What's it all about?

Archery has several forms, the most common being Target Archery, in which the archers shoot at a row of targets at set distances varying from 10 yards to 100 yards, depending on the round being shot and the gender, age and ability of the archer. During the summer months the longer distances are shot out of doors, while in the winter there is normally the opportunity to shoot indoors at the shorter distances (but the target faces are also smaller to compensate).

Each ‘round’ consists of a specific number of arrows to be shot (normally in groups of 3 or 6) at set distance(s) and a variety of ‘rounds’ exist to allow the opportunity of shooting all day, or for just a part of it.

For the most part competition is between individuals, with separate categories, depending on the gender and age of the competitor and the type of bow being used; team competitions also exist between clubs, counties, and right the way up to the highest levels. The score for each arrow depends on how close it is to the centre of the target and the winner is simply the person or team with the highest score!

Target Archery is a worldwide Olympic sport, there are regular World Championships and an annual World Cup series, culminating in head-to-head shoot-offs. But it also exists at a local level as both a competitive sport and recreational activity that is suitable for almost any age and level of physical ability. Although at this level it does not pose any extreme demands on physical fitness, it is certainly an enjoyable way of participating in moderate exercise in the fresh air.