#archery guide

[halfarsedhermit]

Archery Tutorial in art and stock photography! You can find all these images and more reference photos on https://gumroad.com/syccas

[fisicol92]

[worldarchery]

Beginners guide to archery at the Paralympics

The Rio 2016 Paralympic archery competition runs from 10 to 17 September in the Sambodromo.

Everything you need to know before the archery competition starts at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

[noisyblizzarddreamer-blog]

Archery Conditioning Program - Archery Pain in Shoulders

Archery Conditioning Program - Archery Discomfort in Shoulders  Painful Shoulders Preventing You Against Shooting? The Six Week Recovery Arrange For Archers With Weak And Sore Shoulders "The most typical injuries inflicting archers is by using shoulders. The program has assisted some of my favorite clients return to shooting in only 6 days" - Alistair Whittingham Presenting... "Strong Shooting Shoulders". The Reason Why You Find out more at https://glimpsebookstore.com/archery-conditioning-program-archery-discomfort-in-shoulders/

[noisyblizzarddreamer-blog]

Archery Conditioning Program - Archery Pain in Shoulders

Archery Conditioning Program - Archery Discomfort in Shoulders  Painful Shoulders Preventing You Against Shooting? The Six Week Recovery Arrange For Archers With Weak And Sore Shoulders "The most typical injuries imposing archers is by using shoulders. The program has assisted some of my favorite clients return to shooting in only 6 days" - Alistair Whittingham Presenting... "Strong Shooting Shoulders". The Reason Why You Find out more at https://glimpsebookstore.com/archery-conditioning-program-archery-discomfort-in-shoulders/ To read more on this topic click here

[jmorpc]

Could you write a guide on how to be an archer?

So, this was an anonymous request, and by archer, they mean like Robin Hood, Katniss Everdeen, Snow White, etc. In this guide, I'll try to cover all bases about archery. I have next to nil experience when it comes to archery, so please bear with me on this one. You can find more under the cut!

SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

When beginning archery, most people will wear certain equipment that protects them from certain aspects of the sport. Whether shooting for fun or as an athlete, archers will take precautions to protect themselves against injuries. Listed below are several pieces of equipment that prevent/protect against injuries: 

Arm Guards

These are worn across the inside of the bowing arm or the arm that holds the bow. They are generally made from plastic and protect the inside of the arm against the string as the arrow is fired from the bow

Bow Slings

There are three types of bow slings that can be used to greatly improve the performance and accuracy of shooting, and enable the archer to shoot with a relaxed bowing hand. Finger slings, wrist slings and bow slings. The finger and wrist slings are both worn by the archer, and the bow sling, although it is attached to the bow, the archer also loops it around their hand.

Chest Guards

A chest guard is worn in the same manner an arm guard would be, to protect the archer from the backfire of the string on the bow once the arrow has been released. Chest guards usually look like a cropped one armed vest and are worn on the the side of the body which the bow is held.

Finger Tabs

Finger tabs are worn on the shooting hand (the hand that pulls and releases the string). They look like a small baseball glove, made from leather and protect the archer's fingers from the bowstring.

Shooting Gloves

The are worn on the shooting hand, and much like finger tabs, they protect the fingers from the bowstring upon shooting and release.

SAFETY:

Obviously, there are some safety elements involve in archery when it's done for recreation, such as competitions or the Olympics, or even re-enactments. Here's a few things you should think about before you even load up your bow with the arrow: 

Clear field

Is the target area clear of any obstructions? Particularly people/animals that may get hurt or harmed when I shoot this arrow? Be sure that there is nothing that could get injured, damaged or broken before you shoot

Announce

Before you begin to shoot, always announce or sound a warning to let anybody in the target area or nearing/about to enter the target area that shooting will commence. It's always a good idea to sound a warning or announce when shooting has ceased also. This will let both shooters and spectators know it is safe to enter the shooting area.

Test equipment

Before you set up on the archery range, it's always a good idea to test your equipment. You don't want a bowstring to be too loose or too tight that it makes it difficult to shoot accurately. 

Wind direction

Always, always, always make sure you know which direction the wind is blowing in, and if it's too strong to shoot. You don't want your arrow flying off in the opposite direction it's supposed to, and possibly causing some damage/injury.

LOADING & SHOOTING:

Depending on what kind of bow you are shooting with, loading a bow can vary drastically. With sporting bows, many have an arrow rest, where the arrow sits and is guided when it is released from the bow string. But with many traditional bows, there is not an arrow rest per se, the arrow with rest on the side of the index finger of the bowing hand. For the purposes of this guide, I'll focus on loading and shooting from a traditional bow (purely because I have a little experience with these rather than athletic bows).

