Get Into Archery
What is Archery?
Archery is the sport of using a bow to shoot arrows at a target. It’s a sport that combines focus, technique and consistency, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Archery is one of only a few sports where you might see an Olympian standing on the same line as a new participant! It’s also a great sport for forming new connections within your community and provides a fantastic mental health outlet.
Types of Archery
Archery is practiced in a variety of forms around the world. Each type has unique equipment, rules and techniques. But all share the same goal, aiming to hit the middle of the target.
Bow types
There are five main types of bows commonly used in Australia, each offering a unique style and challenge. Many archers enjoy shooting more than one type, discovering the different techniques and experiences each bow provides. Archery is a diverse sport, and offers members opportunities to explore multiple bow types to enjoy the full breadth of what it has to offer.
Recurve
The recurve bow, named that way due to the curve in the limbs of the bow. It is the only bow historically used in Olympic competition (right up till compound was added to the programme for the 2028 Olympics). It is widely used in all forms of archery and is commonly used by the majority of clubs, to introduce new participants to the sport.
Compound
Compound bows use a system of pulleys and cables, reducing the weight the archer must hold once the bow is drawn, sometimes by up to 90% less! It also commonly features a magnified sight, level bubble and release aid. This bow is popular due to it’s accessibility and the additional accuracy offered by these aids.
Barebow
Barebow archery has grown in popularity over the last few years. It uses a recurve bow but without sights or stabilisers. Archers rely on moving their fingers up and down the string and using their arrow or other reference points to aim. Making it a somewhat technical and traditional style of shooting. It has a growing following worldwide and is recognised in international competition.
Longbow
The longbow is the most traditional form of bow, often made from a single piece of wood. It has a simple design with no additional equipment or aids. Many compound/recurve archers will also shoot longbow on occasion, as it offers an appealing simplicity without sights or stabilizers or other accessories to worry about.
Crossbow
A crossbow is a type of bow mounted on a stock with a trigger mechanism, allowing the archer to shoot bolts (short arrows). Unlike traditional bows, the crossbow is held and does not require the archer to draw and hold the string while aiming. Within Archery Australia, crossbows are only used in specific clubs and competitions that are set up for them, as they have different rules and safety requirements. New members interested in crossbow shooting should check with their local club to see if crossbow activities are offered and what guidelines apply
Discplines
As well as different bow types there are also many different ways the sport is played.
Field
Field archery is shot outdoors across natural terrain. Archers move through a course and shoot at targets set at different distances and angles, similar to a round of golf. Targets can be set between trees, down steep hills or even across dams or creeks. Field archery is appealing to many due to the uniqueness of each target and the skills required to successfully navigate the challenges each target presents.
Target
The most well-known form of archery. Target archery involves shooting at traditionally coloured targets set at measured distances. This is the discipline seen in the Olympic Games, World Championships and many national competitions.
Indoor
Shot at shorter distances (usually 18m or 25m) and at a much smaller target. Indoor archery is commonly shot in the winter overseas and is still practiced in Australia during the colder months. Known for its precision, this event is widely recognised as one of the toughest mental tests in archery
Clout
Clout archery is a discipline where archers shoot arrows over long distances at a flag on the ground. The flag is used along with a rope to measure the diameter of the target and score arrows. Distances as far as 180 meters are shot during this round!
Individual competition
Archery competitions are often individual, where each archer shoots a set number of arrows to achieve the highest possible score.
Team competition
Team events are held alongside individual competitions at both national and international levels. These are typically made up of three archers of the same gender, or two archers in mixed teams.
Match play
In match play, archers go head-to-head in elimination rounds, with scores compared either arrow by arrow or set by set. The format creates an exciting atmosphere, often with spectators cheering or matches being recorded, adding both a tactical edge and a nerve-wracking intensity to the competition.
Come and try sessions
“Come and Try” sessions are designed for people who want to give archery a go without needing their own equipment. Under the guidance of accredited coaches, you’ll learn the basics of safety, technique, equipment, etiquette and be introduced to the community within that club. It’s the perfect first step to get started in the sport.
Beginners course
A beginners course is the next steps after completing your come and try to get serious about the sport. On joining a club it is a 12 week program where you receive equipment and time to build on your skills and confidence as you are introduced to the sport and build on your technique and style.
Oz Bow
OzBow is an Archery Australia program developed to provide a structured and inclusive pathway for new archers to develop their skills. Perfect for all ages and abilities, this self-paced and independent program allows participants to progress and builds skills and confidence while collecting a progression of badges as you work through each level.