What is archery? Archery is a word that comes from a Latin phrase arcus. It is a skill and art of using bow and arrow to shoot a specified or unspecified target. It obtains recognition as an international sport with most of the people engaging in it as a hobby or a professional. It is known to bring a lot of fun to the archers and refresh their minds.
The types of equipment used in archery are bow and arrow. The commonly used type of bow is the recurve bow and the compound bow. The recurve bow is best in sports with a specified target and compound bow is mostly in hunting due to its excellent speed and ability to shoot a moving target. Despite this, after having archery training for beginners, you can use any of the bows after perfecting your skills either with a specified or unspecified aim.
When is the right time to be an archer? Am I fit to be archer? Can I make it be the best archer? Does my sex affect my performance in this sport?
These are among the many questions that sneak in your mind when you see the gorgeous archers shooting arrows to the sky and appears magical. Right? Here is the perfect response. Can you walk by yourself? Are you hands-free? If yes the time is now to start archery. Remember any time is the right if you are willing.
Yes, I mean you are fit to learn archery if you have an undeniable passion in it. With consistency and confidence, you can learn archery, and before you know you will be in the field practicing it.
Acquire your bow and arrow and start the training lessons. Both male and female have kept an unbreakable record in this field; hence your sex is not a determinant.
Which factors should I consider when buying the archery equipment?
The quality of the equipment determines your success as an archer. Am sure you know that if you have exposure in archery. Shooting bows and arrows are enjoyable but can strain with faulty equipment’s. You can put the below factors in consideration to have a successful archery training and profession.
a. Choose a bow with the best poundage. Poundage determines the weight it will take to pull the bowstring back. Make sure it should is not too easy to pull-back the bowstring. The reason is you will end up over pulling. Still, it should not be too hard to avoid applying a lot of energy.
The draw weight should be equitable to your weight and height to prevent injuries. Your size and weight are the determinants of the poundage
b. Is the arrow length fit for you? Choose an arrow that is 1-2inches longer than your arm length divided by 2.5. The making materials of the arrow should not worry you if the arrow length is fit.
c. Which is your dominant eye? Your dominant eye affects your aiming hence is very crucial. You can perform the dominance eye test by forming a triangle around the eyes with your thumbs and forefingers to know the perfect side to place to the how. The hand should worry you less because aiming will be precise which is more vital
d. Is your safety at risk when holding the equipment? Your safety should come first if you need to be in the field for another chance. Carrying the equipment’s should not be tiresome. It is a fun event, not an endurance test.
e. The cost of the arrow and the bow should be affordable and reasonable. Expensive equipment does not guarantee high-quality items while low prices can be as a result of counterfeit item.
Ensure the price is reasonable and also you can afford it. If it is not affordable at the moment you can borrow or rent archer equipment’s meanwhile, else wait, it is not a life and death matter.
How can I begin archery training lessons?
Having a bow and arrow does not make you an archer. You need to undergo training on shooting bow and arrow to have perfect skills and build your hobby complete. These are the steps you can take to start your training.
a. Learn from a live person. Do you have friends, neighbors, relatives, or any person near you who practices archery?
If yes, you can talk to them to offer you some training. Besides, in this technologically advanced world, you can watch videos in your gadgets of people shooting.
b. Take an introductory course. An introductory course serves the best for it is purposely for people without any knowledge in this field. It will give you the archery fundamentals like how to place your feet, how far should you pull the back string and also offer a supportive environment where you can consult.
To get an introductory course, you can find nearby clubs or schools that offer the course.
c. Do you know you can teach yourself archery? Archery is a skill and an art which perfectly facilitates self-training. After obtaining the equipment’s, get a few videos on archery, and ensure you get adequate time to practice what the video says.
Have self-discipline and ensure you attend the lesson regularly and give it your best. After gaining some experience, you can ask for comments from an experienced person and do any necessary correction.
Which are the terms associated with archery?
Vocabulary |
Meaning |
| Fishtailing | It entails movement of the arrow side to side in case of a flight. |
| Face | The is the specified target during the shooting process |
| End | End refers to the agreed number of arrows that you will release before scoring. It is mostly applicable when competing |
| Draw | This term implies pulling back the bowstring to shoot. |
| Butt | The space behind the target face that ensures no obstructions while shooting |
| Barebow | A bow without the aiming part. |
| Arm-guard | Usually made of plastic metal or leather for covering the bow-arm |
| Chest-guard | Very vital clothing. It prevents the string from destroying your clothing |
| Foot-marker | Tit ensures consistent foot positioning for stability and better aiming |
| Gold | The center part of the target and mostly has a yellow marking |
a. Tight grip- A tight grip is mostly as a result of fear. You should have confidence in yourself that you can be the best archer. Use a slight open grip to prevent all the problems that come from hard gripping.
Ensure you feel relaxed and your hands at ease. Take a deep breath and release all the tension. Take it easy.
b. Bad practice habits- All the best archers you know started from somewhere and with a good practice habit they have made it. Practice makes perfect. Learn how to shoot bow and arrow and continuously practice what you learned.
c. Lack of tuning- Tuning is very crucial so never ignore to have a good experience later.
d. Do you use the wrong equipment’s?- Archery is an art that brings a unique feeling and also needs exceptional attention. The bow and the arrow should be of the right size according to your body size; hence, your physical presence is essential when buying it. Have a bow that fits you well or else you will be mad at yourself for ignoring.
e. Are your archery equipment’s stored and handled in the right way? Are you aware that twisting you bow will always leave your shot off?- Keep your bow in a vertical position always and let it be torque-free. Store the free from liquids and high temperatures.
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Final Words
As a beginner in archery, you often have a lot of questions in your mind. And that is where this piece comes in. It highlights all the essential details about the archery for beginners. To many being an archer is not a bed of roses and unfortunately, this article does not think otherwise since you have to make multiple considerations before eventually becoming an avid archer.
For society, it is a thing to boast about in the current generation, where archers earn a lot of respect. It tests virtues such as patience, confidence, and determination since these are the words that describe the character of successful archers. The information above explains factors you should put into considerations before finally arriving at a worthy of purchasing archery for beginners. It also goes into details about how to start the archery lessons before eventually becoming an expert.
In addition to that, the article also explains important archery details. Consider the particulars above, and equip yourself with the requirements of becoming an avid archer.