Once used for hunting and in combat, archery now it has been rendered as a sport. The wonderful game that involves a bow and arrow, has gone through many phases in its entire existence, with the earliest known recording of an arrowhead stretching as far back as 70,000 years. The debate does circulate around this recreational activity, where some would call it a sport or practice, others would have it called an art form. One thing is certain, is that this sport is definitely and undeniably appealing to many people. That said, before you go taking from the rich and giving to the poor, as one Robin Hood once did, here are some basics every archer needs to know.
What You Should Know
Before you go around jumping off buildings, acting as a self-proclaimed hero, you should consider taking it down a few notches and familiarize yourself with the basics. Though, firstly, you must know where and how you intend on practicing your shooting skills.
There are a multitude of purposes that will encourage you to take this far-reaching interest to heart. The most common will be target archery, where you will be typically targeting static objects. However, this sport comes with far-reaching uses. The archery wizards at Archery Edge explain the different and most common uses for a bow, showing that archery is a varied sport that deals with far more than just immobile targets. For instance, archers may compete in 3D archery, which utilizes targets that resemble a game such as squirrels, skunks or deer. That said, here are a few things that should get you started:
1. Choose the Right Bow
Essentially, before you move any further, consider taking a suitable amount of time in choosing the bow that will best fit your needs. This becomes especially important seeing as how the sport is made up out of bows and arrows. You will have to make a number of considerations during your search, with everything from size and shape, each deserving considerable attention. The experience is very similar to pick out a new pair of shoes, wherein trying your bows on before purchase becomes favorable and pivotal in helping you decide. Moreover, each bow will carry a different price tag, which shares a correlation with the skill level the item holds. Naturally, beginners will look for one that is beginner-friendly.
2. Do Not Forget About The Arrows
So, you have figured out exactly the type of bow you will be getting. Though, what is a bow without an arrow? You might think that acquiring arrows is as easy as just going to an archery store and picking out the first arrows your eyes find favorable. However, you must make sure that the arrows you are getting are compatible with the bow that will be shooting them. In order to make sure that the arrows will not snap, the package will usually communicate this sort of information by saying something like “will work on bows up to 50 pounds”.
3. Get Some Targets For Practice
Now that you have procured your equipment, all that is missing is a target to shoot at. They come in various types, though the standard type you will be looking to get is a WA (World Archery) target. The good thing about these targets is that they are stationary and match the image you have probably denoted to archery and target practice.
4. Work On Your Stance
An archer’s stance is the foundation that will make for good shooting. And no, it is not as easy as just standing. In fact, a poor and inconsistent stance may end up making your shots go haywire. So, to avoid that effect, make sure your lower body supports your upper body and that your feet are deeply seated into the ground.
5. Anchor Point
Finding a good anchor point is perhaps the most difficult thing in archery. It is also fundamental. Your anchor point is the place where your draw hand rests when you draw the bowstring back before letting go. Typically, you will want your draw to be firm but not forceful. Also make sure that you do not change it, as it could affect the direction of the arrow’s flight.
All in all, this sport is one that requires complete focus and patience. As a beginner, the struggles you will be faced with at first are going to be difficult, as well as have you on edge. However, practice makes perfect, so do not be too hard on yourself. Similarly to how a bow needs to be pulled back before it is shot into great things, so does your ego. Remember, always ease up on the bowstring before shooting, so as to not mess up your shot.