Once all precautionary steps have been taken, the bow is lifted and held at arms length, with the bowstring closest to the body. The bowing arm should be outstretched but not tensed and not loose, and held parallel to the ground for simple target shooting.

The arrow is added to the bowstring by it's nock (the section at the base of the arrow that helps it sit in place until it is released/fired from the bow). The arrow is placed roughly in the center of the string, some bows have a nock locator, which is usually two knots or pieces of metal with a space between where the arrow with sit. 

Never load an arrow with the tip pointing towards you or another person.

The tip of the arrow is then placed in front of the bow and rests on the pointer finger or forefinger of the bowing hand. A common misconception is that the pointer finger is hooked over the arrow to keep it against the bow and increase accuracy when it is fired, this only serves the arrow to be released with a handicap and the shot is inaccurate.

The grip on the bow should be tight enough that the bow will not spring from the hand or fall, but not so tight that the muscles in the hand ache from the tension. A relaxed grip is best for this, however as the bowstring is pulled taut, the grip on the bow may be tightened, and once the arrow is released, the grip can loosen again. The release of the arrow should be at the chin, but the shooting hand should continue to move back past the shoulder.

Both eyes should be open when aiming and shooting the arrow, and looking down the tip of the arrow at the target.

STANCE/FORM:

Another important factor when shooting is the stance or form the archer takes. One cannot simply shoot with a forward facing (to target) stance, it would be almost impossible to take an accurate shot. A typically good stance to hold for shooting would be to stand with feet apart (about level with the hips/pelvis width), and at a 90 angle to the target. The target should be visible past the shoulder of the bowing arm.

Although it is not advisable to shoot an arrow while travelling, it is possible. It takes practise to learn how to do this, in addition to a good eye for the target. 

SENSATIONS:

Some sensations that may be felt during archery are:

muscle tension in the shooting hand (the hand that draws/releases the bowstring)

tension in the shoulders

hyper-extension of the bowing arm

discomfort in the eyes

stiffness in the shooting arm

soreness or stiffness in the neck

RESOURCES:

I've included some videos/websites that could be useful also:

How To Become A Master Archer (Like Katniss Everdeen)

Archery Secrets

Be Good At Archery

How To Be An Olympic Archer

Archery Facts

[real-kate-bishop]

Starting Archery, Part 4: Shooting Basics

Here I'll talk you through how to shoot a recurve bow. Please use this guide only as a supplement/reminder in addition to personal instruction from an archery coach. Again, please join a club and take lessons; this will save you a lot of frustration and potentially injury.

The number one thing to remember when learning archery is:

RELAX (DON'T PANIC)

Stay calm and loose. I've seen lots of beginners get so uptight about everything, they contort themselves into strange shapes, they lean and twist about, and they throw everything out of balance. Relax. Simple, efficient motions are the key.

The second thing to remember is: TAKE YOUR TIME

You will only get a limited amount of shooting time per session. Make each arrow count by thinking carefully about each step in sequence. Over time, it will become natural and unconscious, but at first you should be very intentional about everything you do. There's no need to rush; work through each step consciously and carefully.

The steps of shooting!

1. Stance

Stand on the shooting line, facing perpendicular to the target; you should be facing the same side of the target as your dominant hand/eye. That is, if you're shooting right-handed, you should be facing to the right, and vice versa for shooting left-handed. You should stand with one foot on either side of the line, with your feet about shoulder-width apart and pointing forward. Stand comfortably and naturally; don't bend over or puff out your chest. Once you're in position, don't move again.

2. Hips and shoulders

Your feet, hips, and shoulders should all be in line, facing forward. Don't twist or lean to pull the bow during any part of shooting.

3. Nock an arrow

This is a good point to put an arrow on the string. Always make sure the arrow is nocked all the way (you should hear and feel a click), and that the odd-coloured fletch is towards you.

4. Hand position

Your grip on the bow is a very important part of your shooting technique. It determines the angle of your hand, arm, shoulder and body relative to the bow. Bad hand position is a major culprit in smacking your forearm with the bowstring.

To practice good hand position:

Make a two-finger gun with your bow hand, so your ring and pinkie fingers are folded in. The top of the riser should sit comfortably on top of your hand, on the joint between your thumb and hand.

