American Skeet Singles
The classic clay target discipline with standardized sequences
What is American Skeet Singles?
American Skeet Singles is a clay target shooting sport where competitors attempt to break clay targets mechanically flung into the air from two fixed stations at high speed from a variety of angles. The discipline originated in the 1920s as a hunting practice game.
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 targets thrown from both houses.
A complete round of skeet consists of 25 targets: 17 singles (9 high house, 8 low house) and 8 doubles (simultaneous pairs). Each shooter is allowed one shot per single and two shots per double.
History
Skeet was invented in 1920 by Charles Davis in Andover, Massachusetts. Originally called "shooting around the clock," the game was standardized in 1926 and renamed "skeet" (an old Scandinavian word meaning "shoot").
The National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) was formed in 1928 and established the current standardized field dimensions and rules. The sport gained popularity throughout the United States and became an Olympic discipline in 1968.
Today, American Skeet Singles differs from Olympic Skeet primarily in target speed, timing, and sequence predictability, making it more accessible for beginners while still challenging for experts.
Key Characteristics
Known Target Path
Targets always follow the same trajectory, allowing shooters to learn and perfect their technique
Delayed Pull
Target is released up to 3 seconds after shooter calls "Pull", testing reaction time
Gun Position
Shooters may start with gun mounted ("pre-mounted") before calling for target
Target Speed
Targets travel at approximately 60 mph at crossing point
Shooting Sequences
Color Key
Singles Sequence
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Station 6
Station 7
Station 8
Option Shot
The 25th target (option shot) at Station 8 repeats the first target missed in the round. If no targets were missed, it's a repeat of the low house single at Station 8.
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect round is 25 points (25x25 or "straight").
Singles
One shot per target. Hit = 1 point, Miss = 0 points
Doubles
Two shots allowed (one per target). Each target scored independently
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 shooters use semi-automatic or over/under shotguns with open chokes for wide patterns.
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
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, affordable
Krieghoff K-80
Over/under - Premium choice, highly customizable
Organizations
National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA)
The governing body for American Skeet Singles 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
Shoot Practice Rounds
Build consistency and establish your average
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 consist of multiple events:
12 Gauge Event
100 or 200 targets
20 Gauge Event
100 targets
28 Gauge Event
100 targets
.410 Bore Event
100 targets
Doubles Event
100 targets (50 pairs)
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.
Stance
Weight slightly forward, feet shoulder-width apart. Point lead foot toward target break point. Upper body should rotate freely.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target, not the barrel. Your brain will automatically align gun to target if mount is consistent.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target.
Station-Specific Tips
Stations 1 & 7
Incoming targets - establish lead early, maintain smooth swing
Station 2 & 6
Quartering targets - less lead needed, focus on consistent timing
Stations 3, 4, 5
Crossing targets - maximum lead required, smooth follow-through essential
Station 8
Overhead shots - maintain head on stock, shoot just as target appears
Common Mistakes
Lifting Head
Keep cheek on stock throughout shot and follow-through
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
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
Dry Fire Practice
Mount, swing, and trigger pull at home (use snap caps)
Focus on One Station
Shoot multiple rounds at problem stations
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately
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