American Skeet Doubles
Fast-paced doubles action with simultaneous pairs
What is American Skeet Doubles?
American Skeet Doubles is an exciting variation where all targets are shot as simultaneous pairs (doubles) from both the high and low houses. Unlike American Skeet Singles which mixes singles and doubles, Doubles requires shooters to break both targets in rapid succession at every station.
The standard skeet field has two trap houses - a "high house" on the left and a "low house" on the right. Shooters move through eight shooting stations in a semicircular pattern, shooting at simultaneous pairs thrown from both houses.
A complete round of skeet doubles consists of 50 targets: 25 simultaneous pairs. Each shooter is allowed two shots per pair - one for each target. This format tests speed, smooth transitions, and the ability to maintain focus under pressure.
History
Skeet doubles emerged as a natural progression from singles skeet, designed to test shooters' speed and reflexes. While singles skeet mixed singles and doubles, doubles skeet represented the more challenging scenario of all targets being simultaneous pairs.
The National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) formally recognized doubles competition as a separate event, establishing standardized rules and classifications. The discipline quickly became a highlight at major championships, including the World Skeet Championships, where the Doubles Championship attracts the sport's best shooters.
Modern skeet doubles has evolved with improved trap machines capable of consistent simultaneous releases and advanced ammunition designed for faster shooting. Today, it remains a cornerstone event at every major skeet competition, with shooters regularly achieving scores of 98-100 out of 100 targets.
Key Characteristics
All Doubles
Every target is shot as a simultaneous pair - no singles
Fast Transitions
Must break first target, then immediately transition to second
Two Shots Allowed
Two shots per pair - one for each target
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Shooting Sequences
Color Key
Doubles Sequence (50 Targets)
Shooters go around the field twice: first forward through Stations 1-7, then reverse through Stations 7-1, with additional pairs to reach 50 targets (25 pairs) total.
First Round - Forward (Stations 1-7)
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Station 6
Station 7
Second Round - Reverse (Stations 6-1)
Station 6
Station 5
Station 4
Station 3
Station 2
Station 1
Additional Pairs to Reach 50 Targets
After completing the forward and reverse rounds, additional pairs are shot at specific stations to reach 25 pairs (50 targets) total.
Station 4
Station 5
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Station 6
Station 7
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Sequence Notes
Shooters go around the field twice: first forward through Stations 1-7 (7 pairs = 14 targets), then reverse through Stations 6-1 (6 pairs = 12 targets). Additional pairs are then shot at Stations 1-7 again (12 pairs = 24 targets) to reach 25 pairs (50 targets) total.
Target Breakdown: Forward round: 7 stations × 1 pair = 7 pairs (14 targets). Reverse round: 6 stations × 1 pair = 6 pairs (12 targets). Additional round: 12 pairs = 24 targets. Total: 7 + 6 + 12 = 25 pairs (50 targets).
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect round is 50 points (50x50 or "straight").
Doubles Only
All targets are simultaneous pairs. Two shots allowed per pair
Independent Scoring
Each target in a pair scored independently. Hit = 1 point, Miss = 0 points
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 1-1/8 oz shot for 12 gauge. #9, #8.5, or #8 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 4-5/16" diameter clay targets
Speed
Approximately 60 mph at crossing point
High House Height
10 feet above ground at trap opening
Low House Height
3 feet 6 inches above ground at trap opening
Common Violations
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells
Shooting at broken or irregular target without calling "No Bird"
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
Most skeet doubles shooters use semi-automatic or over/under shotguns with open chokes for wide patterns and fast follow-up shots.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 26-30 inches
- • Choke: Skeet or Improved Cylinder
- • Weight: 7.5-8.5 lbs for 12 gauge
- • Stock: Adjustable comb preferred for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 1-1/8 oz or 1 oz
- • Shot Size: #9, #8.5, or #8
- • Velocity: 1200 fps typical
- • Dram Equivalent: 2-3/4 or 3 dram
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 7/8 oz, #8 or #9
- • 28 Gauge: 3/4 oz, #8.5 or #9
- • .410 Bore: 1/2 oz, #9
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
Shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular for target visibility)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs allow conversation while protecting hearing
Shell Pouch/Vest
Holds shells and empties conveniently - need capacity for 100+ shells
Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes with good traction
Popular Shotgun Models
Beretta 686/687
Over/under - Classic choice, reliable
Browning Citori
Over/under - Well-balanced, smooth action
Remington 1100
Semi-auto - Soft recoil, fast follow-up shots
Krieghoff K-80
Over/under - Premium choice, highly customizable
Organizations
National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA)
The governing body for American Skeet Doubles in the United States. Founded in 1928, NSSA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit NSSA Website →Classification System
Shooters are classified by average: Master (98%+), AAA (96-97.99%), AA (93-95.99%), A (90-92.99%), B (87-89.99%), C (84-86.99%), D (below 84%)
Major Tournaments
World Skeet Championships
Annual - San Antonio, TX - October
U.S. Open
Annual - Various locations
State Championships
Annual - Each state hosts
Regional Shoots
Monthly - Throughout the year
Getting Started in Competition
Join NSSA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Master Singles First
Build consistency with singles before moving to doubles
Enter Local Tournaments
Start with club-level registered shoots
Build Your Average
Classification based on your last 1,000 targets
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically include doubles events:
Doubles Event
100 targets (50 pairs) - standard format
Gauge Classes
Separate competitions for 12, 20, 28, and .410 bore
Fundamentals
Gun Mount
Maintain consistent, comfortable mount. Gun should fit your body - cheek weld on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Eye should naturally align with rib.
Smooth Transitions
Break first target cleanly, then immediately transition to second. Don't stop between targets - maintain smooth, continuous swing.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target, not the barrel. Your brain will automatically align gun to target if mount is consistent.
Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target, then transition to second.
Doubles Strategy
Target Selection
Decide which target to shoot first - usually the easier or closer one
Smooth Transition
Break first target, then immediately swing to second without stopping
Consistent Timing
Same timing for every pair - don't rush or hesitate
Practice Pairs
Focus on breaking both targets consistently, not just one
Common Mistakes
Rushing the Second Target
Take time to break first target cleanly, then transition smoothly
Stopping Between Targets
Maintain continuous swing from first to second target
Inconsistent Mount
Gun mount must be identical for every shot
Looking at Barrel
Eyes should be focused on target, not gun barrel or bead
Practice Tips
Master Singles First
Build consistency with singles before attempting doubles
Practice Transitions
Focus on smooth transitions between first and second target
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues
Mental Game
Stay present, one pair at a time. Forget misses immediately
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