General
Shooting a bow and arrow requires a certain physical effort but this is by no means the most important ingredient. Mental strength, self discipline and self-confidence are far more important, if the archer wishes to make progress in competition. These elements are not so easy to combine, particularly when needed, and it's the search for union with these elements that causes archers to tread the path towards satisfaction. Whatever the results at the target, every archer is able to draw satisfaction to a lesser or greater extent from having won a personal mental battle.
Target Archery
This form of archery is the most practiced, tournaments are held both outdoors and in. The archers shoot from a line that runs parallel to, and a designated distance from the target faces. Targets are comprised of multicoloured concentric circles which each have point values. A shot in the innermost circle scores the highest points value, while a shot in the outermost circle scores the least, the scoring method and number of points are awarded changes for different rounds.
If a shot misses the target then no points are awarded. Target divisions include the recurve (Olympic) bow. Events at the Olympic games are in the outdoor target discipline, using the recurve (Olympic) bow only. Beginners are not expected to shoot the longer distances until they have attained some experience and good club coaches will ensure their development is monitored carefully over progressively longer ranges. Juniors are also catered for with their own shorter distances and age groups.
In the UK, target archers are also able to shoot their own traditional rounds at various distances set out in yards. These rounds were in place long before FITA appeared and four British archers, this format is still the main thrust of their recreational activities in the sport.
Field archery
Shooting from `pegs` at known or unknown distances, the archer has to contend with patterns of light created by trees and undergrowth. Sometimes, leaves or branches will obscure parts of the archers' vision. Skill and instinct dictates how the shot will be made, particularly on some of the steep downhill and uphill shots.
Field archery has many forms though all share the same challenge. Archers', usually in groups of four walk around a specially set up course in woodland or undulating terrain and shoot for scores at a series of paper targets. It is sometimes compared with golf in so much as each target presents its own problems for the archer. Field archery has developed from bow hunting and although live animals are no longer targeted, many of the objectives associated with hunting are still retained within a more gentle format.