English Sporting
The birthplace of sporting clays
What is English Sporting?
English Sporting is the original and most diverse form of sporting clays, developed in Britain to simulate driven game shooting on sporting estates. Unlike its more standardized American cousin, English Sporting embraces unlimited variety in target presentations, mimicking every conceivable hunting scenario with creativity and challenge.
A typical English Sporting course features 8-12 stands set in natural terrain, each presenting multiple pairs of targets designed to simulate specific game bird situations - high pheasants dropping over a hedge, driven grouse skimming the heather, bolting rabbits, or tall crossing pigeons. Course designers use the landscape creatively, incorporating hills, valleys, trees, and natural cover.
Unlike American Sporting which limits targets to specific flight patterns, English Sporting has no restrictions. Targets can be presented as simultaneous pairs, report pairs (second target on your shot), or following pairs (second target after a delay). With 100 targets in a typical competition and infinite possible presentations, English Sporting truly earns its description as "golf with a shotgun."
History
English Sporting emerged on British sporting estates as an off-season practice method for driven game shooters. Estate managers set up clay target stations that mimicked the challenging high birds and crossing shots their clients would face during the shooting season, creating the sport's foundation.
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) formalized English Sporting, establishing standardized rules and regulations. The sport's emphasis on variety, creativity, and mimicking real hunting scenarios resonates with British shooting traditions.
Today, English Sporting is shot worldwide, though it remains most popular in the UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations. Major championships including the British Open and English Open attract competitors from around the world.
Key Characteristics
Unlimited Variety
No restrictions on target presentations - complete creative freedom
Natural Terrain
Courses use hills, valleys, trees, and natural features creatively
Multiple Pair Types
Simultaneous, report, and following pairs all allowed
Hunting Simulation
Designed to mimic real driven game shooting scenarios
Course Design
Course Layout
English Sporting courses are designed to use natural terrain creatively. Stands are positioned to take advantage of hills, valleys, trees, hedgerows, and other landscape features, creating challenging and varied target presentations.
Typical Course Structure
Course Specifications
- • Stands: 8-12 per course
- • Targets per stand: Usually 8-10
- • Total targets: Typically 100 (can be 50-120)
- • Course length: Varies with terrain
- • Walking distance: 1-3 km depending on layout
Stand Features
- • Each stand has shooting platform
- • Multiple trap machines per stand
- • Natural cover and terrain used
- • Targets visible before shooting
- • Unlimited presentation variety
Target Presentations
- • Simultaneous Pairs: Both targets released together
- • Report Pairs: Second target on first shot
- • Following Pairs: Delayed second target
- • Singles: Individual target presentations
- • No Restrictions: Any presentation allowed
Common Target Types
- • High Pheasants: Dropping over hedges
- • Driven Grouse: Low, fast crossing
- • Rabbits: Rolling along ground
- • Teal: Rising targets
- • Crossing Pigeons: Various angles
- • Chandelles: Curved flight paths
Shooting Sequence
Shooters move through stands in order, shooting the prescribed number of targets at each stand. The sequence and target types are visible before shooting, allowing shooters to plan their approach.
- • Squad of 4-6 shooters moves together
- • Each shooter completes all targets at a stand before moving
- • Targets are visible before shooting (no hidden presentations)
- • Shooters can observe others in squad before shooting
- • Course typically takes 3-4 hours to complete
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect round is 100 points (100x100 or "straight").
One Shot Per Target
Only one shot allowed per target. If missed, target is lost
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
No Bird
If target is irregular or broken, shooter calls "No Bird" and receives a replacement target
Pair Scoring
Each target in a pair scored independently
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 28g (1 oz) shot for 12 gauge. #7.5, #8, or #9 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stands. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard clay targets
Speed
Varies by presentation and course design
Distance
Targets can be presented at any distance
Variety
No restrictions on target types or presentations
Common Violations
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells
Shooting out of turn
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Stepping outside shooting platform
Shotgun Selection
English Sporting requires versatility to handle varied target presentations. Over/under or semi-automatic shotguns with interchangeable chokes are preferred.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: Typically 28-30 inches
- • Choke: Interchangeable chokes essential - typically Improved Cylinder to Modified
- • Weight: Varies by model and gauge
- • Stock: Adjustable comb preferred for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 28g (1 oz) or 24g (7/8 oz)
- • Shot Size: #7.5, #8, or #9
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps typical
- • Case Length: 70mm typical
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 24g (7/8 oz), #7.5 or #8
- • 28 Gauge: 21g (3/4 oz), #8 or #8.5
- • .410 Bore: 14g (1/2 oz), #9
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
Shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular for target visibility)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs allow conversation while protecting hearing
Shell Pouch/Vest
Holds shells and empties conveniently - need capacity for 100+ shells
Proper Footwear
Walking boots or sturdy shoes - courses involve walking between stands
Weather Gear
Waterproof jacket - courses are shot in all weather conditions
Organizations
Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA)
The governing body for English Sporting in the United Kingdom. CPSA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit CPSA Website →Classification System
The CPSA uses a classification system based on shooter averages. For current classification percentages and requirements, refer to the official CPSA rules and regulations.
View CPSA Rules →Major Tournaments
British Open Sporting
Major annual English Sporting competition
English Open
Major annual competition
CPSA Championships
National and regional competitions organized by CPSA
Getting Started in Competition
Join CPSA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Practice on Various Courses
Experience different course designs and target presentations
Enter Local Shoots
Start with club-level registered shoots
Build Your Average
Classification based on your scoring average
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically consist of:
100-Target Competition
Most common format - 8-12 stands, 8-10 targets per stand
50-Target Competition
Shorter format for practice or smaller events
120-Target Competition
Extended format for major championships
Fundamentals
Read the Stand
Before shooting, observe the targets. Watch other shooters in your squad. Understand the flight paths, angles, and timing. Plan your approach for each target.
Gun Mount
Mount gun smoothly and consistently. Gun should fit your body perfectly - cheek weld on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Practice mounting to the same position every time.
Stance
Weight slightly forward, feet shoulder-width apart. Point lead foot toward expected target break point. Upper body should rotate freely to follow targets.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target, not the barrel. Your brain will automatically align gun to target if mount is consistent. Watch the target from trap exit to break point.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target. Continue swinging after the shot.
Target-Specific Tips
High Pheasants
Account for dropping targets - lead appropriately and maintain smooth swing
Crossing Targets
Lead the target appropriately - swing through and maintain consistent lead based on speed and angle
Rabbits
Lead ground targets horizontally - watch for bounces and changes in direction
Teal (Rising)
Time rising targets carefully - maintain smooth upward swing with appropriate lead
Pairs Strategy
Plan your approach - decide which target to shoot first and transition smoothly between targets
Common Mistakes
Not Reading Stands
Failing to observe targets before shooting - always watch first
Lifting Head
Keep cheek on stock throughout shot and follow-through
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
Wrong Choke Selection
Using too tight choke for close targets, too open for long targets
Rushing Pairs
Take time to break first target cleanly, then transition smoothly
Practice Tips
Shoot Different Courses
Experience variety - each course teaches different skills
Focus on Consistency
Same mount, same stance, same routine for every target
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately. Read each stand carefully
Choke Management
Learn when to change chokes - different stands may require different patterns