Archery is the practice or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. The word comes from the Latin arcus meaning ‘bow’ or ‘arch’. Historically, archery has been used for hunting and combat and was invented in the late Palaeolithic or early Mesolithic periods. The oldest signs of archery’s use in Europe date from around 10,000BC, while in Asia and the Middle East evidence suggests archery originated even earlier. In modern times, it is mainly a competitive sport and recreational activity.
A person who participates in archery is typically called an archer. Someone who is fond of or an expert at archery is called a toxophilite – ‘lover of the bow’, from Ancient Greek (tokson ‘bow’) and (philos ‘friend’).
As a sport, archery requires skills of precision, control, focus, repetition and determination. It is available to be practised by all, no matter age, gender or ability, and is a widespread pastime in both developed and developing countries. Archery is often in the public eye, both as an important sport on the Olympic Programme, and thanks to popular culture.
Archery is addictive. You have been warned!
Types
Archery has differnt types based on the the type of bows used, court setups, and targets.
Target Archery
One of the most popular types, wher archers shoot on stationary targets. It can be played indoor or outdoor. This type of archery is included in the Olympic Games.
Field Archery
This is an outdoor game, where archers shoot on stationary targets set at different locations in a wood like court, with up and down hills.
3D Archery
In this type of archery, the player shoots on three-dimensional foam animal targets. The targets are set at different distances in a wood like court.
Traditional Archery
Traditional archery is the old school of archery, where all the modern accessories are removed and lets archers really connected with their bows and arrows
Source: https://www.archery360.com/archery-101/
Basic Terminologies
The following terms are used to describe archery equipment and methods mainly for the benefit of beginner archers:
-
Recurve Bow - The traditional type of bow. The string attaches to the end of each limb. A true Recurve bow has limbs which, for the end few inches curve back towards the front of the bow. This gives the bow greater power. Many archers now a days shoot a different type of bow with wheels and what looks like a lot of strings. This is called a Compound bow.
-
Limbs - These are what the string is attached to. Most modern bows can be taken to pieces [hence the expresion take down bow] and the limbs detach from the riser [handle]. The flexing of the limbs when you pull the bow is what stores the energy to shoot the arrow.
-
Riser - This is the handle of the bow. It is centre part of the bow.
-
Loose - This is the act of letting go of the string. The loose will allow the string and the limbs to go back to their original position. This releases the energy and propels the arrow to the target.
-
Bracer - An arm guard. It prevents the string from hitting your arm.
-
Tab - Protection for the fingers when pulling the bowstring.
-
Anchor Point - The point on your face where your hand rests when the string is pulled back fully. To shoot accurately it needs to be in the same place each time you shoot.
-
Fletchings - The generally plastic fins on the arrow. They stabilise the arrow in flight.
-
Nock - The part of the arrow that clips on the string.
-
Nocking Point - The point on the string where the arrow fits. Generally there will be two small metal rings on the string. The nocking point is between them.
-
Serving - A tough whipping of thread or monofilament which protects the middle and end of the bow string.
-
Target Face - The coloured paper target that is pinned to a stand. The colours are, from the centre, Gold, Red, Blue, Black and White. Each colour equates to a different score dependent upon the round.
-
Gold - The highest scoring part of the target.
Source: http://www.braintreebowmen.co.uk/archery-information/the-basics#Basics
Archery Safety & Etiquette
For your own and other's safety make sure you follow these safety rules:
-
Never draw a bow, even without an arrow, except when facing the target standing on the shooting line
-
Never aim a bow anywhere except at the target
-
Never start shooting unless the field captain / coach approves (whistle)
-
Immediate compliance with the word "FAST". It can be shouted by any archer who sees any sign of danger. As soon as you hear the word "FAST" stop shooting at once, bring your bow down and return the arrow to the quiver
-
Never go in front of the shooting line until the field captain / coach approves (whistle)
-
Never run, always walk towards the target. Look at the ground so as not to walk into or tread on any arrows that may have fallen short
-
Never stand behind an archer who is pulling arrows out of a target you may get an arrow nock in the face
-
Never let go of a drawn bow without an arrow in it (dry shot). The energy that usually causes an arrow to fly can seriously damage the limbs of a bow and cause personal injury
The following are the rules of Etiquette. Please try to observe them at all times:
-
Do not talk in a loud voice while others are shooting
-
Do not talk to another competitor who obviously prefers to remain silent
-
Do not make any exclamation on the shooting line which might disconcert a neighbour in the act of shooting
-
Do not go behind the target to retrieve your arrows before the score has been recorded
-
Do not walk up and down the shooting line comparing scores
-
Do not touch anyone else's equipment without permission
-
Do not leave litter
-
When calling scores does so in groups of three, for example '10-10-9' pause '10-9-7'
-
If the archer breaks another's arrow through his own carelessness, he should pay for it in cash on the spot
-
Thanks the Target Captain at the end of each round for work in his behalf
Source: http://www.braintreebowmen.co.uk/archery-information/the-basics#Etiquette
Archery in Cinema
Starting with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, archery was featured in a run of big-budget Hollywood movies; The Hunger Games, The Avengers and Brave.