How to Teach Skeet Shooting to Youth

Skeet shooting is an activity where participants shoot at clay discs launched into the air from various angles in an attempt to break them. It is performed both recreationally and competitively, and although shotguns are the firearm of choice, any firearm can be used. Charles E. Davies, of Andover, Massachusetts, is credited with inventing skeet shooting in 1920, when he and a group of bird hunters decided to shoot at flying clay targets in an effort to improve their hunting skills. The word "skeet" is derived from the Scandinavian word for "shoot," and was actually the result of a contest to name the new game in 1926.

Things You'll Need

  • Shotgun, youth model
  • Shotgun shells
  • Hearing protection
  • Skeet launcher
  • Skeets
  • Stationary target
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a stationary target at a distance suitable to the age of the youth and the range of the shotgun.

    • 2

      Don the hearing protection and instruct the youth how to do the same properly.

    • 3

      Ensure the safety is engaged, point the shotgun away from people and toward the ground, and insert the shotgun shell(s). Instruct the youth to assume the proper stance and grip on the shotgun, place the target in the sights of his gun and shoot. This will familiarize him with the sound, feel and action of the shotgun.

    • 4
      Common style of shotgun used for skeet shooting.

      Confirm the gun is unloaded and set up the loaded skeet launcher. Explain that because the skeet is moving across the horizon, from left to right, for example, that it's important not to hold the shotgun stationary. Instead, he must swing the gun in a motion that follows the path of the target across the sky. Demonstrate, and then instruct him to try the same.

    • 5

      Explain that as he moves the shotgun along the path of the skeet, the goal is to eventually get ahead of the skeet and then pull the trigger. This is called "leading" the target.

    • 6

      Launch the skeet and begin the practice. If he shoots behind the target, instruct him to swing the shotgun more quickly along the path, until he is ahead of the target, and then continue the same motion as he pulls the trigger. Keep practicing and working on technique. Each skeet he shoots will increase his confidence and his enthusiasm for the sport of skeet shooting.