Adventure Education

Archery

A Brief History

• Archery is one of the oldest sports that are still being practiced today.

• The bow and arrow can be traced back as far as the Paleolithic era (35,000 to 8000 B.C.), and is the most widely used weapon in human history.

• While there is recorded evidence of archery contests taking place in china more than 3000 years ago, the modern sport of target archery most likely originated in England during the 14th century.

History (cont.)

• During this time, the longbow was considered the English army's most important weapon.

• This was mostly due to its long range capabilities, the likes of which swords and spears do not possess.

• Archery became so important in England during this time that a royal decree of 1363 obliged all Englishmen to practice archery on Sundays and holidays, whether they wanted to or not.

Types of Contests• During this time there were a few different styles of

shooting.• There was clout shooting, in which arrows were arched

high into the air with the intention of hitting a target which was laid flat, not vertical.

• "Roving marks", another style, saw archers shooting at a target, only to shoot at a new target from the location of the previous target. This is often cited as the oldest form of competitive archery, and was practiced by Henry VIII.

• Finally, there was butt shooting, in which "butts" (composed of turfs of earth) held targets, which the archers would shoot at.

The Olympics• Archery was a part of the second Olympic

Games, held in 1900. • It was dropped after 1920, however, because

rules varied too much between nations. • It was not restored in 1972. • This was after enough nations had formed

archery governing bodies affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de Tir l'Arc, which was founded in Paris, is 1932 to standardize rules for international competition.

Parts of the Arrow

Parts of the Bow

Scoring

Other Terms• Armguard: Protects the bow arm from abrasion by the string when

the arrow is released.• End: A group of arrows, usually three or six, which are shot before

going to the target to score and retrieve them.• Finger Tab: A flat piece of leather that is worn to protect the string

fingers when the arrow is released• Group: (n) The pattern of arrows on the target. (v) To shoot three

arrows on the target.• Quiver: A case for holding arrows. Usually, a long leather container

worn on a belt at the waist.• Release Aid: Mechanical device used to release the arrow, used by

most compound shooters.• Robin Hood: It occurs when an archer drives the tip of the shaft of

one arrow deep into the end of another arrow already in the target.

Safety Rules• Never - Ever “Dry Fire” a Bow.• Withdraw arrows from the target by placing one

hand on target the other hand against target and pull.

• When walking with arrows on the range cover tips with one hand and the other hand is on the shaft.

• If while at the firing line you drop an arrow leave it and raise your hand and the Instructor will bring you a replacement.

Safety Rules (cont.)• Follow all directions the first time given.• Absolutely no horse-play.• Always face down range when loading or

holding arrows.• Do not bother or even talk to a shooter while

they are at the firing line.• Listen to and follow all range commands.

Range Commands• All range commands are done with whistles.• Two blasts – Get Bow• One Blast – Shoot• Three Blasts – Go Get Arrows• Five or more Blast – Emergency – Stop

everything – Do not shoot.

11 Steps to Archery Success

1. Stance2. Nock3. Set Draw Hand4. Set Bow Hand5. Pre-Draw6. Draw7. Anchor

8. Aim9. Shot Set-up10.Release11.Follow through

and reflect.

From its early history to modern times, archery has always been a competitive sport, in addition to a vital weapon.

Surely, many years from now archery will continue to be a popular sport reaching across age gaps and national borders, uniting archers from all over the world.