Drills

& Skills
NAME

Master your archery form quickly

with these official Drills and
Skills exercises.
Once these Drills & Skills are
Introduced, Learned, and Mastered,
you can receive an optional bronze,
silver and gold ASAP medal!
As each highlighted Skill is Mastered,
you can receive an optional award.

Drills
& Skills
Table of Contents
Page 4-27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 30
Page 31
Page 32

Drills & Skills

Stringing a Recurve Bow
Arrow Patterns
Scoring a Target
Archery Organizations
Parts of a Bow

Practice these Drills at home as often as you can and

you will find yourself becoming a better archer every
time you shoot.
To get the most out of these Drills, stand in front of
a mirror first without a bow, then using a string loop
and/or a stretch band so you can see that you are in
the proper position and making the proper motions.
You can also have a parent or someone watch you to
make sure that you are doing the Drills correctly.

Drills & Skills Check-list

PAGE

DRILL/SKILL

Basic I
4-5

INTRODUCED
(Bronze)

LEARNED

MASTERED

(Silver)

(Gold)

Safety Rules and Procedures

Arrow Pulling Skill

1-2-3 Alignment Drill

1-2-3 Release Motion Drill

Nocking the Arrow

10

Stance and Posture ( *)

11

Side of Face Anchor ( *)

12

Bow Hand Position Drill & Skill ( *)

13

Setting the Hook Drill & Skill ( *)

14

Elbow Rotation Drill

15

Release Motion Skill ( *)

Basic II
16

Finger Release Drill

17

Finger Release Skill ( *)

18

Elbow Rotation Skill ( *)

19

Aiming without Bowsight Skill

20

Posture and Alignment Skill ( *)

22-23

Four-Step Shot Sequence Drill

24-25

Shot Sequence Skill(*)

26

Under the Chin Anchor Skill ( *)

21
27

String Alignment Skill

Aiming with Bowsight Skill

(*)=optional award available when Mastered

3

SAfETY RuLEs ANd

PROCEdURES
Introduction
Before learning to shoot, all archers must know and
understand the safety rules and procedures that are
used for the class.

Technique
Follow the rules and procedures that are taught by
the instructor at your first archery class. Standard
rules and procedures are listed on the following page.
These rules may be a little different at the range
where you shoot. Learn the archery range rules ,
procedures and commands for where you shoot and
always obey your archery instructor.
When you come to archery practice, be prepared to
shoot in clothes that are snug enough not to interfere
with the string. In colder weather, you might try to
wear long sleeve thermal undershirts. Be prepared
to tie back long hair and remove any jewelry or other
items that might interfere with the path of the string.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You have attended the first class and
heard all of the rules.
LearnedYou know the rules and procedures .
Mastered- You always follow the rules and
procedures at the archery range.

Standard Archery Range Rules

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Know and obey all archery range commands.

Keep your arrows in your quiver until you are told to shoot.
Always wear your arm guard and finger tab.
Only use the arrows the instructor gave you.
Remember what they look like.
Always keep your arrows pointed down or towards the target.
Shoot only at your target.
Only release the string at full draw when there is an arrow on
the bow.
If you drop an arrow, leave it on the ground until you are told
to get your arrows.

Archery Range Whistle and Voice Commands

Two Blasts - "Archers to the shooting line."
One Blast- "Begin shooting ."
Three Blasts- "Walk forward and pull your arrows."
Four or More Blasts (series of blasts)- "STOP SHOOTING Immediately and put
your arrows in your quiver."

Archery Range Procedures

Stand behind the waiting line until you hear 2 whistles or "Archers to the shooting
line." Pick up your bow and straddle the shooting line.
Keep your arrows in your quiver until you hear 1 whistle or "Begin shooting."
After you have shot all your arrows, step back from the shooting line , set your bow
on the rack, and wait behind the waiting line.
After everyone is done shooting and behind the waiting line, the instructor will blow
the whistle 3 times. "Walk forward to get your arrows ... Stop at the target line."

