Olympic skeet shooting is a form of shotgun shooting where participants aim to break clay targets (also called clay pigeons and clays) that are mechanically launched into the air from two fixed stations—known as the high house and low house—positioned at either end of a half circle field.

Key elements of olympic skeet shooting:

• Clay targets: Discs made from a mixture of pitch and limestone, launched at varying angles and speeds.

• Shooting stations: There are eight stations arranged in a half circle around the clay throwers.

• Shotgun: A 12-gauge shotgun is the standard for Olympic skeet shooting.

• Rounds: The competition is divided into rounds of 25 targets each.

The goal is simple: hit as many of these flying targets as possible before they hit the ground. Precision, quick reflexes, and controlled movement are essential to succeeding in this sport.

Understanding the format and rules is essential for both competitors and spectators. Here’s how Olympic skeet shooting is organized during competitions.

Field layout and stations

The field is a half circle and has eight shooting stations where athletes take turns shooting at targets. These stations are placed in an arc, with station 1 at one end of the arc, near the high house, and station 7 near the low house at the opposite end. Station 8 is placed between the high and low houses.

Target launching

Each clay target is launched from either the high house or low house at a speed of approximately 53-54 mph +-1. Targets travel in paths that cross in the middle of the field. The shooter is required to hit the target before it lands.

Sequence of shooting

Competitors follow a fixed sequence:

• Singles: A single clay target is launched from either the high or low house.

• Doubles: Two clay targets are launched simultaneously—one from the high house and one from the low house.

Athletes have 8 stations to cover, and at each station, they must shoot at a combination of single and double targets. At stations 1, 2, 6, and 7, competitors will fire at doubles, whereas at stations 3, 4, 5, and 8, they face single targets.

Scoring

Scoring is straightforward in Olympic skeet shooting:

• 1 point for each hit: Competitors receive one point for each target they successfully hit.

• 0 points for a miss: If a shooter misses the target, no points are awarded.

• Perfect score: The maximum score per round is 25 points, and in the full competition, shooters can compete in multiple rounds.

To excel in Olympic skeet shooting, you need the right equipment. While having a good shotgun is essential, attention to detail in ammunition, shooting gear, and accessories also plays a critical role in performance.

1. Shotgun

A 12-gauge shotgun is the firearm of choice for Olympic skeet shooting. While semi-automatic shotguns are commonly used, many shooters prefer over-and-under shotguns for their balance and reliability. The shotgun should be light enough to move quickly yet heavy enough to absorb recoil.

2. Ammunition 

Skeet shooters typically use cartridges with smaller shot sizes, such as #9 shot. This small size allows for a denser pattern, increasing the chance of hitting the fast-moving clay target.

3. Eye and ear protection

Safety is a priority in skeet shooting, and all shooters must wear protective eyewear and ear protection. The bright orange clay targets and loud shotgun blasts necessitate these precautions to prevent injury.

4. Shooting vest

A shooting vest, complete with padded shoulders and multiple pockets, helps shooters stay organized and comfortable. It also cushions the shotgun's recoil, protecting the shooter's shoulder.

5. Skeet chokes

Shotgun chokes help modify the spread of the shot. For Olympic skeet, many shooters opt for skeet-specific chokes, which offer a wide, even shot pattern at the close distances where targets are typically engaged.