Introduction to Archery


Archery is an inclusive sport which allows you to participate at whichever level you
choose – whether it’s pitted against yourself as you try to improve your score at a particular
distance or in competition with archers  of varying abilities and experience, some of whom
 may have represented their country at international level.
  
 

There are five types of bow used in target archery: recurve, compound, barebow, longbow and

American flat bow.

 

 

Recurve

Named after the shape of the bow limbs as they curve back on themselves.
Can be one piece or built-up from two limbs and a riser body.

 Longbow

Beautiful traditional one piece bow typically made of Hickory and Lemonwood.
Mastering the longbow takes time, great skill and strength.

 Compound 

Employing a system of cams and pulley that changes the power characteristics of the bow.  This allows more time for aiming at full draw without tiring the archer.
     

 

 

There are also four main disciplines: target, field, clout and flight.

 

 

Target

Set rounds shot indoors in winter and outdoors during summer (as shot by Alison Williamson in the video clip below).

Field

A combination of different targets and faces at different distances in mixed terrain and elevation.

Clout

Where the target is marked out on the ground with a coloured flag.  The arrows closest to the flag score the highest points.

 

 Flight is where the archer tries for the furthest distance an arrow can travel.

 

  
 
Watch Alison Williamson's BBC video tutorial
 
 
     The BBC has produced an excellent introductory video to archery as part of their  
     Beijing 2008 Olympics coverage.  Watch Team GB's Alison Williamson (Bronze
     medalist at Athens 2004 Olympics) and her video guide.