Pulling Your Arrows

Two archers at a time , from each target, may go forward from the target line to pull
their arrows.
Stand to the side of the target and make sure that no one is standing behind your
arrows.
Pull your arrows out one at a time, and put them in your quiver.
After you have pulled all of your arrows, return to the waiting line.
5

ARROW

PulliNC1 Skill
Introduction
Since many of the arrows in a target are at face level,
careless archers can get hit by the back of the arrow
when someone else is pulling their arrow from the target.
Follow proper procedures to prevent accidents and to
make sure the arrows are not bent or broken when being
pulled out of the target.

Technique
When you move forward to the target, stop at the Target
Line. One or two archers at a time from each target may
go forward to pull their arrows. Stand to the side of the
target. Make sure that no one is standing behind your arrow. Pull your arrows out one at a time. Put one hand on
the target face next to the arrow, grab the arrow as close
to the target as possible, and pull it straight out. Place
each arrow in your quiver or on the ground before pulling
the next arrow.
If an arrow passes partially through the target, where the
feathers cannot be seen, pull the arrow out from the back
of the target, continuing in the direction that it was shot.
This will avoid excessive damage to the feathers. If the
arrow has "snaked" under the grass where the feathers
are covered, you should also pull it out in the same direction that it was shot. Be carefu l not to lift up on an arrow
that is stuck in the ground since that could break it.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand how to pull
arrows correctly.
LearnedYou can demonstrate how to pull your
arrows correctly.
Mastered- You always follow procedures for
pulling arrows.
6

--

Target Line

1-2-~ ALiCJNMENT

DRill

(WiTHouT A Bow)

Introduction
The 1-2-3 Alignment Drill helps you get the feel
of being in the proper shooting position at full draw.

Technique
Maintain your stance and posture throughout this
drill. Stand up straight, with your arms relaxed at
your sides, palms towards your legs, and your
head facing straight in front of you.

#1 : Raise arms to
form a ''T".

Shoulder Shrug Exercise: Raise your shoulders

up towards your ears, then push your fingertips
down towards the ground. Repeat several
times, then begin the 1-2-3 Alignment Drill.

#2: Turn your head

towards the target.
#3: Bring drawing
hand to your face
and maintain your
alignment.

1 -While keeping the feeling of pushing your

fingertips towards the ground, raise your arms
straight up to form aT, palms facing down.
Shoulders, ribs and chest should stay down.
2- Turn your head towards the target, keeping
it straight up and over the center of your body.
3- Bring your drawing hand to your face by
bending the elbow while maintaining your
alignment. This is the feeling you should have
at full draw. The chest is perpendicular to the
target face, your shoulders and chest are down,
and your body is in aT position.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand each step.
LearnedYou can follow each step and
repeat the drill.
Mastered- You can repeat the drill perfectly
while standing up straight,
keeping your shoulders and
chest down and relaxed, and
remaining in proper alignment
while bringing your hand
to anchor.

1-2-) RELEASE
MoTioN DRiLL

(WiTHOUT Bow, THEN wiTH

STRiN(1 Loop oR STRETCH BANd)
Introduction
The 1-2-3 Release Drill will help you learn the
proper motion and direction of the release
and a proper follow through.

Technique
From the "1-2-3 Alignment Drill", go through the
release motion on the count of three. From the full
draw position, count "1-2-3". On "3", move your
release hand along the side of your face to under
your ear, simulating the motion of the release and
follow through. The fingers of your drawing hand
should remain relaxed, and your hand should remain
in contact with your face and neck. Follow the jaw
line throughout the motion, finishing with the fingers
touching your neck, just below your ear.
First learn this drill without any aids, then learn the
same motion using a string loop or stretch band.
Practice while looking in a mirror to make sure your
hand follows the motion as shown in the pictures.
Practice this drill as often as you can at home.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand the motion.
LearnedYou can repeat the motion consistently
without an aid .
Mastered- You can repeat the motion with a
stretcih band or string.

with string loop

NockiNCJ

THE

ARRow

Introduction
You'll need to find a quick and easy way to nock your
arrow on the string. The arrow must be nocked properly
every time.

