Archery is a rewarding hobby that combines focus, strength, and precision. It enhances mental acuity and promotes physical fitness. To get started, find a local club or range, take beginner’s lessons, and consider investing in your own bow and arrows.
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Archery
as a hobby
“Don’t think of what you have to do, don’t consider how to carry it out!” he exclaimed. “The shot will only go smoothly when it takes the archer himself by surprise. It must be as if the bowstring suddenly cut through the thumb that held it. You mustn’t open the right hand on purpose.”
Eugen Herrigel, Zen in the Art of Archery
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We curated content to familiarize you with archery as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
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Archery was among the first sports to include a women’s event at the Olympics – in 1904.
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Basic lingo for orientation.
- Bow: The device that shoots arrows. There are different types of bows, such as recurve, compound, longbow, etc.
- Arrow: The projectile that is shot from the bow. Arrows have a shaft, a point, fletching, and a nock.
- Nock: The part of the arrow that attaches to the bowstring. It is usually a small groove or slot at the end of the arrow shaft.
- Draw: The act of pulling the bowstring back to prepare for shooting. The distance between the bowstring and the bow grip is called the draw length.
- Anchor: The point where the hand holding the bowstring touches the face or chin. This helps with consistency and accuracy.
- Release: The act of letting go of the bowstring to shoot the arrow. There are different methods of release, such as using fingers, a tab, or a mechanical device.
- Bullseye: The center of the target, usually marked with a circle or a dot. Hitting the bullseye is the highest score in most archery games.
- Quiver: A container for holding arrows. It can be worn on the archer’s back, side, or attached to the bow.
- Fletching: The feathers or vanes at the end of an arrow that help it fly straight.
- Limbs: The upper and lower parts of the bow that bend when the string is drawn.
- Riser: The center part of the bow where the archer holds. The limbs are attached to the riser.
- Stabilizer: A rod attached to the bow to reduce vibration and increase balance.
- Sight: A device attached to the bow to help the archer aim.
- Dry Fire: Releasing the bowstring without an arrow. This can damage the bow.
- End: A round of shooting, usually consisting of a certain number of arrows.
- Round: A complete game of archery, consisting of a certain number of ends.
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How to break the ice and make a start.
- First, make sure you have a place to practice. An archery club near you is the best option. If an archery club isn’t available, you can contact your local authorities to check if it is allowed to practice in your backyard or public areas.
- If you start at an archery club, you probably don’t need to buy any equipment, as it will be provided to you.
- Before your first class, you can buy an archery stretch training band, and follow a tutorial for basic exercises. This way you won’t feel like a complete newbie at your first lesson. The band will continue to be useful for practicing at home.
- If you are a bit anxious about your first visit to the archery club, you can watch a video on what to expect at your first lesson.
- If an archery club isn’t available and you have a legal alternative place for practicing on your own, buying an archery stretch training band and following exercises can be an easy and cheap first step.
- Then, you can buy your first archery kit and follow YouTube tutorials, online courses, and books, while keeping it safe.
- If the conditions for archery aren’t ideal, consider starting with darts as an alternative. Darts are a great way to develop hand-eye coordination and focus.
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Archery has been around for over 60,000 years.
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What equipment do I need to start archery?
You’ll need a bow, arrows, and a target for practice. Additional equipment might include a quiver, arm guard, and finger tab.
Keep in mind that starting at an archery club is recommended. In this case, you probably won’t need any equipment for getting started, as it will be provided.
Before visiting the archery club for the first time, you can buy an archery stretch training band. You can follow some basic exercises with it, so you won’t feel like a complete newbie in your first archery class. The band will continue to be useful for practicing at home.
Is archery expensive?
The cost can vary depending on the type of equipment you choose. Beginner’s equipment can be relatively affordable, but professional-grade gear can be more expensive.
Is archery safe?
Yes, when practiced responsibly and with proper safety measures, archery is a safe hobby.
Can children participate in archery?
Yes, children can participate in archery. There are junior bows available for younger archers.
Do I need any special training to start archery?
While you can learn on your own, it’s recommended to take lessons from a certified instructor when starting out.
How much space do I need for archery?
The amount of space needed can vary, but a safe, open area is necessary. Many people practice at archery ranges.
Is archery a good form of exercise?
Yes, archery can provide a good upper body workout and can also help improve focus and concentration.
Can I compete in archery events as a hobbyist?
Yes, there are many local, national, and international archery competitions open to hobbyists.
Can I practice archery at home?
While it is important to refer to your local laws and regulations, practicing archery at home is generally legal, provided you have a safe space and adhere to all necessary safety precautions.
Additionally, there are exercises you can do without a bow or any equipment at all. For example, you can use a training band to simulate the drawing of a bow, which can help build the necessary strength and muscle memory. Various strength and flexibility exercises can be beneficial for archers.
How big should my backyard be for practicing archery as a beginner?
The size of the backyard needed can vary, but a distance of at least 10 to 20 yards is typically sufficient for a beginner practicing with a low-poundage bow.
What are the different types of bows, and which type is best for beginners?
There are several types of bows including recurve, compound, and longbow. Recurve bows are often recommended for beginners due to their simplicity and ease of use.
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South Korea’s Im Dong Hyun, who is legally blind, was a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and set a world record at the 2012 London Olympics.
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