Skeet shooting is a fast-paced shotgun sport where participants shoot at clay targets launched from two fixed houses at varying angles. A standard round of American Skeet consists of 25 targets shot from 8 different stations arranged in a semi-circle.
Standard Shooting Sequence (25 Targets)
A squad of up to five shooters moves through the stations in numerical order, taking turns at each.
- Stations 1 & 2: High single, Low single, then a High/Low double (4 shots per station).
- Stations 3, 4, & 5: High single and Low single only (2 shots per station).
- Stations 6 & 7: High single, Low single, then a Low/High double (4 shots per station).
- Station 8: High single, then Low single (2 shots total).
- The “Option” (25th Shot): Your first missed target in the round must be re-shot immediately as an “option.” If you hit all 24 targets perfectly, the 25th shot is taken as a final target from the Low House at Station 8.
Key Equipment & Safety
- Shotguns: Typically 12, 20, 28 gauge, or .410 bore. Over-and-under or semi-automatic styles are common because they can fire two shots quickly for doubles.
- Ammunition: Standard rounds use #9 shot.
- Chokes: Most shooters use a “Skeet” choke, which provides a wide, consistent spread for close-range crossing targets.
- Safety: Mandatory eye and ear protection must be worn at all times on the field.
Field Layout Overview
The skeet field is designed as a semi-circle with a 21-yard radius.
| Feature | Description |
| High House | Located on the left; launches targets from 10 feet above ground. |
| Low House | Located on the right; launches targets from 3.5 feet above ground. |
| Stations 1-7 | Arranged in an arc from the High House to the Low House. |
| Station 8 | Located exactly midway between the High and Low Houses (the center of the arc). |
| Target Crossing Point | Targets from both houses must cross at a point 15 feet above the ground, 18 feet in front of Station 8. |
Field Layout Diagram


