The Skeet Advantage

By Frank Neumayer

Question:  I’m a long-time Trap shooter who’s just now discovering the fun of Skeet shooting!  What’s your advice on how I should set-up; where my eyes should be looking; and where should I hold my gun for the targets presented at each station?  Will Skeet shooting help or hinder my Trap shooting?    

 
Answer:  I really enjoy the challenge of shooting Skeet, plus I’m convinced that it has made me a better wing shooter and competitive Trap shooter!  The target presentations involved and the leads required easily translate to Trap doubles, and especially to those difficult left and right angled shots in singles and handicap.  At each of the (8) stations in Skeet there are different “gun hold” and “eye hold” points to consider.  Not only do you have gun hold and eye hold points to deal with, but you’ll need to address foot position, lead, and break points as well.  Skeet requires some extra focus, attention, and practice, to get all these hold points and positions figured out.  Approaching Skeet station by station is the best way to address all of the various points and positions involved.  I’ll assume you basically know how a skeet field is laid-out with (8) stations, and with target presentations of high-low singles and high-low true pairs from the various stations.    

     First of all, there are several target breaking methods used in skeet, but the preferred method, which I use and recommend, is the “Sustained Lead”.  With this method your gun is always out in front of the moving targets.  Remember, the break point elevation of “all” targets presented in Skeet will be around 15’-17’ off the ground, and the longest break point distance for any target will be around 23 yards in front of your barrel.  The reason I mention this, is so you’ll understand that Skeet is a much faster and closer-in game than Trap, and in order to be successful it requires the shooter to react quicker to the target with a smooth and sustained swing, the correct amount of lead, and with good focus and follow-through.       

     When I first started shooting Skeet I broke very few targets!  I quickly realized that I needed to study everything I could about the game from the top shooters.  I read their articles, books, and watched their videos repeatedly.  I personally like to breakdown and simplify information like this into the critical points.  I write it all down, and then I follow my notes as I practice each station until I have it all committed to memory.  “Practice” being a key word here!  With regard to which gun to use, I believe a 20 gauge is more than enough gun for skeet, but if all you have is a 12 gauge, then light 1 oz. #9’s with a skeet choke(s) will be more that adequate.  If you plan to shoot all events, you’ll need all four gauges of guns or tube-sets (12, 20, 28, & 410).  However, you are allowed to use a smaller gauge for larger gauge events.  I’ve used 20 for 12 & 20; and 410 for 28 & 410.    

     The ability to visualize the flight paths of every target presented is a key factor in perfecting your game.  This ability is critical as you develop your station by station approach to shooting the game.  Certainly, every shooter is different, so the pointers I’ve derived from the Top-Guns will need to be adjusted slightly for each shooters unique style, shooting technique, or level of performance.  These points will also need to be adjusted for those ever-changing conditional variables like weather, lighting, and field conditions.  Here are the (5) key points I’ve come up with for each of the (8) stations in American Skeet:  1) Foot Position:  2) Gun Hold:  3) Eye Hold:  4) Lead:  and 5) Break Point.  For quick reference, I carried these notes in my vest pocket as I practiced, and referred to them often until I had everything committed to memory.

    As you’ll quickly find out, the proper “lead” is critical in Skeet!  When you’re just starting out, the concern is what exactly is the right amount of lead needed for each target at each station?  A simple rule-of-thumb is to look at the station number you’re standing on.  On station (1) give the targets 1’ of lead; on station (2) give the targets 2’ of lead; on station (3) apply 3’ of lead; and on station (4) give the targets at least 4’ of lead.  Use the mirror image or reverse of these leads for stations (5) through (7).  For (5) use 3’ of lead; (6) use 2’ of lead; and on (7) use 1’ of lead.  Usually when you miss a target in Skeet you’ve shot behind it.  So, if you’re still missing targets with the leads mentioned here, mentally add one more foot of lead to each of these numbers, and that should get you into the targets.  Again, these are just basic lead points to get you started, you’ll want to fine-tune each of these as you gain experience and confidence.

     Station (8) is unique, and less than 1’ of lead is required.  This shot is simply reactionary.  For both the high house and low house targets, stay locked into your gun and (with little or no thought) as you first see the target movement, quickly move your gun along the flight path to stay in front of the target and take the shot.  Perfecting station (8) can be frustrating and will usually take some extra practice time and effort, but once you get it figured out it will never be intimidating again.  Remember, these leads, foot positions, hold points, and break points are simply a place to get you started.  As you gain experience and confidence you’ll certainly want to adjust all of these elements to best fit your individual shooting style and technique.  Here’s an example of my Vest Pocket Notes for each Skeet station:  (If you’re a left-handed shooter, your foot position is really all that should need changing).

STATION 1: 

(High House)
1)  Foot Position:  Toward low house window 
2)  Gun Hold:  20’ over ctr stake (30-35 degrees) on target path  

3)  Eye Hold:  Just above the barrel
4)  Lead:  6”- 12”
5)  Break Point:  When target touches the barrel

(Low House)
1)  Foot Position:  Toward low house window   
2)  Gun Hold:  8’- 10’ out, level with bottom of window     

3)  Eye Hold:  Back toward window
4)  Lead:  6”-12”
5)  Break Point:  2/3 way to the ctr stake from the high house
 

(Pair - high house first)

1)  Foot Position:  Toward low house window   
2)  Gun Hold:  20’ over ctr stake (30-35 degrees) on target path  

3)  Eye Hold:  Just above the barrel 
4)  Lead:  High house: 6”-12”; Low house: 6”-12”
5)  Break Point:  Same as the High house and Low house targets

STATION 2: 

(High House)
1)  Foot Position:  Toward low house window 
2)  Gun Hold:  1/3 way to ctr stake level with bottom of window

3)  Eye Hold:  Just above the barrel back toward window
4)  Lead:  1.5’-2.0’
5)  Break Point:  Over ctr stake

(Low House)
1)  Foot Position:  Toward low house window   
2)  Gun Hold:  8’-10’ out, level with bottom of window     

3)  Eye Hold:  Just above the barrel back toward window
4)  Lead:  1.5’-2.0’
5)  Break Point:  Over ctr stake
 

(Pair - high house first)

1)  Foot Position:  Toward low house window   
2)  Gun Hold:  1/3 way to ctr stake level with bottom of window

3)  Eye Hold:  Just above the barrel back toward window 
4)  Lead:  High house: 1.5’-2.0’; Low house: 1.5’-2.0’
5)  Break Point:  High House: Over ctr stake; Low House: Left of ctr stake