically made of clay, launched by a mechanical device, fall under the umbrella of competitive and recreational target sports. These activities include variations like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, each presenting unique target presentations and challenges.
These sports cultivate precision, focus, and hand-eye coordination. Beyond the competitive aspect, they offer opportunities for camaraderie and outdoor recreation. Developing from live pigeon shooting in the late 19th century, these pursuits evolved to use fragile clay targets, reducing reliance on live animals and providing a standardized, repeatable target for consistent practice and competition. This evolution marked a significant step in the development of modern shooting sports.