With its roots coming from England, Sporting Clays is a clay pigeon shooting sport. Often described as golf with a shotgun, the sport differs from skeet and trap shooting in that it involves shooting clays at various locations which are launched at different velocities and angles. The original idea behind sporting clays was to create an experience that more closely reflects actual hunting conditions.

Clays are thrown at different angles and speeds; sometimes across the shooter's view, towards the shooter, or away from the shooter. The shots are intended to simulate hunting for quail, pheasant, dove, or other game. Many courses have traps which throw clays from tall towers simulating high-flying ducks or geese. Some courses even have clays that roll and bounce along the ground which simulates a rabbit.