Sporting Clays
"Golf with a shotgun" - A dynamic clay shooting sport
What is Sporting Clays?
Sporting Clays is a form of clay target shooting often described as "golf with a shotgun" because courses include 10-15 different shooting stations laid out over natural terrain - just like golf holes.
Unlike trap and skeet which have repeatable target presentations, sporting clays simulates the unpredictability of live-quarry shooting with a variety of trajectories, angles, speeds, elevations, distances, and target sizes.
Each station is unique and designed to replicate hunting scenarios like flushing pheasants, crossing doves, springing teal, or even bouncing rabbits. The sport offers endless variety.
History
Sporting clays originated in England when shooting schools adopted clay targets to practice for driven-game shoots. The sport was introduced to American shooters and has since grown rapidly.
The National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) was formed to provide governance and promote the sport. The NSCA is the official governing and sanctioning body for sporting clays in the United States.
Today, the NSCA has thousands of members across all 50 U.S. states and multiple foreign countries, with hundreds of member clubs hosting both registered and recreational shoots.
Why It's Popular
Most Like Hunting
Simulates real hunting scenarios better than any other clay sport
Endless Variety
No two courses are the same - always new challenges
Beginner Friendly
Can compete immediately with classification system
Social & Fun
Squad-based format encourages camaraderie
Course Format
Typical Round
- • Stations: 10-15 per course
- • Targets per station: 4-12 (typically 6-8)
- • Total targets: 50 or 100 per round
- • Squad size: Up to 6 shooters
- • Course size: Varies by location and terrain
Target Pairs
- • True Pair: Both targets launched simultaneously
- • Report Pair: Second launches at sound of first shot
- • Following Pair: Second launches after first (timed)
Common Station Types
Sporting clays stations are designed to simulate various hunting scenarios. Here are the most common presentations:
Crossers
Targets moving horizontally across the shooter's field of view, left to right or right to left.
Hunting Scenario:
Crossing doves, passing ducks
Incomers / Outgoers
Targets coming toward or going away from the shooter.
Hunting Scenario:
Approaching birds, flushing quail
Teal (Springing Teal)
Targets launched straight up, simulating birds jumping from water.
Hunting Scenario:
Teal taking off from marsh
Chandelle
High, arcing targets that climb and then fall, often crossing.
Hunting Scenario:
High driven pheasants, tall tower birds
Rabbit
Targets rolling and bouncing along the ground using special reinforced targets.
Hunting Scenario:
Running rabbits, ground game
Battue
Thin, flat targets that appear large face-on but disappear when turning edge-on.
Hunting Scenario:
Birds appearing/disappearing in wind
Quartering
Targets moving at an angle toward or away from shooter (not straight).
Hunting Scenario:
Most realistic field angles
Fur & Feather
Combination of a rabbit (ground) and aerial target simultaneously.
Hunting Scenario:
Mixed game drives
Target Types & Sizes
Standard
Most common target size
Midi
Smaller, faster appearance
Mini
Challenging, distant look
Battue
Thin, flat - Disappears when edge-on
Rabbit
Reinforced - Rolls along ground
Rocket
Extra fast, challenging
Scoring
Each target broken scores 1 point. A visible piece must break off for the target to be scored as "dead."
Singles
One shot per target. Hit = 1 point, Miss = 0 points
Pairs
Two shots allowed (one per target). Each scored independently
Perfect Score
50/50 or 100/100 depending on course length
Squad Rotation
Shooters rotate through stations in squads of up to 6 people. The rotation system keeps the game flowing smoothly.
First shooter steps into station and calls for targets
After completing station menu, move aside for next shooter
Typically, last two shooters score and operate button
When all shooters finish, squad moves to next station
Safety Rules
Mandatory Protection
Eye and ear protection required at all times on course
Gun Handling
Open and empty when moving between stations. Never point at anything you don't intend to shoot
Safe Direction
Muzzle must always point in safe direction - downrange or at ground
Loading
Only load when in shooting position at station
Target Calls
"Pull!"
