Olympic Skeet
The world's fastest and most challenging skeet discipline
What is Olympic Skeet?
Olympic Skeet is the most challenging and fastest form of skeet shooting in the world. Governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), it features random delays, low gun position, and faster targets than any other skeet discipline. The sport demands lightning-fast reflexes, perfect gun mounting, and unwavering mental discipline.
The field layout is identical to American Skeet with two trap houses (high and low) and eight shooting stations arranged in a semicircle. However, Olympic Skeet introduces critical challenges: targets launch with a random delay of 0-3 seconds after calling "Pull," and shooters must hold the gun below shoulder level 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. Missing even one target can mean the difference between gold and silver.
History
Skeet shooting became an Olympic sport in 1968 at the Mexico City Games, using the American format. However, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) developed a more challenging version with random delays and low gun position to increase difficulty and test pure reflexes.
Olympic Skeet was introduced as a separate discipline in 1996, featuring the random delay system and mandatory low gun position. These changes transformed the sport from a predictable sequence into a true test of instinctive shooting, reaction time, and mental discipline.
Today, Olympic Skeet remains one of the most demanding shotgun disciplines, with world-class shooters regularly achieving perfect scores of 125 in qualification. The discipline continues to evolve with equipment improvements and training methods, but the core challenge of random timing and low gun position remains unchanged.
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
Olympic 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 Olympic Skeet different from American 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 (ISSF 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 (ISSF 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
ISSF 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
Olympic Skeet Final
After qualification, the top 6 shooters advance to the elimination final. Learn about the medal round format, elimination process, and strategies for competing in finals.
Learn About Olympic Skeet FinalOrganizations
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)
The governing body for Olympic Skeet worldwide. ISSF sets the rules, sanctions international competitions, and organizes the Olympic Games shooting events. Founded in 1907, ISSF ensures consistent standards across all member nations.
Visit ISSF Website →Olympic Competition
Olympic Skeet has been part of the Summer Olympics since 1968. Both men's and women's events are contested, with qualification rounds of 125 targets followed by elimination finals.
Major Tournaments
Olympic Games
Every 4 years - Men's and Women's events
ISSF World Championships
Annual - Rotating locations worldwide
ISSF World Cup Series
Multiple events annually - Global 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 ISSF Competitions
Start with local ISSF-sanctioned events, work toward World Cup qualification
Build Consistency
Aim for consistent 120+ scores in qualification to be competitive
Competition Format
ISSF Olympic 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
Olympic Skeet requires specialized training - find an ISSF-certified coach
Mental Discipline
Stay calm during random delays, trust your training, one target at a time