Archery 101

Lord Janyn Fletcher

First rule of Archery

Safety
 Bow Type Descriptions
In the SCA
• Longbow (“D” Style or reflex-deflex)
• Recurve Bow
• Crossbow
• Period Handbow
 Bow Type Descriptions
(Longbow)
Longbow: Traditional bow with long, nearly straight limbs that form an arc when
strung. It is the most traditional type of bow used for hunting and uses minimal
additional equipment.
Some longbows will fall into the Period Handbow class.
 Bow Type Descriptions
(Deflex – Reflex Longbow)
Longbow with a slight curve
in both the rear and forward
direction.
Even though this bow has a
curve it is not A RECURVE!
 Bow Type Descriptions
(Recurve)
Recurve Bow: The limbs are a bit shorter than the longbow and curve back away
from the mid line of the bow. It has more power in the shorter bow than the longer
longbow. It is a smooth, quiet and fast-shooting bow. NOTE: The string touches
the limb of the bow.
 Bow Type Descriptions
(Cross-Bow)
Cross Bow: crossbow is a weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that
shoots projectiles, often called bolts or quarrels. The medieval crossbow was called
by many names, most of which derived from the word ballista, a siege engine
resembling a crossbow in mechanism and appearance.
 Bow Type Descriptions
(Period Handbow)
All handbows of period construction, made
in a period manner, allowing moderate
changes for safety.
• Shall not have a center cut arrow shelf.
• Can be documented to exist in period.

Examples: Japanese yumi, horsebows, and

stave longbows.
 Arrow Description
About the Arrow: Arrows have four parts; the shaft, fletching, the nock and the
point assembly.

The Shaft: Arrows are made from wood, aluminum,

carbon, fiberglass or a combination of these
materials. As suspected, the wood arrows are usually
preferred for use with traditional bow and is required for
SCA

The Fletching: Serves to guide the arrow on a straight

course. Feathers must be used for SCA archery.

The Nock: Placed in the bowstring to allow the arrow

to be drawn back as the hunter draws the bow string.

The Point: For SCA target practicing you will use a

bullet point or field point.
Accessories Description
Finger Tab: Used to protect the fingers and assist in clean release
of the string.

Finger Glove: Used to protect the fingers and assist in clean

release of the string. A different form of finger protection.

Arm Guard: Used to protect the forearm from string slap.

Armguards come in many different styles and materials, for SCA
archery many of them are made from leather.
Accessories Description
Bow Stringer: Used to properly string the bow. There are two
styles, one like shown and others that have “cups or pockets” at
both ends. This is the only way to properly and safely string your
bow.

Arrow Quiver: Used to carry your arrows. There are many

different styles of quivers and they can be made of various
materials. This is a custom quiver for SCA shooting. Quivers can
be worn on the back or on the hip from a belt.
 Archery Basics

• SAFETY FIRST
• Dominant eye
• Stance
• Nock
• Draw
• Hold point or Anchor
• Release
 Archery Safety
• NEVER Point a bow and arrow at another
person.
• NEVER shoot an arrow straight up into the
air.
• NEVER shoot an arrow off into a distance
where you can not see where it will land.
• NEVER dry fire a bow.
 Archery Safety
• ALWAYS use a bow stringer for longbows
and recurves.
• ALWAYS inspect your bow before
shooting for cracks and twists.
• ALWAYS inspect your arrows for damage
or cracks. If damaged, break the arrow
immediately to prevent accidental use.
 Archery Safety
• ALWAYS ensure a safe distance behind
the target, try to use an arrow net or place
targets against a hill or embankment.
• ALWAYS use the proper equipment.
– Arrows need to be the proper spine for the
bow.
– Arrows need to be the proper length for the
archer.
Injuries (string slap)
Injuries (Not using a stringer)
Injuries (damaged arrows)
Injuries (Improper spine)
 Dominant eye
• You need to know which eye is dominant
to properly aim a bow. (More important for
beginners)

• Right or left eye dominance can affect

accuracy if you shoot right or left handed.
 Stance
Two common types of stances.
• Square – feet spread about shoulder width
apart and feet inline with the target.
• Open stance – start in square stance and
move the back foot a little forward.

Body should be straight, front arm and rear

arm makes a line.
 Nock
• When you nock an arrow, place the arrow
below the nock on the string.

• The cock feather, often a different color,

should be out from the bow.
 Draws
• Primary or pinch draw – grasp the end of
the arrow between the thumb and the
forefinger.
 Draws
• Mediterranean Draw – Three finger draw,
normally one finger above the arrow and
two below. Variation, three fingers below
the arrow.
 Draws
• Mongolian draw – Thumb draw, the thumb
is hooked around the string and the
forefinger grips the thumb, often called
Asian draw.
 Anchor Point
Drawing a bow with constancy is critical.

• Anchor point should be a place that you

can draw the bow to each and every time
you pull the string.
• Better to have bone touching bone.
 Release
• For the best release, relax your hand and
let your fingers open. The string will slide
off with more constancy than by using the
muscles to open the fingers.
 Archery in the SCA
• Marshalls are the range supervisors.
– Common Commands
• Archers approach the line
• Archers may nock
• Loose
• Hold

– After shooting archers should step back from

the line.
 Archery in the SCA
• Marshall will inspect equipment to help
ensure safety.

• IT is the ARCHERS responsibility to be

safe and to use safe equipment.

• Anyone can call a hold if an unsafe activity

is observed.
Archery is both a physical and
mental activity.