To start learning archery, you’ll need to choose what archery style you like, and get the essential gear – a bow, arrows and a target. Focus on perfecting your shooting form when starting out. You can learn archery yourself by reading guides and watching video tutorials, but going to archery lessons can cut your learning curve quite a bit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But you do have to first learn some basics and have the essential gear. I’ll first detail what the different styles of archery are, what gear you need and the basics of archery form. I’ll then answer some frequently asked questions, and recommend some great videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I hope you’re excited to learn… Let’s go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few different styles of archery, which require different skills, scored differently and have different rules. The main 3 styles of archery are target archery, field archery, and 3D archery<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When getting into archery, you should choose what style you’re going to get into, so you can train the specific skill set you’re going to need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main pieces of equipment are similar for all archery styles. You can mostly shoot any type of bow, and use the gear you’re used to, for any style archery. Note that it’s a bit different if you’re joining a tournament since each of them has its own rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to read a full guide on each style of archery, with full details of scoring and rules, read my post about archery tournaments<\/a>. I also detail how archery competitions work, and basically everything you need to know before going to compete. Here, I’ll try to summarize the essential details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The style you probably think about when someone mentions archery is the traditional target archery. In this style, archers stay static and shoot a target at a known distance. The targets are usually of the traditional circular shape as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s probably the most straight forward style, but it’s all about precision. So to be a great target archer you’ll need to practice your accuracy quite a bit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll also be pretty free with your gear because you don’t have a lot of restrictions. That’s why you might see target archers with large stabilizers sticking in front of their bows, which you don’t see as much for mobile style archers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most archers first practice target shooting before trying any other style, because they first need to build basic archery skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While target archers shoot at a known distance, and a fairly set environment, there are a few more modern styles of archery. One of them is field archery<\/strong>, which is mobile archers face challenges at unknown terrain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main things that make field archery more challenging are unknown distances, shooting uphill and downhill, and the various challenging scenarios. Archers at field archery shoots need to have additional skills to shooting the bow, like yardage judging.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Standard field archery shoots consist of multiple different rounds with different scoring systems and targets. Some of them require shooting at multiple targets, while others require shooting at a 2D animal target at changing shooting lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These different rounds help the archer learn a lot of different skills, which are hard to get otherwise. Field archery is really challenging, but it’s also a great way for beginners to get into more mobile style archery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last common archery style is 3D archery. These shoots consist of multiple challenges at unknown distances and terrain, just like field archery. But at 3D shoots, the targets will be shaped like life-sized animals, and they might even be placed behind trees and obstacles. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While field archery is a great mobile style, 3D archery takes it to the next level, creating life-like bowhunting scenarios. Most 3D archery shoots are also unmarked, meaning the distances to the targets are unknown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The scoring systems are also different for 3D archery. Each target has a marked vital area, separated into different parts. Hitting the target grants the archer 5 points, but you really aim to hit the vital area, where you can score up to 12 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3D archery is challenging and requires a lot of skill to get involved in. It’s also really fun, because you get to experience more realistic shooting environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know what style archery you want to get involved in, consider what gear you need to get. Here, I’m going to focus on the essential things you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The essential gear for archery is a bow, arrows and a target. You can get some helpful accessories for your bow, like a sight, and some shooting aids like a release aid or finger tabs. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money right away, consider renting the gear initially.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now obviously the gear you need depends on the style of archery you’re getting into. For example, target archers can shoot with larger bows, with huge stabilizers, to achieve maximal accuracy. 3D archers can’t use the same gear. But the pieces of equipment themselves don’t change much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s a crazy amount of details you can consider when getting your gear. I suggest you read over everything now, but also come back when considering what equipment to purchase and read while making considerations. This will make things less overwhelming, and make sure you won’t forget anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s discuss each essential piece of equipment, and detail what you need to consider when making your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing you need to consider is what type of bow you want to use. The main 3 types of bows archers use nowadays are recurve bows, compound bows, and longbows. Each has its own pros and cons. Obviously, there are a lot more, different types of bows, but here I’ll focus on the common ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to read a detailed comparison between recurve and compound bows, where I detail everything you need to consider, check out my previous post where I explain everything<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like I mentioned, most beginners choose to start with a recurve bow<\/strong>. I think longbows are good to start out with as well, but compound bows are less beginner-friendly. If you want to shoot a compound bow, my best suggestion will be to first master archery form with a starter recurve bow, and change to a compound bow when you’re more comfortable with your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try not to go overboard with accessories when just starting out<\/strong>. Go with the basics – a bow with a mounted sight (and a release aid, if you’re shooting a compound bow). You can get fancier when you actually get the feel of the bow. