Info for new shooters

Breakdown of Clay Shooting Disciplines

Sporting Clays

Sporting clays is often likened to golf, with courses comprising multiple shooting stations, each offering different target presentations. Shooters face a variety of target types, including crossing, incoming, and outgoing shots, all designed to replicate real-life hunting scenarios. This discipline tests a shooter’s versatility and adaptability in various shooting scenarios. This is normally shot over a set number of targets, commonly 70, 100 or 120 but this can vary and this is the most widely available type of shooting due to not needing a specific ground layout.

Skeet

Skeet shooting involves shooting at clay targets launched from two fixed stations in a semi-circular formation. Shooters rotate between positions to engage targets that cross the shooter’s line of sight from different angles. The sport is designed to test a shooter’s ability to track and hit fast-moving targets. This is shot in rounds of 25 targets

Trap

In trap shooting, clay targets are launched from a single trap house and fly away from the shooter. Participants take turns shooting from a series of five stations positioned in a line. As the shooter moves through the stations, the angle of the target changes, offering a variety of challenging shots. The objective is to hit the target as it travels away. This is shot in rounds of 25 targets

Double Trap

Double trap is similar to standard trap shooting but features two targets launched simultaneously from the trap house. Shooters aim to hit both clay targets, which are released at varying angles. This discipline requires quick reflexes and precise timing as shooters must adapt to hitting two targets in rapid succession. This is shot in rounds of 25 targets

FITASC (Fédération Internationale de Tir Aux Sports de Chasse)

FITASC is an international clay shooting discipline that emphasises a diverse range of shooting scenarios. Participants engage in various shooting stations, each presenting unique target trajectories and distances. This format is similar to sporting clays but typically involves stricter regulations and formalities, as it is governed by the International Federation. This is shot in rounds of 25 targets

Olympic Skeet

Olympic skeet closely follows the traditional skeet format but is tailored to adhere to Olympic standards. It features specific shooting sequences and allows for reduced regulations in terms of equipment and shooting techniques. This discipline is recognised in international competitions, making it a highly competitive aspect of clay shooting. This is shot in rounds of 25 targets

Olympic Trap

Olympic trap shooting is a refined version of standard trap, focusing on precision shooting at targets released from a single trap house. In this format, competitors shoot 125 targets over several rounds, requiring immense concentration and skill. Olympic trap has specific rules regarding equipment and target angles, making it a significant discipline in the shooting sports community. This is shot in rounds of 25 targets