Skeet Shooting
A practice or competition event will consist of shooting two 25 target rounds for a total of 50 targets from eight different stations on a skeet field. Up to 5 shooters (squad) will occupy the stations on a skeet field. Station one is assigned the “squad leader.
Ammunition Recommendation
Typical ammunition used for skeet shooting:
Gauge Shot Shot Size
12 1-1/8 oz. #9 or #8
20 7/8 oz. #9 or #8
Skeet Field
The shooter shoots from seven positions on a semicircle with a radius of 21 yards, and an eighth position halfway between stations one and seven. There are two houses that hold target throwers that launch the targets, one at each corner of the semicircle. The traps launch the targets to a point 15 feet above ground and 18 feet outside of station eight. One trap launches targets from 10 feet above the ground (“high” house) and the other launches it from three feet above ground (“low” house).
Targets At Each Station
Shooting procedures for skeet are very similar to trap shooting except for station assignments, number of targets shot, and station rotation. All squad members take turns at the same station and then move together after all squad members have shot the assigned targets at each station. Squad members need to stand at least at least five feet behind the shooter and always behind the shooter’s muzzle.
At stations one and two the shooter shoots at single targets launched from the high house and then the low house, then shoots a double where the two targets are launched simultaneously but shooting the high house target first. At stations three, four, and five the shooter shoots at single targets launched from the high house and then the low house. At stations six and seven, the shooter shoots at single targets launched from the high house and then the low house, then shoots a double, shooting the low house target first then the high house target. At station eight the shooter shoots one high target and one low target. No shooter will move to the next station until the last target in a round is completed.
Optional Shot
The shooter must re-shoot his/her first missed target from the same station and at the same house immediately following a lost target. If no targets are missed in the round, the shooter must shoot his/her 25th shell at the low house station eight.
Frequenly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click on a question to expand and reveal the answer.
- Where can I learn more about skeet shooting?
- Information regarding skeet shooting can be found in the League Policies and Procedures manual.
- Do I need to purchase another shotgun to compete in skeet shooting?
- Most trap shooting shotguns will also work for skeet but you should always consult with your coach before making any purchases.
- Can I compete in both trap and skeet in the same season?
- Yes! The League offers student athletes the option to choose trap, skeet, and/or both at the time of registration.
- Is there an additional fee to compete on a skeet team?
- The League fee for skeet is $35. If a student athlete chooses to participate in both trap and skeet, then they would be responsible for the League fee for each sport.
- Is skeet shot on a different day then trap?
- Check with your team’s Head Coach regarding season schedule.
- Will I have to shoot skeet rounds at a separate shooting range?
- You will need to shoot skeet rounds at a range that has specifically designed skeet fields.
- How can I start a skeet team at my school?
- Check with your current team’s Head Coach for availability. If your school does not already have a team in the League, you can inquire about starting a team with the school’s Activities Director.
- What is the minimum number of athletes needed to start a skeet team?
- Five. Each team must have five student athletes to be eligible to compete.
- Do I need to be certified to compete in skeet shooting events?
- As in trap, all student athletes are required to complete and submit certificates for either one of two League-approved firearm safety certification programs – a state-approved hunter education certificate or the League’s SAFE certificate. Teams should verify the firearm safety training certification requirements with the shooting range where they will be conducting League events. View certification details by visiting the firearms safety training page under the Rules section on this website. Safety remains the League’s number one priority.
- Will there be a Skeet State Tournament?
- Skeet State Tournament information will be listed on the website once the time and location has been determined.
- Who can compete in the State Tournament?
- Every League participant is invited to attend. Participants compete against student athletes in classifications based on similar shooting abilities determined by their season average score. The participation fee for the State Tournament is $30 which includes targets and a t-shirt. Participants are responsible for providing their own ammunition.
- Can I compete on another school’s skeet team if my school only has a trap team?
- No. If your school already has a team in the League, you must compete with your school’s team. If they don’t have a skeet team yet, it only takes five student athletes and a coach to get one started. Talk to your head coach today.
- I’ve decided to compete only in one discipline, but my coach has added me to both the trap and skeet team rosters. What do I do?
- When completing your League registration in AMS (Athlete Management System), check only the box of the discipline in which you will be competing. Leave the other blank. You will then be directed to the payment screen where you will only be charged for the discipline(s) that you have just selected.
- I’ve decided not to participate in the League after registering and paying. Can I get a refund?
- Refunds are only issued if you decide not to compete and notify the League prior to the end of athlete registration. Please contact the League at support@usaclaytarget.com to request your refund.
- What is Fun Squad? And can I participate?
- The Fun Squad is a fun way to participate in the League. Scores will be tallied weekly for randomly selected squads of student athletes from throughout America! The top winners each week will be awarded a prize. Right now, the Fun Squad is only available for trap shooters.