Wrap your index and middle fingers gently around the grip, with your fingertips resting on the front of the riser and your thumb on the side of the grip. Keep your bottom two fingers tucked in alongside the grip.

This naturally moves your hand into a good hand position. Your first two knuckles should be at a 45-degree angle below horizontal. You should also have good contact between the riser and the palm of your hand, and the center of the grip should sit in the center of the base of your palm.

This position should feel comfortable and solid. You should not need to grip the bow tightly. When you draw, you should always have good contact between the grip and your palm, with the bow pressing into your hand (not the other way around!)

Hand position is very important. A lot of the injury, discomfort, and bad form in beginners is based in bad hand (and by extension, arm and shoulder) position. I highly recommend Performance Archery's guide to hand position and the thrilling sequel for a good (if overly detailed, at this point) explanation.

5. Position your front arm

Lift your front arm, holding the bow, as if I had asked you "Where is the gold?" and you point with the bow. Your arm should be straight from your shoulder, and your elbow joint turned horizontally. You should place the bow approximately where it will be when you shoot. Keep your shoulders relaxed. For help with front arm position, see this guide.

6. Draw

With your tab covering your fingers, grab onto the string. The string should sit in the first knuckles on your fingers, just above your fingertips. Most clubs will teach either three fingers below the arrow or one-above-two-below; in either case, keep your pinkie finger off the string. Align your drawing arm so that your forearm is parallel to the floor and in line with the arrow. There should be no bends in your arm at the fingers or wrists.

Using your back muscles, draw the string back. Think of it as if someone is pulling your arm back by the elbow; the rest of your arm should be relaxed. Pull straight back to your anchor point only by moving your drawing arm; never push forward with your bow arm. Again, guide here.

7. Anchor

It may take you some time to find an anchor point that works. Depending on your coach, you may be shooting with an anchor point on your face (barebow style) or under your jaw (recurve style). For both, don't be afraid to press your hand into your face. The more reference points the better!

For a face anchor, use some or all of the following points of reference:

Index finger knuckle under your cheekbone

Base of your thumb around the curve of your jaw

Fingertip at the corner of your mouth

String touching your face/nose

For a jaw anchor, use the following points of reference:

Top of your hand (between your index knuckle and the base of your thumb) in firm contact with the line of your jaw

String pressed into the front of your chin and the tip of your nose

Many beginners are hesitant about pulling the string all the way to their face, but a solid, consistent anchor point is absolutely critical to shooting well, so get as much contact with your face as you can. If you need some ideas, watch some experienced archers anchoring: Ladies Team Gold at Medellin and Gents Mixed Team Gold (Field). Of course, Performance Archery also has a guide here.

8. Aim

If you have a sight, look through it and put the pin/dot in the middle in the center of the gold. If you don't, look down the shaft of the arrow and put the point of the arrow in the center of the gold.

Aiming is much more, and much less, than this. As you're just starting, this is more than enough to worry about for now!

9. Release

Relax the fingers on your drawing hand. The key is to not let your hand come forward with the string, but rather let the string slip off your fingers while your hand continues the drawing motion backwards. A good release will end with your hand under your ear (face anchor) or on the side of your neck (jaw anchor).

10. Followthrough

Just like a tennis player following through on their swing, archers have followthrough as well. For archery, it involves:

the movement of the drawing hand backwards to complete the release movement (as described above)

keeping the bow arm still and allowing the bow to swing

keeping good form until after the arrow has hit the target

Maintain good form until after the shot is complete ensures that you are maintaining good form during the shot as well.

Some Important Things!!

This guide is not meant to teach you to shoot from scratch. It is intended to help remind you of the things to pay attention to in between sessions with a coach.

You will not get all of these things right the first time you shoot. Learning archery is like trying to put an octopus in a picnic basket; just when you think everything's in order, something slips out of place while you weren't paying attention. Don't worry about it too much, you're learning!

Observe. Watch archery finals and medal matches on YouTube. Watch the experienced archers in your club shoot. Look for the steps described above and try to do what they do. 

MOST IMPORTANT: Relax. Take your time. Do one step at a time. Archery is fun!

More Information:

Performance Archery's YouTube and website. These guides are aimed towards more advanced archers. If they confuse you, skip them and come back when you have a better feeling for archery.

Also try World Archery's YouTube for lots of good footage of professional archers on top form.

Protip: avoid YouTube how-tos, especially jokey, Hunger-Games-related ones or Howcast. Learn to shoot from a coach or instructor.