English Skeet Doubles
British doubles with instant release
What is English Skeet Doubles?
English Skeet Doubles is an exciting variation where all targets are shot as simultaneous pairs (doubles) from both the high and low houses, with instant release. Unlike English Skeet Singles which shoots singles, 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 seven shooting stations in a semicircular pattern, shooting at simultaneous pairs thrown from both houses with instant release.
A complete round of English Skeet Doubles consists of 50 targets: 25 simultaneous pairs. Each shooter is allowed two shots per pair - one for each target. The instant release and faster targets make this one of the most challenging skeet disciplines, requiring exceptional speed, smooth transitions, and split-second reactions.
History
English Skeet Doubles emerged as a natural progression from English Skeet Singles, designed to test shooters' speed and reflexes with the added challenge of simultaneous pairs. While singles skeet tested accuracy with instant release, doubles represented the more challenging scenario of multiple targets flushing simultaneously.
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) formally recognized doubles competition as a separate event, establishing standardized rules and classifications. The discipline quickly became a highlight at major championships, including the British Open, where the Doubles Championship attracts the sport's best shooters.
Modern English 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 British 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
Instant Release
Targets launch immediately when you call "Pull" - no delay
Faster Targets
Targets fly approximately 10% faster than American Skeet
Fast Transitions
Must break first target, then immediately transition to second
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). All pairs are simultaneous doubles with instant release. Targets launch immediately when shooter calls "Pull".
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 28g (1 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 110mm diameter clay targets
Speed
Approximately 66 mph (106 km/h) at crossing point (~10% faster than American Skeet)
High House Height
3.05 meters (10 feet) above ground at trap opening
Low House Height
1.07 meters (3.5 feet) above ground at trap opening
Release
Instant - no delay when shooter calls "Pull"
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 English Skeet Doubles shooters use semi-automatic or over/under shotguns with open chokes for wide patterns and fast follow-up shots. Fast gun mounting is critical due to instant release.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 26-30 inches (66-76cm)
- • Choke: Skeet or Improved Cylinder
- • Weight: 3.4-3.9 kg (7.5-8.5 lbs) for 12 gauge
- • Stock: Adjustable comb preferred for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 28g (1 oz) or 24g (7/8 oz)
- • Shot Size: #9, #8.5, or #8
- • Velocity: 1200 fps typical
- • Case Length: 70mm typical
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 24g (7/8 oz), #8 or #9
- • 28 Gauge: 21g (3/4 oz), #8.5 or #9
- • .410 Bore: 14g (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
Miroku MK38
Over/under - Popular in UK, excellent value
Organizations
Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA)
The governing body for English Skeet Doubles in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1928, CPSA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit CPSA Website →Classification System
Shooters are classified by average: AA (98%+), A (96-97.99%), B (93-95.99%), C (90-92.99%), D (87-89.99%), E (84-86.99%), F (below 84%)
Major Tournaments
CPSA British Open
Annual - UK's premier English Skeet competition
CPSA National Championships
Annual - National level competition
Regional Championships
Annual - Regional competitions across UK
League Competitions
Year-round - Local and regional leagues
Getting Started in Competition
Join CPSA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Master Singles First
Build consistency with English Skeet Singles before moving to doubles
Practice Fast Mounting
With instant release, fast mount is critical
Enter Local Tournaments
Start with club-level registered shoots
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically include doubles events:
English Skeet Doubles Event
100 targets (50 pairs) with instant release - standard format
Gauge Classes
Separate competitions for 12, 20, 28, and .410 bore
All-Around
Combined score from Singles and Doubles
Fundamentals
Fast Gun Mount
With instant release, gun mount speed is critical. Practice mounting quickly and consistently. Gun should come to shoulder smoothly and immediately when you call "Pull".
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
Slow Mount
With instant release, slow mount means missed targets
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
Practice Tips
Master Singles First
Build consistency with English Skeet Singles before attempting doubles
Practice Fast Mounting
With instant release, fast mount is critical - practice at home
Practice Transitions
Focus on smooth transitions between first and second target
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues, especially mount speed
Mental Game
Stay present, one pair at a time. Forget misses immediately
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