Technique
Start by resting your bow with the lower limb tip on the toe
of your shoe. Pull an arrow out of your quiver holding it
near the nock, using your thumb and index finger. Place the
arrow on top of the arrow rest, and snap the nock on to the
string, below the nock locator. Make sure the nock is snug
against the nock locator. The odd-colored feather should
be facing you, or away from the bow. Keep your bow hand
fingers off the arrow shaft while nocking the arrow.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You have seen a demonstration and have
nocked your own arrow.
LearnedYou can nock your own arrow without any
help from the instructor.
Mastered- You nock your arrow properly every time
you shoot.

STANCE ANd
POSTURE (WiTH

Bow)

Introduction
A good stance and proper posture set up the foundation for good shooting technique and greater
stability. For beginners, a square stance helps align
the body with the target. Later, you may change to
a more open stance.

Technique
Place one foot on each side of the shooting line
with your feet shoulder width apart. Keep your feet
in the same place until you are done shooting
your arrows.
Throughout the shot, keep your bottom tucked
under your body and your chest and ribs down. Tilt
your entire body slightly forward so you have 10%20% more of your weight on the balls of your feet
than on your heels.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand proper stance
and posture.
LearnedYou can demonstrate proper stance
and posture.
Mastered- You are able to repeat and maintain
proper stance and posture every time
you shoot.

I
I
I
I
I
I

------

Square Stance

I
I
I
I
I
I

---

Optional Open Stance

Good Posture
10

SidE-of-FAcE
ANcHoR SkiLL
(WiTH Bow)

Introduction
The anchor is important because it determines
where the arrow is pointed. Anchoring on the
side of the face with your first finger on the
corner of your smile is appropriate for beginners. This anchor is easy to find and repeat,
and places the line of the arrow near the eye
for easy aiming.

Technique
At full draw, place the first finger of your drawing hand on the corner of your smile. Pull
your hand in snug to your face. Keep the back
of your hand and fingers relaxed while coming
to the anchor position. Make sure the anchor
is in the correct place and your hand is held
firmly against your face.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand how to anchor
correctly.
LearnedYou can demonstrate proper
anchor position.
Mastered- You anchor consistently on the
side of your face while shooting.

11

Bow HANd

Form a "Y" with

your fingers and
thumb.

PosiTioN DRill
& Skill
Introduction
There is one common bow hand position that is
used by all of the top archers in the world. This
bow hand position aligns the bones of the arm right
behind the force of the bow, and allows for good
contact and a relaxed bow hand.

Technique
Start by raising the bow arm and holding your bow
hand out towards the target. Make a "Y" with your
fingers and your thumb, and then allow your
fingers to relax. Your hand should end up with your
knuckles at a 45-degree angle and your thumb
pointed towards the target. The pressure of the bow
grip should be centered as shown.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand the explanation and
can practice the drill.
LearnedYou are able to demonstrate proper
bow hand position .
Mastered- You are able to consistently set your
bow hand in the proper position
while shooting.

Allow fingers
to relax.

Front view of
proper bow
hand on bow.
Grip pressure
point is depicted
in blue.

Right-Handed Archer
12

SEniN(1 THE

Hook DRill & Skill

(WiTH Bow)
Introduction
This drill helps you learn to place the fingers on the
string and keep your string hand relaxed.

Technique
The string should go in or behind the first
groove of the first three fingers. Keep your fingers,
the back of your hand and your wrist as relaxed as
possible throughout the shot. Look to see that the
string is placed on your fingers and that your
fingers are placed on the string in the same
location every time.

"3 Fingers Under"

hook for beginning
archers

A great way to practice relaxing your string hand

is with a heavy bucket or a book bag. Hook your
fingers around the handle of the bucket or the top
loop of a book bag. Let it hang by your side, keeping your entire hand relaxed, except for the muscles
you need to maintain the hook.

