SHOOTING: 17-year-old Trap shooter Mitchell Iles has a secret weapon when it comes time to finalise his preparation for competition.

It's not a sports psychologist or a special meditation technique, but rather the advice of his grandfather Bill, himself a legend of the sport.

"Pop will know", Iles said after his first official practice session.

"I'll give him a call tonight and let him know how I'm feeling and he'll give me some advice and encouragement."

Iles joined fellow trap shooter and Atlanta bronze medallist Adam Vella, alongside Laetisha Scanlan and Catherine Skinner in the first official practice session under a cloudless Rio sky.

He was impressed with what he saw.

"It's a very nice range and if the sun stays out you are going to see some amazing shooting," he said.

"I know there's been a bit of talk about the wind on the range but most of the shooters will tell you they've all shot a high score in heavy wind so that won't bother anyone too much.

As for his own expectations, the youngster believes anything is possible.

"I'd like to shoot my best qualifying score to get into the final and from there, who knows".

What Iles is sure of is that the future is bright for the sport in Australia, with a young team including 16 year old skeet competitor Aislin Jones, and his good mate, 20 year old double trap shooter James Willett.

"Hopefully some kids back home will see us and think they might give it a go.

"Shooting is one of those sports that you can do at any age so the more young Aussies choosing it as a sport the better," Iles declared.

The men's trap commences on day 2 of competition (Sunday 7 August) with the final the following day.

DAMIAN KELLY