Getting Started

Welcome to the Archery World beginners guide. Here you can find some useful information to help you start shooting.

Types of Archery

There are two main forms of archery -

Target Archery

This is the type of archery you are most likely to be familiar with, and is the Olympic form of the sport. It consists of shooting a given number of arrows at targets at a set distance.

Field Archery

Takes place on a course of targets set out in rough country (often woodland). The shooting distances are fequently unmarked so that archers have to rely on judgement and instinct. As well as the traditional targets, field archery can also include animal targets

Official Website: National Field Archery Society

Other forms include:

Clout and flight

Styles of Bow

A quick look at our bows section will show you the vast range of bows available. They can be broken down into four types:

Fibreglass

These are the basic beginners bows, these are good for children showing an interest in archery, but a recurve bow is more suitable if the child wishes to pursue the sport further. Click here for fibreglass bows and here for fibreglass kits

Recurve

This is the only bow style allowed at the Olympics. Mainly associated with target archery, and ideal as a starter bow, recurve is the most popular style of archery in the UK. Click here for recurve bows and here for recurve kits

Compound

Compound bows are the newest type of bow, and almost anything is allowed as long as it is not electronic. These bows consist of cams to make drawing the bow easier and giving a much larger weight. Accessories include telescopic sights and release aids. Click here for compound bows and here for compound kits

Traditional

Archery in its simplest form, traditional bow include English Longbows, American Flatbows and Japanese Kyudo Bows. Wooden arrows with feathers are usually used. Other accessories include quivers and gloves.

Equipment

We offer a range of beginners' kits that contain all the essentials needed to start shooting.

The Bow: