English Skeet Singles
The British tradition with instant release
What is English Skeet Singles?
English Skeet Singles is a challenging variation of skeet shooting that originated in the United Kingdom. While it shares the same field layout as American Skeet - seven stations arranged in a semicircle with high and low houses at each end - the shooting experience is significantly different and more demanding.
The key difference is the instant target release. In American Skeet, there's a delay of 0-3 seconds after calling for the target. In English Skeet, targets release immediately when you call, requiring faster gun mounting and reactions. Additionally, English Skeet targets fly approximately 10% faster than American Skeet targets, reducing available reaction time even further.
A complete round consists of 25 targets shot as singles from specific stations following a prescribed sequence. Unlike American Skeet where the sequence is managed by the puller, English Skeet shooters are responsible for calling the correct target at the correct time, adding a mental challenge to the physical demands.
History
English Skeet developed in Britain as skeet shooting evolved differently on opposite sides of the Atlantic. While American shooters standardized their version in the 1920s with delayed releases, British shooters maintained instant releases and faster targets, believing this better simulated driven game shooting.
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) formalized English Skeet rules in the mid-20th century, establishing standards that emphasized shooter skill, quick reflexes, and personal responsibility for calling sequences. The discipline became popular throughout the British Commonwealth and parts of Europe.
Today, English Skeet remains a distinctly British tradition, though it's shot internationally by those seeking a more challenging alternative to American Skeet. The instant release and faster targets make it excellent preparation for competitive Olympic Skeet or demanding hunting situations requiring split-second reactions.
Key Characteristics
Instant Release
Targets launch immediately when you call "Pull" - no delay
Faster Targets
Targets fly approximately 10% faster than American Skeet
Shooter Calls Sequence
Shooter must call the correct target at the correct time
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Shooting Sequences
Field Layout
English Skeet uses the same field layout as American Skeet - seven stations arranged in a semicircle with high and low houses at each end. The houses are 36.6 meters (40 yards) apart. Station 8 is the center position between the houses.
Station Layout
Leftmost position
Left
Left center
Center
Right center
Right
Rightmost position
Center between houses
Singles Sequence (25 targets)
English Skeet Singles consists of 25 targets shot as singles from specific stations. The shooter must call the correct target (High or Low) at the correct time. Targets release instantly when called.
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Station 6
Station 7
Station 8
Key Differences from American Skeet
- • Instant release - no delay when calling
- • Faster targets (~10% faster)
- • Shooter calls the sequence
- • 25 singles targets only
- • Same field layout
Target Specifications
- • Speed: ~66 mph (106 km/h) at crossing point
- • High house: 3.05m (10 feet) above ground
- • Low house: 1.07m (3.5 feet) above ground
- • Houses: 36.6m (40 yards) apart
- • Crossing point: Center of field
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
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
No Bird
If target is irregular or broken, shooter calls "No Bird" and receives a replacement 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
Calling wrong target in sequence
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
Most English Skeet shooters use semi-automatic or over/under shotguns with open chokes for wide patterns. 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
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
Miroku MK38
Over/under - Popular in UK, excellent value
Organizations
Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA)
The governing body for English Skeet 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 the Sequence
Learn and memorize the correct calling sequence
Practice Fast Mounting
With instant release, fast mount is critical
Enter Local Tournaments
Start with club-level registered shoots
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically consist of multiple events:
English Skeet Singles Event
100 or 200 targets
English Skeet Doubles Event
100 targets (50 pairs) with instant release
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".
Know the Sequence
Memorize the correct calling sequence. You must call the right target (High or Low) at the right time. Practice the sequence mentally before shooting.
Stance
Weight slightly forward, feet shoulder-width apart. Point lead foot toward expected target break point. Upper body should rotate freely to follow targets.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target, not the barrel. Your brain will automatically align gun to target if mount is consistent. Watch the target from house exit to break point.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target. Continue swinging after the shot.
Position-Specific Tips
Stations 1 & 2
Left positions - High house targets cross left to right, Low house targets cross right to left
Stations 3, 4, 5
Center positions - Targets cross directly in front. Station 4 is center, most balanced
Stations 6 & 7
Right positions - High house targets cross right to left, Low house targets cross left to right
Station 8
Center between houses - High house target only, straight overhead
Common Mistakes
Calling Wrong Target
Must call correct target (High or Low) in correct sequence
Slow Mount
With instant release, slow mount means missed targets
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
Practice Tips
Dry Fire Practice
Practice fast mount, swing, and trigger pull at home (use snap caps)
Memorize Sequence
Know the calling sequence by heart - practice mentally before shooting
Focus on Mount Speed
Fast, consistent mount is the foundation of English Skeet success
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues, especially mount speed
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately. Focus on calling sequence correctly
Ready to Try English Skeet Singles?
Find clubs near you that offer English Skeet shooting
Find Clubs Near Me