Modern competitive archery

Modern competitive archery is a sport where people shoot arrows at a target to show how accurate they can be. The most common form is called target archery, where archers shoot from set distances at a target. This type of archery is enjoyed all over the world.

In places like Europe, North America, and South America, a popular version called field archery is often played. In field archery, targets are set at different distances in a wooded area, making the sport more challenging and fun.

The rules and ways of doing archery can vary, with many different groups having their own styles. The main organization that oversees archery around the world is the World Archery Federation, also known as WA or FITA. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and includes many countries working together to make sure the sport is fair and safe for everyone.

Target archery

Main article: Target archery

Modern competitive target archery is managed by the World Archery Federation, often called WA. The rules used in the Olympic games come from these WA rules.

Target archery contests can happen inside or outside buildings. Inside, archers shoot at a distance of 18 meters. Outside, the distance can be from 25 to 90 meters. Each round, called an "end," has either 3 or 6 arrows. After each end, archers walk to their targets to count their scores. Archers have a certain amount of time to shoot all their arrows — 2 minutes for 3 arrows, and 4 minutes for 6 arrows.

The targets have 10 rings, each with a different score from 1 to 10. There is also a very small inner ring called the X ring. Archers add up the scores from each end to get their total. If an arrow lands on the edge between two rings, it gets the higher score.

In the past, targets were made from natural materials like grass. Today, most targets are made from special foam or plastic materials. Different distances use targets of different sizes.

Field archery

Main article: Field archery

Field archery is a fun way to practice shooting arrows at different distances, often outdoors in uneven places. The targets can sometimes be at unknown distances, making it more challenging and realistic.

There are three main types of rounds: field, hunter, and animal. In field rounds, the targets are set at even distances up to 80 yards, and archers aim for the black center for the highest points. Hunter rounds have uneven distances up to 70 yards with all-black targets and a white center for the highest points. Animal rounds use life-size animal targets and have special rules for scoring. Young archers shoot from shorter distances for safety.

One goal of field archery is to help improve skills needed for hunting, but in a controlled setting where distances are known. Like in golf, walking between targets can be tiring, especially in rough outdoor conditions.

Other modern competitions

The following are listed on the World Archery website. These competitions are not as popular as the two listed above, but they are competed internationally.

3D archery

Main article: 3D Archery

3D archery is a type of field archery that focuses on shooting at life-size models of animals. It is popular with hunters and those who enjoy a realistic setting. The targets are made of rubber, making it an animal-friendly sport. Distances are usually unknown, and archers need to hit specific points on the targets.

In recent years, 3D archery has grown in popularity with new competitions. Archers travel long distances to compete and aim for world titles. Major groups like the IBO and ASA organize events across the Eastern United States, with classes ranging from hobbyist to professional. World Archery coordinates events worldwide, including the World 3D Archery Championships every two years.

Clout archery (G.N.A.S. rules in the United Kingdom)

Main article: Clout archery

Clout archery is similar to target archery but involves shooting arrows at long ranges into scoring zones on the ground around a marker flag. Traditional clout archery was shot at very long distances. Archers shoot sets of arrows and then move to the target area to score. Clout tournaments often include multiple rounds of shooting.

Crossbow archery (IAU rules internationally)

The International Crossbow-shooting Union (IAU) was founded in Landshut, Germany, in 1956. It oversees crossbow shooting competitions worldwide. Field-crossbow archery became popular in 1977 and is now one of the most active crossbow disciplines. Archers often make their own equipment, and competitions take place in open fields or sports halls.

Archers shoot from a standing position without mechanical help. They shoot series of arrows at colored targets, with a time limit for each series. After a signal, all archers move forward together to score and collect their arrows.

Equipment – Field-crossbows follow specific rules set by the IAU, limiting power, weight, and design. Materials include hardwoods, aluminum alloy, and composites. The maximum draw weight is 43 kg, and bolts are made from aluminum or carbon-fibre.

Most crossbows used in this sport are custom-made, often by the archers themselves.

IAU Championships Timeline – 1958 1st European Match-crossbow Championships Gent Belgium, 1979 1st World Match-crossbow Championships Linz Austria, 1982 1st World Field-crossbow Championships Mikkeli Finland, 1989 1st European Field-crossbow Championships Wolverhampton England, 1992 1st Asian Field-crossbow Championships Tainan Taiwan ROC.

Flight archery

In flight archery, the goal is to shoot the farthest distance. It requires large open areas. Modern flight archery uses specialized equipment for maximum range. Archers shoot in classes and weights, with competitions involving multiple sets of arrows. The farthest shots are measured to determine winners.

Ski archery

This sport is similar to biathlon but uses a recurve bow instead of a gun. Athletes ski around a track and shoot targets from both kneeling and standing positions. Missed shots may require skiing penalty loops. In areas without snow, run archery is an alternative.

Traditional competitions

The following are traditional competitions from various countries.

Japanese archery

Main article: Kyūdō

Korean archery

Korean traditional archery uses a modern rule set from 1928. Archers shoot five arrows per round, with nine rounds in a contest. Targets are large and set far away. Bows can be made with modern materials, but higher-level archers must use traditional materials.

Beursault

A traditional archery contest from northern France and Belgium. Teams shoot at targets facing each other, with archers switching directions after each round. The target mimics a soldier's size.

Popinjay (or Papingo)

Main article: Popinjay (sport)

Popinjay involves shooting at wooden birds placed high up on a mast. Archers use special arrows to knock the birds down, earning points based on the type of bird hit. Variations exist, including shooting at a single bird suspended from a steeple.

Roving marks

Roving marks is an old form of archery where archers shoot at moving or chosen marks. Points are awarded based on proximity to the mark, with a scoring system similar to clout archery.

Wand shoot

A traditional English contest where archers shoot at a vertical wooden strip. Points are awarded for hitting the strip, testing both elevation and windage accuracy.

Other competitions

Main article: archery games

Archers sometimes enjoy shooting under unusual conditions or with special rules, creating informal games. These include night shooting, archery golf, and other creative events.

Historical reenactment

Archery is often part of historical reenactment events. These events educate the public about archery techniques and demonstrate competitions in historical styles, often in period costumes.

Archery education

A program called the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) has been developed in U.S. schools. Students use special bows and can compete in state and national tournaments. The program began in Kentucky in 2001 and has expanded nationwide and internationally. Many clubs and organizations also offer archery programs for young people, including Junior Olympic Archery Development Programs and 4-H clubs.

Archery with humans as targets, or very near the target

See also: Impalement arts

Sometimes, people show off their archery skills in circuses or Wild West shows. In these shows, a performer might stand close to an archer, but the archer aims just past them to hit a target. This kind of act is sometimes called one of the "impalement arts", which also includes knife throwing and sharpshooting.

In some groups, people play a game called combat archery. Players split into two teams and shoot at each other with special arrows that have soft tips. They use bows with less power, and players wear protective gear. This game can be fun because it feels like a real battle, but it is very important to stay safe. Rules help make sure everyone is careful.

Archery with people nearby can be very risky.

In movies, archery is sometimes shown for fun. For example, in the film The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), an archer named Howard Hill used his skills to hit small targets while actors moved around. He also did amazing tricks.

International games which include archery

Archery is part of several big international games. These include the Summer Olympic Games, where top archers from all over the world compete. Other games with archery are the Summer Paralympic Games, World Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. These events gather athletes to show their skill and aim at targets.