Skill
Now try the same thing while shooting your bow.
Keep your hand and arm relaxed, from the hook
all the way to the elbow.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand explanation and how
to practice the drill.
LearnedYou are able to demonstrate proper
string hand position.
Mastered- You are able to consistently set
your hook in the proper position
while shooting.

"Split Finger" hook for

intermediate archers

13

Elbow
RoTATioN DRill
Introduction
To allow better alignment of the body, and a stronger bow arm and shoulder position, you will learn to
rotate your elbow out of the path of the string.

Technique
Hold your hand against a door edge, and practice
rotating your bow arm by rotating your upper arm
clockwise (RH) until the inside of the arm is straight
up and down. Make sure to keep the shoulder down
and back. Keep your bow hand in the proper
position, with your palm down and your knuckles at
a 45 degree angle.

Hold door edge

with bow hand.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand the explanation and
how to practice at home.
LearnedYou are able to demonstrate proper
bow arm position - with elbow rotated
to the proper position.
Mastered- You are able to rotate your bow arm to
the proper position without any help.

..L
Rotate elbow
down while keeping shoulder down
and back.

Right-Handed Archer

14

RElEASE

MoTioN
Skill
(WiTH Bow)
Introduction
After you have mastered the 1-2-3 Release
Motion Drill with a string or stretch band, you
can begin working on your release motion while
shooting a bow.

Technique
When you release the string, your hand should
move back in the same motion that was learned in
the 1-2-3 Release Motion Drill. The fingers of your
drawing hand should remain relaxed, and your hand
should remain in contact with the face and neck
throughout the motion, finishing with your fingers still
touching the neck, just below your ear.
With a proper release, you should feel as if the
string went through your fingers, as the string
pushes your fingers out of the way.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand proper release motion
with a bow.
LearnedYou can release the string and follow
through correctly.
Mastered- You can release the string and follow
through consistently, keeping your
fingers relaxed, your hand on your
face and finishing under your ear.

Left-Handed Archer
15

FiNCJER RElEASE DRill

Introduction
One of the most important techniques to learn in shooting is releasing the string in the smoothest way possible.

Technique
Hold the top limb with your bow hand about 12 inches from the
top limb tip and hook your fingers around the string also 12 inches
from the top of the string.
While looking at your release hand , allow the string to leave you r
fingers by relaxing your hand . The string should feel as if it has
gone through your fingers, or pushed your fingers out of the way.
Your fingers should remain curled and relaxed as if they were still
on the string. If you see your fingers open or straighten, continue
the drill until they remain curled and relaxed.
When you release the string correctly, bring the string up to your
face so you can release near your anchor. Make sure you followthrough as in the 1-2-3 Release Motion Drill.
Another excellent way to practice this drill is with a stretch band,
a string loop, or by "hooking" the finger on your opposite hand.
Look at your hand in front of you, and practice a relaxed release
as described above.
Using a bucket or book bag as shown in the "Setting the Hook
Drill" (page 13) you can practice letting the string go through your
fingers by relaxing your hand and letting the bucket or bag drop.

Accomplishment
Introduced- The drill has been demonstrated to you
and you know how to practice it.
LearnedYou can repeat the drill using each of the
above methods.
Mastered- Your fingers remain relaxed and curled as
the string pushes them out of the way
through each of the above methods.

16

With string loop

FiN~ER RELEASE Skill

(WiTH Bow)
Introduction
After you have mastered the Finger Release Drill, try to
get the same feeling while shooting the bow.

Technique
While drawing the bow, make sure you keep your
fingers, hand and arm from the string to the elbow
relaxed as you move your hand into the anchor
position. Release the string by totally relaxing your
fingers, allowing the string to push them out of the way
while continuing the drawing motion.
Your release hand should continue straight back
naturally following the path learned in the 1-2-3
Release Motion Drill (see Page 9).

Accomplishment
Introduced- You have mastered the Finger Release
Drill and the 1-2-3 Release Motion Drill,
and have begun to focus on the release
motion while shooting.
LearnedYou can release the string keeping
the fingers relaxed and following the
proper motion.
Mastered- You consistently release the string
properly.

Right-Handed Archer

17

Elbow
ROTATiON Skill
Introduction
After mastering the Elbow Rotation Drill
(page 13), it is time to practice it with your bow.

/-.., ......

Technique
Begin practicing by shooting up close at a blank
bale. When you set your bow hand position and
hook, rotate your elbow into the correct position.
Look again after you have raised your bowarm to
make sure that the inside of your elbow is straight
up and down. Keep watching the bow arm as you
draw to make sure that it remains in this position
throughout the rest of the shot.

Accomplishment
Introduced - You understand bow arm rotation with
a bow and have begun to practice it on
a blank bale.
LearnedYou can raise your bow arm, draw the
bow and shoot while keeping your bow
arm rotated in the proper location.
Mastered- You consistently keep your bow arm
rotated while shooting at a target.

Right-Handed Archer

18

...

AiMiN~ WiTHOUT
A Bow Si~HT Skill
(WiTH Bow)
Introduction
While most new archers just point their arrows at
the target, a definite system of aiming will always be
more accurate. Without a bow sight, you can use
the "Point of Aim" method. Always keep your focus
on your shooting form. That's what makes your arrows group consistently.

Technique
The "Point of Aim" method uses the point of the
arrow as a sight. When at full draw, look to see
where the point of the arrow is in relation to the
target center. If the arrow goes high when you
shoot, move the point of aim down on the target
face or towards the shooting line on the ground. If
the arrow shoots left or right, adjust the point to the
left or right.
You will have to find a different point of aim for each
distance. As you move back, the point will move up
the target. At some point you will be at a distance
where the point of the arrow is in the middle of the
target. This is called "Point On". As you move back
further, the arrow point will be above the target.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand the Point of Aim
method.
LearnedYou can demonstrate the Point of Aim
method, moving your groups to the
middle of the target.
Mastered- You can move groups to center of the
target as distances change.

19

POSTURE ANd

ALiGNMENT SkiLL
(WiTH Efow)

Rear elbow is even,

or slightly higher,
than the arrow.

Introduction
For the students who have mastered the
1-2-3 Alignment Drill (page 7), now it is time
to practice the skill with a bow.

Technique
At full draw, you should be in the same position as
you learned in the 1-2-3 Alignment Drill, standing
up straight, with your shoulders down, pointing
your bow arm shoulder towards the target. Make
sure you stand up straight as you raise and draw the
bow back to anchor, keeping your chest down and
your bottom tucked under.
Your head should remain in place directly over
your body through the motion.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You have mastered the 1-2-3
Alignment Drill and understand the
Alignment Skill.
LearnedYou can stand at full draw with
your shoulders and chest in
proper alignment.
Mastered- You consistently remain in proper
alignment while shooting the bow.

Back muscles are helping

to hold bow at full draw.

Bow hand is relaxed

and barely gripping
the bow.

Bow is held straight up

and down.

Right-Handed Archers

Top view with

recurve bow.

20

f'"- .

- .

'F

....

._ ~-

...

t"

STRiN~

Ali~NMENT Skill
(WiTH Bow)
Introduction
It is important to line up the string with the center of
the bow, or next to the sight ring if there is one. This
keeps the arrow in a line pointed towards the target
and reduces left and right errors.

Technique
Line the string up with the center of the bow (or sight
ring) as you begin to draw. Maintain your string
alignment while drawing the bow and through the
final shot process.
Keep your anchor in place while trying to find your
string alignment. String alignment is found by
turning the head while pivoting on the stringkeeping the anchor snug. Make sure the
string stays on the center of your nose, and not
off to the side.

Accom pi ish ment

Introduced- You understand string alignment.
LearnedYou can achieve proper string
al ignment.
Mastered- You can find and use string alignment
on every shot.

