Five Stand
Sporting clays in a compact format with multiple variations
What is Five Stand?
Five Stand is a compact shooting game that delivers the variety and challenge of sporting clays without requiring shooters to walk a multi-station course. Shooters rotate through five stations arranged in a line, similar to skeet, but face targets thrown from up to eight different trap machines at varying angles, distances, and trajectories.
Each station presents a unique "menu" of target combinations. Shooters might face a high incoming bird, followed by a fast crossing target, then a quartering shot - all from one station. The course designer programs specific target sequences to simulate various hunting scenarios and challenge different shooting skills.
A standard round consists of 25 targets, with five targets shot from each of the five stations. Targets can be presented as singles, report pairs (second target released when you fire at the first), or true pairs (both released simultaneously). This variety keeps shooters engaged and provides excellent all-around practice.
History
Five Stand was developed in the 1980s as a response to the growing popularity of sporting clays. While full sporting clays courses offered incredible variety, they required substantial land and time to shoot. Five Stand provided a solution - delivering similar target diversity in a compact, efficient format.
The National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) standardized Five Stand rules in the early 1990s, establishing it as an official discipline. The format quickly gained popularity at gun clubs across America because it required minimal space compared to full sporting clays courses, yet still provided engaging, challenging shooting.
Today, Five Stand is offered at hundreds of clubs nationwide and has become a favorite for leagues, competitions, and casual shooting. Its efficiency makes it ideal for weeknight shoots, corporate events, and introducing new shooters to the variety of clay target sports without the time commitment of a full sporting clays course.
Key Characteristics
Compact Format
All 5 stations in one location - no walking between stands
Multiple Traps
6-8 trap machines provide variety from each station
Menu System
Each station has preset target sequences (menus)
Time Efficient
Complete round in 20-30 minutes
Station Layout
Field Configuration
Five Stand uses five shooting stations arranged in a straight line, similar to trap or skeet. Behind and around these stations are 6-8 trap machines positioned at various locations to throw targets from different angles and distances.
Position Layout
Leftmost position
Left center
Center position
Right center
Rightmost position
Shooting Sequence
- • Squad of up to 5 shooters starts at Station 1
- • Each shooter fires 5 targets from Station 1
- • Squad moves to Station 2, each fires 5 targets
- • Continues through all 5 stations
- • Total: 25 targets per round
- • Targets visible before shooting
Trap Configuration
- • 6-8 trap machines positioned around stations
- • Traps at various heights and distances
- • Each station has preset "menu" of targets
- • Targets can be singles, report pairs, or true pairs
- • Variety: incoming, crossing, outgoing, quartering
Format Variations
Five Stand Standard
Mixed format with singles, report pairs, and true pairs.
- • 25 targets per round
- • 5 targets per station
- • Mixed presentations - singles and pairs
- • Most common format
Five Stand Doubles
All pairs format - simultaneous doubles only.
- • 50 targets per round (25 pairs)
- • 5 pairs per station
- • All simultaneous doubles
- • Extensive doubles practice
Menu System
Each station has a preset "menu" of target combinations. The menu is displayed at the station, showing which trap will fire and in what sequence. Menus can be changed by the course operator to provide variety.
Example menu: Station 1 might show: (1) High incoming from Trap A, (2) Report pair - Trap B on shot, (3) True pair from Traps C and D, (4) Crossing from Trap E, (5) Quartering from Trap F.
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect round is 25 points (25x25 or "straight").
One Shot Per Target
Only one shot allowed per target. If missed, target is lost
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
Pair Scoring
Each target in a pair scored independently
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 1-1/8 oz shot for 12 gauge. #7.5, #8, or #9 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
Varies by presentation - typically 30-50 mph
Distance
Targets can be presented at any distance
Variety
Incoming, crossing, outgoing, quartering, rabbits, teal
Common Violations
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells
Shooting out of turn
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Stepping outside shooting platform
Shotgun Selection
Five Stand requires versatility to handle varied target presentations. Over/under or semi-automatic shotguns with interchangeable chokes are preferred.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 28-30 inches
- • Choke: Interchangeable - typically Improved Cylinder to Modified
- • Weight: 7-8.5 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: #7.5, #8, or #9
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps typical
- • Dram Equivalent: 2-3/4 or 3 dram
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 7/8 oz, #7.5 or #8
- • 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, interchangeable chokes
Browning Citori
Over/under - Well-balanced, smooth action
Remington 1100
Semi-auto - Soft recoil, affordable
Benelli Super Black Eagle
Semi-auto - Reliable, popular for sporting
Organizations
National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA)
The governing body for Five Stand in the United States. Founded in 1989, NSCA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit NSCA Website →Classification System
Shooters are classified by average: Master (98%+), AA (96-97.99%), A (93-95.99%), B (90-92.99%), C (87-89.99%), D (84-86.99%), E (below 84%)
Major Tournaments
NSCA National Championships
Annual - National level competition
Regional Championships
Annual - Regional competitions
League Competitions
Year-round - Local and regional leagues
Club Shoots
Regular - Club-level competitions
Getting Started in Competition
Join NSCA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Practice on Different Menus
Experience variety - menus change regularly
Enter Local Tournaments
Start with club-level registered shoots
Build Your Average
Classification based on your scoring average
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically consist of:
Five Stand Event
100 targets (4 rounds of 25) or 50 targets (2 rounds)
Five Stand Doubles
Pairs variation with simultaneous releases
Combined Events
Five Stand combined with Sporting Clays for all-around
Fundamentals
Read the Menu
Before shooting, read the menu at each station. Understand which trap will fire and in what sequence. Watch other shooters in your squad to see the target presentations.
Gun Mount
Mount gun smoothly and consistently. Gun should fit your body perfectly - cheek weld on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Practice mounting to the same position every time.
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 trap 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.
Target-Specific Tips
Incoming Targets
Shoot underneath - let target drop into pattern. Maintain smooth upward swing
Crossing Targets
Lead the target - swing through and maintain lead. Faster targets need more lead
Outgoing Targets
Shoot in front - lead horizontally. Maintain smooth swing
Rabbits
Shoot in front - lead horizontally. Watch for bounces
Pairs Strategy
Decide which target to shoot first. Usually easier target first, then transition smoothly
Common Mistakes
Not Reading Menu
Failing to check menu before shooting - always read first
Lifting Head
Keep cheek on stock throughout shot and follow-through
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
Wrong Choke Selection
Using too tight choke for close targets, too open for long targets
Rushing Pairs
Take time to break first target cleanly, then transition smoothly
Practice Tips
Shoot Different Menus
Menus change regularly - experience variety to build skills
Focus on Consistency
Same mount, same stance, same routine for every target
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately. Read each menu carefully
Choke Management
Learn when to change chokes - different stations may require different patterns