Standard call to launch targets
"No Bird"
Called immediately if target is broken, irregular, or shooter not ready. Target repeated at no penalty
Delay
Targets must launch within reasonable time after call (typically 0-3 seconds)
Shotgun Selection
Sporting clays shotguns must be 12 gauge or smaller. Most shooters use over/under or semi-automatic shotguns.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular (20, 28, .410 allowed)
- • Barrel Length: 28-32 inches (30" most common)
- • Chokes: Interchangeable chokes essential - IC to Full
- • Weight: Varies by model and gauge
- • Stock: Adjustable comb for proper fit
- • Capacity: Two shells (break action or plug for auto)
Choke Selection
Sporting clays requires different chokes for different presentations. Most shooters change chokes throughout the course.
Skeet / Improved Cylinder
Close rabbits, close crossers, close teal
Modified
Mid-range crossers, most presentations
Improved Modified / Full
Long crossers, high chandelles, distant targets
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 1 oz or 1-1/8 oz
- • Shot Size: #7.5 or #8 (most versatile)
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps
- • Note: Target loads, not hunting loads
Sub-Gauge Events
- • 20 Gauge: 7/8 oz, #8 or #8.5
- • 28 Gauge: 3/4 oz, #8.5 or #9
- • .410 Bore: 1/2 oz, #9
Essential Gear
Shooting Glasses
Multiple lens colors for different light (yellow, purple, clear)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs ideal for squad communication
Shooting Vest
Holds shells, has recoil pad, keeps gear organized
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Comfortable layers - courses take 2-3 hours
Proper Footwear
Hiking boots or trail shoes - uneven terrain
NSCA Classification
The National Sporting Clays Association uses a classification system based on your average score over time. Classifications range from Master (highest) to D (entry level), ensuring fair competition among shooters of similar skill levels.
For current classification percentages and requirements, refer to the official NSCA Rule Book.
Major Tournaments
U.S. Open
Annual championship
Part of the NSCA Championship Tour
National Sporting Clays Championship
Annual championship event
Premier NSCA championship
Championship Tour
Series of seven tournaments
Includes five regional championships, U.S. Open, and National Championship
Getting Started
Find a Club
Locate NSCA-affiliated club near you
Shoot Recreationally
Get comfortable with course format and gun handling
Join NSCA
Required for registered shoots - tracks your scores
Enter Registered Shoots
Start competing in your classification
Sub-Gauge Events
Many tournaments offer separate events for smaller gauges, adding variety and challenge.
20 Gauge
Popular stepping stone from 12 gauge
28 Gauge
Very challenging, growing in popularity
.410 Bore
Ultimate challenge for experienced shooters
Fundamentals
Gun Mount
Pre-mounted position is allowed. Establish consistent hold point for each station based on where target first appears.
Focus on the Target
Hard focus on target, not barrel. Your peripheral vision will align the gun if mount is consistent.
Move With the Target
Match target speed, establish lead, pull trigger while still moving. Never stop your swing.
Follow Through
Continue gun movement after trigger pull. Most misses come from stopping the gun.
Reading the Menu
Each station has a menu board showing target presentations. Study it carefully before shooting.
Watch others shoot first to see target flight paths
Note which targets are true pairs vs report pairs
Identify specialty targets (mini, midi, battue, rabbit)
Plan your choke selection for the station
Common Mistakes
Shooting Too Quickly
Let target get established before shooting - don't rush
Wrong Choke
Using too tight or too open choke for the distance
Not Reading Targets
Failing to watch squad members and learn target flight
Inconsistent Mount
Gun mount must be identical for every shot
Negative Self-Talk
Dwelling on misses - focus on next target only
Target-Specific Tips
Rabbits
Account for ground targets - lead appropriately and avoid chasing bounces
Teal
Time your shot carefully - rising targets require proper lead and timing
Battue
These thin targets are most visible when face-on - timing is critical
Chandelles
Allow target to establish its flight path before shooting
True Pairs
Plan your approach - decide which target to shoot first and transition smoothly