21

FouR-STEp SHoT
SEqUENCE DRill
(WiTHOUT Bow)
Introduction
There are four major steps in shot preparation and execution.
Each of these steps puts together previously taught drills and
skills into a sequence .

Technique
The steps are Set, Raise, Draw to anchor and Release.
You should practice at home in front of a mirror without a
bow, and then with a stretch band, following the pictures in
your handbook.

Set

Set - First prepare for the shot by setting the proper stance
and posture. Set the bow hand and string finger hook.

Raise- While keeping your shoulders and chest down, raise

your arms together, pointing your bow shoulder towards the
target. The drawing arm and arrow should be near nose level, parallel to the ground, with the sight just above the target.
Draw- While maintaining your posture and keeping your
chest down, draw the bowstring back until your elbow is
behind the arrow. Keep the string lined up down the center
of the bow. Allow your bow arm and string hand to drop to
anchor and sight level during the drawing action.

Release - Release exactly as learned in the Release Drills,

and follow through until the arrow hits the target.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand the Four Step motion.
LearnedYou can demonstrate the Four Steps
without a bow.
Mastered- You can repeat the Four Steps correctly and
consistently without a bow, and with a
stretch band.
22

Raise

Draw

Release

Left-Handed Archer

23

FouR-STEp SHoT
SEqUENCE Skill
(WiTH Bow)

Set
Introduction
You will repeat the Four-Step Shot Sequence Drill
with a bow and arrow.

Technique
The steps are Set, Raise, Draw to anchor
and Release.

Set - First prepare for the shot by setting the

proper stance and posture. Nock the arrow, set
the bow hand and string finger hook.
Raise- While keeping your shoulders and
chest down, raise your arms together,
pointing your bow shoulder towards the target.
The drawing arm and arrow should be near nose
level, parallel to the ground, with the sight just above
the target.
Draw- While maintaining your posture and keeping your chest
down, draw the bowstring back until your elbow is behind the
arrow. Keep the string lined up down the center of the bow. Allow
your bow arm and string hand to drop to anchor and sight level during
the drawing action.
Release - Release exactly as learned in the Release Drills, and
follow through until the arrow hits the target.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand the "Four Steps" and how to practice it.
LearnedYou can demonstrate the "Four Steps" with your bow.
Mastered- You have mastered the "Four Steps"- completing the
shot process correctly and consistently every time .

24

Left-Hand
Recurve
Bow

Raise

Draw

Release

I
Draw

Right-Hand
Compound
Bow
25
- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UNdER-THE-CHiN
ANcHoR Skill
(WiTH Bow)
Introduction
The "under the chin" anchor is the most common
anchor used by international recurve competitors.
This anchor gives the most contact points, and
allows for a higher trajectory of the arrow for
shooting longer distances.

Technique
Draw the string straight back until it touches the
front of your chin and the tip of your nose, with
your drawing hand slightly below the jaw. Then
bring the drawing hand up firmly against your jaw
bone. The string should be firm against the front
of the chin, slightly to the side and lightly touching
the tip of the nose.
Make sure the drawing hand and fingers
stay relaxed and you keep your alignment
while anchoring.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand how to
anchor correctly.
LearnedYou can demonstrate proper
anchor position.
Mastered- You anchor consistently under
your chin while shooting.

26

AiMiN(1 WiTH A
Bow Si[1HT Skill
(WiTH Bow)
Introduction
A bow sight is commonly used by archers in almost
every style of archery. It is attached to the bow and
is adjustable for up and down (elevation) and left
and right (windage). The sight setting is different for
everyone, so you will have to learn to "sight-in" your
own bow.

Technique
Focus on your shooting form and technique.
Aiming does not make the arrow go in the middle,
only good shots will do that. Aiming is just a
reference to center your groups on the target.
Look through the sight ring at the center of the
target. The ring will automatically center. There
will always be some movement of the sight. This
is normal and should be expected. With practice ,
the motion will become smaller, but will never go
away completely.
To adjust the sight, move it in the direction that the
arrows are grouping. If the arrows are grouping
high , move the sight up. If the arrows are grouping
to the right, move the sight to the right.

