On Target: Part 1

Archery is one of many medieval arts that continues to be in practiced today. Although style and technique have been modified (some may argue improved on) you can still pick up a bow without all the frills and triggers and gadgets and get a feel for the skill of the medieval archer. One of the many plusses of archery is it's versatility. Whether you're looking for a relaxing, peaceful way to unwind, a great sport to enjoy with friends and family, to shoot your own supper or win a tournament, archery is right on target. What follows is an introduction to archery, written in three parts, for beginners. It will cover equipment, safety and technique. Enjoy. Here's to many fun hours to come.

Poor archery technique and safety practices can result in serious injury and/or death. It is up to all individuals to be responsible for their own actions. The author, editor, Renaissance-Central.com and the distributors of this publication disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the practices or advice expressed herein.

So: You'd like to be able to at least hit the straw at the archery butt. AND it would be nice if you could do it without having the string shear off part of your arm. It would also help to be able to pull the bowstring back to a solid anchor point before you release. Let's start with a look at the equipment. While it's true that you may want to shoot an English long bow, for the time being, if the bow is taller than you are, you're in trouble. Keep it about the height of your nose. (See picture 1)

Note the difference in bows. Left bow is a 20 lb recurve, right bow is a long bow at correct height.

Bows come in pounds. That doesn't mean how much they weigh. It means how many pounds are pushing against the arrow when the string is drawn to full extent. If you haven't lifted weights for the past twenty years, or have difficulty carrying in the groceries, don't start out with an eighty-pound bow. Probably a 30-40 pound bow would be fine as a starter. Spend a little money and get a good bow made by a well-known company. Sure, you might be able to make your own out of PVC pipe, but you will get a lot more enjoyment out of having a quality piece of equipment. Find a reputable dealer who will help you with the selection of the right equipment.

Besides a bow of the correct weight and length, you will need arrows of the correct length, a finger tab (maybe a glove, later), an arm guard and a quiver that you can stand up near you when you are practicing. (See picture 2) Have the dealer demonstrate how to string your bow. You should try it a couple of times in the store making sure that the string is properly nocked on the bow tip and to ensure you'll be able to string it yourself when you get it home. You may want to purchase a bow stringer. It's helpful in both stringing and unstringing the bow without putting unnecessary pressure on it.

Equipment: A) quiver with arrows; B) arm guard; C) glove; D) finger tab

As for choosing arrows, have the sales person help you measure the length. They should reach about an inch or two past your fingers when your arms are extended straight out in front of you. Speaking of tips, you don't need hunting blades on the ends of the arrows just yet. Ask for target tips, which are much easier to remove from the bales. (Yes, you will hit the straw.)

OK. You have the equipment. You have a T-shirt or sweater on, or a covering, which offers a smooth front. Frilly collars and loose sleeves will snag your string and/or arrow and become a safety hazard. Take off your earrings, tie your hair back. Forty pounds of pressure with take anything it catches with it. "Take if off or tuck it in."

You have your arm guard covering the inside of your left wrist (we will assume you are right handed for this article - if not, just reverse everything). Don't put on the finger tab yet. While we're on the subject, you want to remember that for centuries, bows and arrows were used as weapons. They are dangerous if not handled correctly. Never nock your arrow until the target area is clear of people, dogs, cats or other living targets. At fifty yards, a forty-pound bow can be as deadly as a rifle.

About targets: You can purchase targets at the archery store. OR, you can place a Dixie cup in the center of the straw. A bent piece of baling wire will secure it. You'll need to get several bales of straw or hay from a feed store. It's best to set them up in front of solid wall that will stop any off target arrows. Choose an area that if you overshoot, your arrows won't be going into somebody's yard or property. Always think safety. If you plan on shooting at a range, you can usually buy targets right there.

It is time to string your bow. Remember your demonstration at the archery store? The important thing is to string the correct side of the bow and the correct arm of the bow. You can use a bow stringer, the bow-tip-to-shoe method, or the step-through method. Just keep the tip from scraping the ground. When you're finished, unstring your bow, otherwise you will destroy it's tensile strength.

You have cleared your yard of animals and children. The Corvette is well hidden in the garage. You have paced off fifteen yards from the straw to where you are going to stand. You will always stand in this same spot. Check to see that there are no limbs overhead. Have your arrows conveniently placed where you can reach them without moving your feet. Stand so your shoulders are in line with the target. (You are facing 90 degrees to the right of the target.)

Look down at your feet. If you laid an arrow along the front of your toes, would it point to the target? Place your feet so it will. (See picture 3) Hold the bow extended in the direction of the target. Don't lock your arm straight; twist your elbow slightly out and to the left.

Next time we'll work on actually shooting an arrow.

(Look for On Target Part 2 in our next issue)

About Author Mr. Turner became an archer in college. When fencing class was cancelled he chose archery as an alternate and proceeded to become an inter-collegiate champion archer. He is a retired public school teacher, enjoying a second career as a freelance writer and still practices the sport today.

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