FITAV Skeet
Italian skeet discipline with international standards
What is FITAV Skeet?
FITAV Skeet is the Italian skeet shooting discipline governed by FITAV (Federazione Italiana Tiro a Volo - Italian Clay Target Shooting Federation). Similar to Olympic Skeet, FITAV Skeet features random delays, low gun position, and fast targets, making it one of the most challenging skeet disciplines. The sport demands lightning-fast reflexes, perfect gun mounting, and unwavering mental discipline.
The field layout is identical to Olympic Skeet with two trap houses (high and low) and eight shooting stations arranged in a semicircle. FITAV Skeet follows similar rules to Olympic Skeet: targets launch with a random delay of 0-3 seconds after calling "Pull," and shooters must hold the gun at hip level (ready position) until the target appears. Station 4 is unique - it is shot twice during the round (once in the middle and once at the end).
A qualification round consists of 125 targets shot over five rounds of 25 targets each. The top six competitors advance to a 25-target final where elimination rounds determine medal winners. FITAV Skeet is popular in Italy and is used in Italian national competitions and international events where FITAV rules apply.
History
FITAV (Federazione Italiana Tiro a Volo) is the Italian national shooting federation, founded to govern and promote clay target shooting in Italy. FITAV Skeet was developed based on Olympic Skeet rules, adapted for Italian competitions and standards. The discipline follows similar principles to Olympic Skeet, with random delays and low gun position.
FITAV Skeet became the standard skeet discipline for Italian national competitions, providing a challenging format that tests shooters' reflexes, gun handling, and mental discipline. The discipline is used in Italian championships and international competitions where FITAV rules apply.
Today, FITAV Skeet remains a popular and challenging discipline in Italy, with top Italian shooters competing in national and international events. The discipline continues to be governed by FITAV, which sets rules and standards for Italian skeet shooting competitions.
Key Characteristics
Random Delay
Target launches with random delay of 0-3 seconds after calling "Pull" - no predictability
Low Gun Position
Gun buttstock must be held at hip level (ready position) until target appears - no pre-mounting allowed
Faster Targets
Targets travel faster than American Skeet, requiring quicker reactions
FITAV Format
125 targets qualification, top 6 advance to 25-target elimination final
Shooting Sequences
Color Key
Shooting Sequence (25 Targets)
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4 (First Time)
2 targets (2 singles)
Station 5
Station 6
Station 7
Station 4 (Second Time)
4 targets (2 doubles)
Station 8
Sequence Notes
Station 4 is shot twice: Once in the middle of the sequence (after Station 3) with 2 singles, and once at the end (after Station 7, before Station 8) with 2 doubles. This unique feature makes FITAV Skeet similar to Olympic Skeet.
Target Breakdown: 9 singles + 8 doubles (16 targets) = 25 targets total per round.
All targets are shot with random delay of 0-3 seconds after calling "Pull". Gun buttstock must be held at hip level (ready position) until target appears.
Finals Sequence
The top 6 shooters from qualification advance to the final. The final consists of 25 targets shot in elimination format:
- • All 6 shooters start together
- • After each 5 targets, lowest scorer is eliminated
- • After 20 targets, 2 shooters remain
- • Final 5 targets determine gold and silver medalists
- • Bronze medal determined by qualification score
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 only (maximum 24.5mm bore diameter)
Ammunition
Max 24.5g (7/8 oz) shot. #7.5 or #8 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun buttstock must be held at hip level (ready position) and can only be mounted after target appears - no pre-mounting allowed
Random Delay
Target launches with random delay of 0-3 seconds after calling "Pull"
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 110mm diameter clay targets
Speed
Faster than American Skeet - targets travel approximately 66 meters
High House Height
3.05 meters (10 feet) above ground at trap opening
Low House Height
1.07 meters (3 feet 6 inches) above ground at trap opening
House Distance
36.6 meters (40 yards) apart
Target Distance
Targets travel approximately 66 meters when broken
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 only (FITAV requirement)
- • Barrel Length: 26-30 inches
- • Choke: Skeet or Improved Cylinder for wide patterns
- • Weight: 7.5-8.5 lbs - balance important for low gun mount
- • Stock: Adjustable comb essential for consistent low gun mounting
- • Action: Over/under preferred for balance and reliability
Ammunition
12 Gauge Only (FITAV Standard)
- • Load: Maximum 24.5g (7/8 oz) shot
- • Shot Size: #7.5 or #8
- • Velocity: 1200-1300 fps typical
- • Bore Diameter: Maximum 24.5mm
FITAV Restrictions
- • Only 12 gauge allowed in competition
- • Shot charge limited to 24.5g
- • No restrictions on powder charge (within safety limits)
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
FITAV (Federazione Italiana Tiro a Volo)
The governing body for FITAV Skeet in Italy. FITAV sets the rules, sanctions Italian competitions, and organizes national championships. FITAV ensures consistent standards for Italian skeet shooting competitions.
Visit FITAV Website →Italian National Competition
FITAV Skeet is used in Italian national championships and competitions. Both men's and women's events are contested, with qualification rounds of 125 targets followed by elimination finals.
Major Tournaments
Italian National Championships
Annual - Men's and Women's events
FITAV Regional Championships
Annual - Regional competitions throughout Italy
FITAV Grand Prix
Multiple events annually - Italian circuit
Continental Championships
European, Asian, Pan American Championships
Getting Started in Competition
Master Low Gun Position
Practice mounting from low position thousands of times - this is the foundation
Train with Random Delays
Practice with random delay system to develop reaction time and patience
Enter FITAV Competitions
Start with local FITAV-sanctioned events, work toward national championships
Build Consistency
Aim for consistent 120+ scores in qualification to be competitive
Competition Format
FITAV Skeet competitions follow a standardized format:
Qualification Round
125 targets (5 rounds of 25) - top 6 advance
Final Round
25 targets with elimination after each 5 targets
Medal Determination
Gold/Silver from final, Bronze from qualification score
Fundamentals
Low Gun Mount
Master the low gun position - gun buttstock held at hip level (ready position). When target appears, mount smoothly and consistently. Gun should fit perfectly - cheek weld on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Practice mounting from hip level thousands of times.
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
Gun Above Hip Level
Gun buttstock must remain at hip level (ready position) until target appears - instant disqualification if violated
Anticipating Target
Don't start mounting before target appears - wait for the random delay
Inconsistent Hip Level Mount
Mounting from hip level must be identical for every shot - practice thousands of times
Rushing the Mount
Mount smoothly and consistently - speed comes from practice, not rushing
Practice Tips
Hip Level Dry Fire
Practice mounting from hip level (ready position) thousands of times at home - this is critical
Train with Random Delays
Practice with random delay system to develop patience and reaction time
Get Professional Coaching
FITAV Skeet requires specialized training - find a FITAV-certified coach
Mental Discipline
Stay calm during random delays, trust your training, one target at a time