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Military training for Swiss youths has been recorded since the Middle Ages. Conscription started at the early age of 16 and so even boys were taught how to handle weapons. Shooting practise for Zurich youths was first described in 1576 but the actual Knabenschiessen competition was first documented in the second half of the 17th century.
As Zurich traditions go, the Knabenschiessen for 12–16 year-old boys on the second weekend in September is second only to the spring Sechseläuten, which bids farewell to winter. However the shooting match has only existed in its present form since 1899. Thousands of boys - and recently girls - take part in the competition for youngsters at Albisgüetli. Each competitor has five shots and the winner receives great honours with his/her picture appearing in every Zurich newspaper.
The «Shooting King» receives an old Zurich coin on three silver chains and may choose an award from the prize table. In addition, as a guest of the Baker’s Guild, the winner is invited to the "Sechseläuten" banquet, attended by representatives of the Government, high-ranking Swiss Army officials and members of Zurich’s Guilds. The "Knabenschiessen", set in the picturesque, showpiece city at the foot of Üetliberg, attracts all the young people from Zurich and neighbouring towns - a vivid and vibrant folk festival for everyone.
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