Step by Step-The Art of Skeet Shooting

Always wear eye and ear protection.

A skeet field has one house that throws the clays in a high direction and one that throws in a low position. The shooter stands at a predetermined position and attempts to strike the flying clay pigeons. Successful skeet shooting requires regular practice and a solid technical foundation. Proper foot position, gun position and shooting technique are all factors that influence accuracy. The shooter also must acknowledge the outside conditions and make adjustments based on wind speed and direction.

Things You'll Need

• Shotgun
• Skeet shells

Instructions

1. Assume a stance with your feet spread shoulder-width apart and stagger your feet with the foot opposite of the gun shoulder in a forward position. Point the lead foot towards the center of the field where you are likely to strike the flying clay.

2. Point the barrel at the ground with your dominant hand near the trigger and your opposite hand cupping the bottom of the barrel. Loosely hold the stock against your shoulder.

3. Raise the barrel and firmly press the stock against your shoulder when the clay is thrown. Maintain a wide field of vision until you spot the flying clay pigeon.

4. Keep both eyes open and look down the barrel as you follow the clay. Swing the barrel behind the clay and continue the swing until you pass the flying clay.

5. Pull the trigger after you pass the flying pigeon with the barrel. The aim is in front of the pigeon and the timing intercepts the pigeon. Follow through on the swing after you pull the trigger to maintain a consistent shooting motion.

6. Drop the barrel to the ground to maintain a safe position.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your stance and swinging motion without the clay pigeon. Visualize the pigeon and swing through the pigeon as you pull the trigger on the unloaded gun. Develop a consistent and comfortable motion to improve your overall accuracy.

• Always wear ear and eye protection during skeet shooting sessions. Point the barrel at the ground when not shooting and only aim towards the shooting field with live rounds.

References

• American Outdoors; Ten Tips to Better Wing and Clay Shooting; Bob Knopf
• Abhijeet Singh; "Basic Skeet"; Max Weston; 1992