Skeet Training & Info
Coaching available for individuals and groups.
We don't run a formal training program, but we encourage new members to find training material online and in publications. At the club we have pamphlets, magazines, and CDs that members can look through and borrow. Below are some links to online training material, plus a request form if you'd like personal coaching.
Organizations & events
- NSSA website (National Skeet Shooting Association)
- NSSA news & information
- NSSA shoot event finder
- Massachusetts Skeet Shooting Association
Instruction & video
- Todd Bender's skeet tutorials & instruction
- Shooting station walkthroughs with Chris Batha: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Gun fit tips
- Ammunition information
- MEC reloading videos
Other clubs & resources
- Skeet clubs in the USA (Clay Targets Online)
- Falmouth Rod and Gun Club (located next to FSC)
- National Rifle Association
- Massachusetts gun club directory
- Massachusetts hunter safety course
A beginner's guide to skeet
The Skeet Field (from NSSA): today's skeet field varies little from its 1920s beginnings. It has eight shooting stations and two trap houses. Seven stations are arranged in a half-moon between the two trap houses, with one station directly between them. The high house, on the left, throws targets from a trap 10 feet above the ground, rising to 15 feet by the center of the field. The low house, on the right, releases targets just 3½ feet from the ground, also rising to 15 feet by center field.
A round of skeet consists of 25 targets: 17 singles and 8 doubles. The first miss is repeated immediately (an "option"); if nothing is missed, the 25th target is shot at the last station, low house 8. Sequence: stations 1 & 2 — high single, low single, high/low pair; stations 3, 4 & 5 — high single, low single; stations 6 & 7 — high single, low single, low/high pair; station 8 — high single, low single. Skeet is shot in squads of up to five, moving station to station around the half-moon. Any gauge shotgun may be used, as long as it can fire at least two shots — preferred shot size is #9, nothing larger than 7½ should ever be used.
Six steps to winning skeet
From NSSA:
- Correct foot position — lets you swing on the target without losing your balance or running out of swing.
- Gun hold (where to point the barrel before calling for the target) — helps you pick up the target quicker and shoot it with minimal swing.
- Where to focus your eyes — where to look when calling for the target, to see it faster.
- Know where you want to break the target — you need this to perform the first three steps.
- Visualize the lead needed — tell yourself how much lead is needed and mentally see the target break before you call for it.
- Call loud and firm — be mentally alert and physically relaxed.