Archery
Archery
Introduction
We are providing an opportunity for members to practice archery indoors.
With a proper ritual, the arrow will find the target.
The objective of our practice is not to try to hit the bulls eye, but to perform the shot with proper form.
Guidelines.
- If the arrow hits the bulls eye, everyone will remain quiet. Remember, this is a form of meditation
- Once an end is finished, everyone will retrieve their arrows. (under the lead of a coordinator)
Equipment - see below
- Recurve or straight bow of 40 - 45 pounds or less (Youth 15 - 30 pounds)
- Bow stringer
- 6 arrows
- arm guard and finger protection - either glove or tabs.
Shooting tips
The key to good shooting is to be consistent. That means having consistent posture, holding the bow, drawing, and releasing. Aiming is another thing - in our system, this becomes instinctive with more shots.
Posture
The starting point to good posture begins with the stance. There are two common stances: in-line, like a horse stance with the toes in line with the target. A diagonal stance is such that the toes of the front foot are in line with the leading arch of the back ankle - the line extends to the target.
Equipment Selection
Recurve Bows - Length
The recommended length of a bow can be approximated by the height of the archer.
| Archer Height | Bow Size (length unstrung inches) – AMO |
|---|---|
| Up to 5’6″ | 64 |
| Up to 5’10” | 66 |
| Up to 6’2″ | 68 |
| 6’2″ and over | 70 or longer |
However, the draw length will give better approximation for the length of a bow
Draw length = arm span/2.5
NOTE: Arm span is measured by spreading your arms out to the sides and measuring finger tip to finger tip.
Bow length = Draw length X 2
Bows - Draw weight
A light draw weight is recommeded for absolute beginners. 20 - 24 lbs is a good beginning. Investing in a good ILF (International Limb Fitting) riser and detactable ILF limbs will serve for your archery evolution. This way you can change the limbs according to your growth as an archer
Arrows
Arrows commonly come in three materials - wood, fiberglass and carbon. Carbon arrows are mid-priced and a good start.
Arrows come in degrees of flexibility (bendiness) and that is measured in a number called "spine". Lighter bow weights can use 600 spine while heavier bows should move up towards 350 spine.
Fletching (arrow feathers) are commonly made of turkey feathers or plastic vanes. Recommendation: Feather
Arrow tips can be changed depending on usage. For the safety of our equipment, we recommend 100 grain bullet tips. Since arrows usually are sold with field tips, these will have to be changed to bullet tips, reserving the field tips for outside practice.
Arrows purchased from a store are usually 31 - 34 inches long - too long for normal usage. The arrow's length can be adjusted to suit the size and poundage of the bow.
Arm Guards
The string rash from the bow string hitting the inside of the forearm is a stinging reminder of your practice especially as a beginner. Buy an arm guard that will cover most of the forearm. Plastic arm guards with air slots are comfortable to wear without too much sweat.
Finger gloves/tabs
There are two types of finger protections - a shooting glove and a tab. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. Cheap shooting gloves are usually stiff when first used but will soften during use.
Quiver
A small belt loop quiver will suffice for occasional shooting. The maximum number of arrows that it will need to hold is about 12.