The Fundamentals of Skeet Shooting

Clay target sports were originally developed in order to practice and improve hunting skills.  The game of skeet has since developed into a global competitive sport enjoyed by many, from the novice level on up through professionals.  If you have had the opportunity to shoot skeet, you may have noticed that it can be a very satisfying game, or a very frustrating game.  These thoughts arise out of man's innate desire to break the flying orange clay, . . . or at least break more clays than their friends. 

After watching several rounds of skeet, many have said it is an easy game, since you know where the target is coming from (High House, Low House), when it is coming (on your call) and the general flight path (targets cross in the center).  The basic rules, shooting order, and field progressions of skeet can be learned relatively quickly; however, many more factors affect an individual’s performance.  Shooting a “perfect” or a “straight” round can be quite challenging, because there are many variables a shooter must learn to control.     Regular skeet shooters have broken every type of target many times; however, may not have put together “perfect” or “straight” rounds at all or very often.  This is not unusual.  A greater challenge than breaking individual clays, is the challenge to develop the discipline and mental strength to shoot consistently throughout a round.

One of the ways to develop and improve your consistency is to have a plan for how you will shoot each shot at each station.  This plan includes your foot position, gun mount, hold point, look point, target break point, and follow through for each shot.  This plan becomes your shot routine. Developing and practicing this shot routine builds your technical skills.   Each type of shot has modifications to the shot routine.  However, each time you shoot the same shot, you use the same shot routine. For example, each High 1 should use the same shot routine.  The point is for you to develop a shot routine that is complete, efficient, and reproducible.

These next few weeks when you are on the skeet field, break down your actions into what you do before, during, and after a station – these are your 1) pre-shot routine, 2) shot routine, and 3) post-shot routine.  The pre-shot routine is what you think about before it is your turn to shoot. This includes deciding any adjustments for sun, shadows, and wind, and running through the steps of your shot routine. This keeps your mind focused on the shot and station.  When you are on the station, you manage your shot routine and technique based on your experiences for that shot.  With more experience you will be able to perform your shot routine without thinking – similar to driving.  After you complete the station, it is time to reflect on your performance –  your post-shot review. Your post-shot review should reinforce the performance of your good shots, while recognizing the need for adjustments for missed shots. By the time you complete these three steps it will be time for you to start your pre-shot routine for the next station.  Repeating this sequence of preparation, shooting, and reflection during your skeet practice will allow you to develop a good base of technical skills. 

In upcoming issues, we will explore other critical elements of successful performance, including mental tenacity and how to develop it.  
Russ Naples
JCTS Skeet Chairman
NSSA Certified Instructor
Four-time NSSA First Team All American