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get lost and confused about what accessories you really need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Truth is, most accessories will only have a minor effect on your shooting when you’re just starting out. You don’t really need them until you start getting more experienced. Stick with the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that if you’re going for a recurve or a longbow, you’ll need to get a bow stringer to string and destring your bow. It’s definitely an essential tool, but it should be really cheap. Having an armguard is really important as well, so you don’t have the bowstring hurt your arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you’ve chosen what bow to get, you need to get some arrows. There’s more to it than you might think – arrows have a lot of different features and measurements you might want to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It might be a bit surprising, but the type of bow you’re using doesn’t matter much for what arrows to get. The only major effect is the higher poundage on compound bows, which affects the ideal spine strength for your arrows. Other than that, you can basically shoot any arrows you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s discuss some things to consider when choosing your arrows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you keep these things in mind when choosing which arrows to get, you’ll have an easy time finding the perfect arrows for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last piece of equipment you’re going to need to learn archery yourself is a target. They come in many shapes and forms, but generally, when starting out, any quality target will do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some archers choose to shoot in a local range<\/strong>, so they don’t have to purchase their own target. I think it’s a great option if you’re just starting out<\/strong> because you probably just need a quiet space and a lane to shoot in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, the convenience of having your own target is hard to compete with. I’ve listed places you can practice shooting your bow<\/a> in a previous post, in case you’re not sure where you’ll be able to set it up. If you still want to purchase your own target, I have some recommendations and things to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I suggest you get a cheap bag target as a beginner<\/strong>, mainly to avoid making a large investment from the get-go. When you’re a bit more experienced and want to improve your skills, get another target. 3D targets are especially more expensive, so be mindful and maybe buy one later on, when you’ll get into 3D archery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need a quality, affordable target, I made a few recommendations on my recommended gear page<\/a>. I have some great options there, for any type of target. I do suggest you focus on the bag target section there. It’s also a detailed buyer’s guide, so if what I detail below doesn’t satisfy you, go on and read other there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyways, here are some things to keep in mind while picking your target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you keep these things in mind, you’re likely going to get the perfect target for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have all the gear you need to start learning archery, it’s time to think about the basics. Basically, how do you properly shoot a bow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you want to teach yourself archery or to take archery lessons, it’s essential that you at least understand the basics before you start. It’ll make things much easier for you, so you avoid the common form traps beginners make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ll try to focus on the essential things, to avoid making things overwhelming for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Geena Davis, a famous Olympic archer and actress, perfectly explained the importance of working on your technique in her quote (link to source)<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main thing about archery is a battle with yourself. You can ruin it all. Once you have learned the technique, the point is to recreate the perfect technique over and over and over. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n I really recommend that you go more in-depth and read my post about how to shoot a bow<\/a>, where I detail the complete ideal shot process you should follow. It’s the most essential part of learning archery, so you should put some thought into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To properly shoot a bow, try to follow a simple shot process and focus on getting used to it, while strengthening your muscles<\/strong>. Here’s a good shot process you can use to have proper shooting form (that I’ve listed with more details in my shot process post)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a good shot process you’re used to in place, most of the work is done. You do have to notice the positioning of your body and how you handle the gear. In my archery form post<\/a>, I’ve detailed exactly how to position yourself and what to notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve found a good video that shows some of these steps. It’s short and to the point:<\/p>\n\n\n\nChoose an archery style<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Target Archery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Field Archery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3D Archery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What gear do you need to start archery?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you’re interested in getting a recurve bow, read my page about the best recurve bows for the money<\/a>.<\/li>
I wrote about the best compound bows for the price in my recommended gear page<\/a>, so if you’re interested, I have some great recommendations there.<\/li>
If you’ve decided to go for a longbow, I have some great recommendations you can read about on my recommendation page<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nArrows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are tables designed to help you find the ideal spine strength for you. All you need to know is want type and what draw weight you’re shooting, and the length of the arrow. Look for the correct cell in the chart to find your ideal spine strength.
You’ll be able to find one of these charts easily online. I especially like this chart<\/a>:<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.blackeaglearrows.com\/v\/vspfiles\/templates\/1-19-2015\/images\/Compound-chart-2015-12-12.png\" "\\"\\"")
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Generally, lighter arrows fly faster than heavier ones, but they are also affected more by wind and penetrate targets less. As a beginner, you should go for heavier arrows, because they’ll be easier to be consistent with.
A great rule of thumb for what arrow weight you should use is grain per pound (GPP). This is the number of grains of your arrow, divided by your draw weight poundage. Arrows are considered heavy if they’re 8 grains or more per pound on your bow, and light if they’re less than 6.5 GPP. <\/li>
Wood arrows are best for traditional archers (longbow). They’re cheap, but usually don’t last as long. Aluminum arrows best for beginner recurve and compound archers<\/strong>, because they’re light and affordable. Carbon arrows are best for more experienced archers, who shoot heavier bows and can afford to spend a bit more. <\/li>
For beginner archers looking to learn archery, I suggest getting field point arrows. You can also get bullet points, which are also good for target shooting, but getting good quality field points is your best bet.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nTarget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most beginner archers will use the target for practicing their form. You’re probably best off buying a traditional circular target, which is perfect for watching your own progress.<\/li>
As a beginner, I’d suggest you get a target at least 48″ in diameter (120 cm). It’s a good size to start off with, and it’ll be comfortable for you to shoot.<\/li>
Unless you’re going to set up a temporary range every time you shoot, I wouldn’t consider it that important. <\/li>
Because you probably won’t be shooting a high draw weight when starting out, the thickness of the target isn’t such an important factor. I do think you should aim to find a target with self-healing material, which usually last much longer. If you do want to plan ahead, try also getting a ticker target.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nLearn Archery Form Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n