Accomplishment
Introduced- You understand the aiming process.
LearnedYou can adjust your sight in the correct
direction and move your groups on
the target.
Mastered- You can adjust you r sight and center
groups at any distance whenever
you shoot.
27

STRiNqiNq A
RECURVE Bow
Every recurve bow archer will eventually
need to learn how to string and unstring
their recurve bow.
Modern limbs are made from laminates
of wood and synthetic materials and can
twist if strung without a "bowstringer."
A proper bowstringer aligns the limbs as
they are drawn back to string the bow.
Bowstringers come in a variety of styles,
according to their manufacturer.
They have a few things in common,
however. All tend to have one or more
pockets for the limb tips to rest in , and
all safely position the bow away from
your face.
Read their instructions and use as directed.
These photos show the correct way to
safely string a bow using a cord stringer.

28

ARROW PATTERNS
If your arrows are all identical , and if you do everything exactly the
same shot after shot, the arrows should hit in the same place every
time. Here are some common reasons why they might not. When
correcting you r shooting technique, always focus on how to do the
skill correctly-visualizing the correct form from the Drills and Skills
that you learned in this book.

High
Arrows
focus on:
Anchor consistent on mouth
Anchor snug under jaw
Proper bow hand position
Proper release motion
Nock arrow properly
Hook the string consistently

Left
Arrows
focus on:
Relaxed bow hand
Bow hand position
Keep release hand
touching face
String
.-
alignment
..
Keep bow
._ . . straight up and down.
Aim with right eye
(RH archer)

Right
Arrows
focus on:
Bow hand position
Relaxed Bow Hand
String alignment
Follow through with
bow arm
Keep eye on target
through shot

Low
Left
Arrows
focus on:
Make sure string clears
clothing, shoulder and arm

I#

Low
Arrows
focus on :
Keep bow arm up during release and
follow through
Keep head straight up over body
Maintain release motion and
follow through
Stand up straight- keep
proper posture
Hook string consistently

Low
Right
Arrows
focus on:
Keep looking at the
target during follow
through
Keep bow arm up

29

Tournaments

Scoring a Target
Archery is generally shot in groups of arrows. Each
group of arrows shot is called an "end ." An archery
tournament is made up of a series of ends.
Targets vary widely in colors, shapes and scoring, but
popular paper targets used in recreation programs have
5 colors and score from 10 points for hitting the center
to 1 point for hitting the outside ring .
Targets are set up at specific distances according to
the tournament rules. In the Olympics, 122cm targets
(approx. 48") are set up 70 meters away. At that
distance, the whole target appears no bigger than
your thumbnail.

Archery tournaments sanctioned by national archery

organizations are a great way to get involved in the sport.
Your agency or club can sponsor a team to the event,
which may be local or even nationwide.
Local archery clubs can help you plan or conduct
your own tournament. Contact the national archery
organizations on the next page for the names of clubs
near you .

"How do I score?"
Shoot 4 arrows for each "end" and fill out a scorecard
(write down higher scores first) as you go until you 've
shot all your ends. Add your End Scores together to
make your Running Score ...... .like this:

END
For your initial practice, you can set up targets as
close as you like so you 're always successful hitting
the target. You can move the targets back as you
improve to increase the challenge.
Scoring games are a great way to improve your form
and confidence. Once you've mastered the 5-color
paper target, you can move on to 3-dimensional foam
targets that have the scoring circles molded in , or twocolor field targets. The choices are endless!

''How much
is each
ring worth?

30

ARROW SCORE

END RUNNING
SCORE SCORE

17 17
4
4
5 4
2 5
3 16 33
4 4
4'l
3 . .3. . .. . .15
. . . . ....
. .3. . .5. . .4... .....
1

... and so on until finished!

l,

WoRld of ARcHERY
Organizations
USA Archery is the official organization for Olympic
Archery and is the U.S.A. member organization of FITA.
USA Archery provides training and development programs
to produce Olympic and World Champions.
Young archers can set goals to earn a position as a resident athlete at the
Olympic Training Center, represent the USA
at International Competitions, or try out for the US Archery Teams. The
Junior Olympic Archery Development Program and the College Division
are governed by USA Archery and hold local , state, regional and national
championships .
www. USArchery.org

National Field Archery Association incorporates numerous styles

of archery, w ith many equipment divisions, rounds, and age groups. The
NFAA hosts indoor archery tournaments and sanctions numerous Field &
3-D Rounds each year. Popular league programs and mail matches are
also sanctioned by the NFAA.
The NFAA is a member of the International Field Archery Association .
Members compete in regional and international competition such as the
North American Field Archery
Championships and the World Field Archery Championships sanctioned
by the IFAA.
www.FieldArchery.com.

Archery Shooters Association (ASA)

are the primary organizations for 3-D Archery in the
United States. They each host numerous 3-D tournaments , some with
large Professional Divisions .
www.ASAarchery.com
National Archery in the Schools Program
provides in-school physical education programs .
www.ArcheryintheSchools.org
National Alliance for the Development of Archery facilitates
instructor training and program development.
www. WorldArcheryCenter.com
Archery Trade Association is the industry trade
organization , and hosts a website where visitors can find local dealers ,
ranges , clubs and instructors .
www.AcherySearch.com
www.ArcheryTrade.org

31

PARTS

of

Bow

Recurve
A recurve bow
is known for the
double curve of
the limbs-first
curving backward
from the handle,
then curving
forward again
towards the tips.
This recurve form
gives the bow a
smoother release
than the longbow.

Inexpensive
recurve bows
are often used in
beginner archery
programs due to
their low cost and
low maintenance.
They are available
in sizes rangng
from 48" to 70",
and in a wide
number of draw
weight options
for different
sized archers.

32

Compound
A compound bow
combines the
handle and limbs
of a traditional bow
with the mechanical advantage of
wheels and cams.
The bow draws
back to a pre-set
stopping point, at
which , the oddshaped cam rotates
to allow the bow to
"let off'' a portion
of it's draw weight.
This sudden let-off
makes the bow
easier to hold at full
draw. For example,
a 501b compound
bow may only take
201bs of pull to hold
it at full draw.

Recurve bows
are used in all
forms of the sport.
Highly modified
recurve bows are
the only type of
archery equipment allowed in
the Olympics .

This NADA Go Archery! Drills &

Skills booklet is copyrighted material
and may not be reproduced without
written permission from NADA.

Field Archery

Compound bows
bows come in a
wide variety of
styles , shapes,
and features.
They are usually
much shorter than
recurve bows or
longbows.

......
- VERY
"'
_

National Field
Archery Association
800 Archery Lane
Yankton , SD 57078
www.fieldarchery.com
USA Archery
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
www.usarchery.org

Every shot wh ile following a trail from

one target to the next? Some t...,,.,.,.,t.are close, some far,
some uphill, and
some downhill.
There's probably a
National Field
Archery Association
club range near you.

Olympic Archery
Although only recurve bows are shot
at the Olympic Games, compound
and long bows are
shot at all other USA
Archery Events. Ask
how JOAD, The
Junior Olympic
Archery Development program can
help. Are you a future
Olympic Archer?

3-0 Archery
Test your skill on three-dimensional
animal targets . Part of the fun (and
the challenge) is in
estimating how far
away the target is .
The Archery Shooters Association holds
3-D tournaments and
many archery clubs
host fun shoots with
3-D targets.

Indoor Archery
Thanks to indoor archery we can
shoot year-round ! Indoor archery
classes, leagues, and tournaments
are often hosted by local archery
pro-shops, and recreation districts.
Facilitated by-

National Alliance for the

Development of Archery
24880 NW 16th Ave
P.O. Box 249
Newberry, FL 32669
(352) 472-2388 phone
(352) 472-2375 fax