Centuries ago, archery was a means of combat: shooting arrows to kill, maim, or disarm an enemy in battle. The idea of archery as a sport was often just the means of keeping skill levels up outside of times of war.
Of course, we don’t use bows and arrows on the battlefield any more, but archery has persisted through the ages as a sport, and it continues to thrive today. It’s an activity that takes a short time to learn but a lifetime to master and has frequently appeared at the Olympic Games (including, famously, on the hallowed turf of Lord’s Cricket Ground at London 2012).
If you’ve always wanted to try archery but weren’t sure where to begin, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explain the basics of archery, why it can be so enjoyable, and how to get involved.
What is archery?
There are lots of different kinds of archery practised, but the one that is most common in the UK (and especially for beginners) is target archery.
To explain this in the simplest of terms: think darts but from a much longer distance. You aim your shots at a round target mounted on a board a set distance away. Within the board are a series of concentric circles, each one worth a certain number of points. If you hit the bullseye, or get very close to it, you score the maximum number of points (usually ten), with the score gradually decreasing the further away from the target your shot lands. The archer with the most points after a set number of shots or rounds is the winner.
The good thing about target archery is that it’s simple to understand, easy to quantify your performance and accuracy, and can be staged either indoors or outdoors, meaning you can take part all year round. Additionally, there is also great variation in the sport depending on the type of bow you use: traditional longbows; recurve bows that are more pronounced in design for more powerful shots; crossbows; and compound bows with cams that generate additional energy when firing.
Why should you give archery a try?
You may think archery can be boring and repetitive, but it requires such high levels of concentration and precision that it can be surprisingly addictive. Getting everything lined up perfectly to hit the middle of your target from a long distance can be immensely satisfying. If you’re still not convinced, here are four reasons why archery may be the sport for you:
It’s mentally stimulating
Because of the amount of concentration involved, archery is excellent for keeping your mental functions sharp. This is part of the reason that it’s so popular with older people who use archery as a way to mitigate the effects of ageing on their brain. The more you can focus and succeed on your shots, the more you’ll be able to apply higher levels of concentration elsewhere in your life.
It’s fun and stress-busting
Imagine the setting of you lining up a shot towards your target, in a beautiful green field on a warm summer’s day, with complete silence and only your thoughts surrounding you. The peacefulness that comes with archery is a major selling point, and many archers treat the sport as a way of unwinding and enjoying some calm. But there’s also plenty of fun and satisfaction to be had from nailing a shot right into the bullseye.
It tones the upper body
It might not look like it at first glance, but archery can be just as good exercise for the body as it is for the mind. The strength and stability needed to draw, aim and fire your shot can tone and firm up muscles in the arms, back, chest and shoulder. With more regular practice and competition, you’ll find yourself becoming very well-toned in the upper body over time.
It can be cheaper than you think
If you’ve seen archery on TV or at the Olympics, then it’s easy to think that it’s an expensive sport to get involved in, given the complexity of some of the bows. But this isn’t necessarily the case: many clubs will lend you equipment for taster sessions, so that you can be sure you want to get involved properly before you commit to investing. And there is always second-hand kit for sale that can reduce the price of entry for beginners.
Where to play archery
There are archery clubs situated all over the country, so it’s easy to find a club near you. Many run beginners’ courses that encourage those with no previous experience to give it a try and see if it’s for them, so a good place to start is to look for the next such course in your local area.
The governing body of archery in the UK also runs a Start Archery Week every year, specifically designed to allow newcomers to sample the sport. At these events, you’ll get a chance to shoot a few arrows at a short-distance target so that you can get a feel for what’s involved.
Get archery insurance with SportsCover Direct
As long as you take reasonable precautions, archery is a relatively safe sport. However, there is still a risk of injury because of the repetitive nature of drawing a bow: muscle and tendon damage in the arm, elbow, wrist and fingers isn’t uncommon.
For that reason, we strongly recommend taking out specific archery insurance if you intend to give the sport a serious go. At SportsCover Direct, our archery insurance policies include £2million of Personal Liability cover as standard, ensuring that you don’t suffer financially if you get injured, or if you cause injury to someone else.
Our policies are available at competitive rates and through flexible payment plans – find out more about all our insurance cover for archers here.