Guides / Getting Started / Complete Guide to Five Stand for Beginners

Complete Guide to Five Stand for Beginners

Everything you need to know for your first round of five stand

8 min read Beginner
Sporting clays variety
No walking required
Fast rounds, affordable

Improve Your Game

Five stand tests your versatility. Each station demands different techniques—mastering them all takes practice.

Key Techniques

Read the Target Before You Shoot

Every target has a break point—where it's easiest to hit. Watch view targets to find it, then commit to shooting there.

Adapt Your Lead

Crossers need lead. Incomers need less. Outgoers need to shoot quickly. Adjust your technique for each target type.

Prioritize on Pairs

On true pairs, decide which target to shoot first before you call. The harder target usually comes first so you have time for the easier one.

Adjust Your Choke

Closer targets = more open choke. Longer shots = tighter choke. Five stand rewards those who think ahead.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring the Menu

Surprises kill scores. Know exactly what target is coming before you call "Pull."

Using the Same Lead for Everything

A fast crosser needs more lead than a slow incoming chandelle. Adapt to each target.

Chasing the Second Target

On pairs, break the first target cleanly before thinking about the second. Rushing leads to two misses instead of one.

When to Get a Coach

Five stand exposes weaknesses in your overall game. A coach can identify which target types give you trouble and why.

  • • When certain target types consistently give you trouble
  • • When you want to improve your pair shooting
  • • Before entering competitions
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