Complete Guide to Skeet Shooting for Beginners
Everything you need to know for your first round of skeet
Improve Your Game
Skeet rewards precision and consistency. Since targets always fly the same path, your technique must be repeatable.
Key Techniques
Find Your Hold Point
Where you point the gun before calling "Pull" matters. Too close to the house, you'll rush. Too far, you'll chase. Find the sweet spot.
Swing Through vs. Sustained Lead
Some shooters swing through the target and fire. Others maintain a lead and match speed. Experiment to find what works for you.
Station 8 Discipline
Station 8 (center) has the fastest crossing targets. Stay calm, don't rush, and trust your swing. Many new shooters panic here.
Same Routine, Every Time
Skeet rewards routine. Same stance, same mount, same hold point. Consistency beats speed every time.
Common Mistakes
Shooting at the Target
Crossing targets require lead. If you aim at the clay, you'll shoot behind it every time.
Rushing the Second Target
On doubles, new shooters panic on the second bird. The second target has time—break the first cleanly, then swing to the second.
Inconsistent Hold Points
Changing where you start the gun makes every shot different. Pick a hold point and use it every time.
When to Get a Coach
Skeet is technical. A coach can diagnose why you're missing specific stations and fix issues with your timing, lead, and hold points.
- • When you consistently miss the same stations
- • When you can't break doubles cleanly
- • Before competition to refine your technique
Sources & References (2)
Last updated: November 2024