Archery Notes

Whistle Commands

  • 1 whistle - SHOOT
  • 2 whistles - GET BOW
  • 3 whistles - GO GET ARROWS
  • 5 whistles - STOP! EMERGENCY ON THE RANGE

Order of Events in Archery

  1. Stand/sit behind the waiting line.
  2. 2 whistles - Group may grab their bow from the bow rack; handle should be used.
  3. Standing at the shooting line.
  4. 1 whistle - You may grab an arrow and start shooting.
  5. After shooting, place the bow back on the bow rack and wait in the waiting area.
  6. 3 whistles - Retrieve your arrows from the shooting area.
  7. Place your arrows back in the quiver and return to the waiting area.

How to Pull Arrows Out of the Target

  1. Form an L or V shape around the arrow.
  2. Check that no one is behind you before proceeding.
  3. Pull the arrow out by holding the shaft of the arrow.
  4. Grab each arrow one at a time and place them on the top of the target or on the floor.
  5. Collect your arrows and place them parallel to your body while carrying them back to your quiver.
    • Note: Make sure you are collecting the same colored arrows.

11 Steps to Archery Success

  • Step 1 - Stance

    • Slide front foot back to the instep of the rear foot.
    • Feet should be shoulder width apart.
    • Front foot should be opened at a 45° angle towards the target.

  • Step 2 - Nock

    • Grab the arrow below the fletching with your thumb pointed downwards.
    • Lift the arrow over the vertical bow.
    • Index fletching should face the shooter while the arrow stays pointed towards the target.
    • Nock the arrow below the indicator and listen for a “click.”

  • Step 3 - Draw Hand Placement

    • Hook the bowstring in the archer’s groove below the arrow.
    • Maintain feet shoulder width apart.

  • Step 4 - Bow Hand Placement

    • Place the bow on the shooter’s lifeline.
    • Knuckles should be angled at a 45° angle.

  • Step 5 - Pre Draw

    • Hinge both arms to shoulder height.
    • Raise the bow to eye level.
    • Rotate the bow arm elbow down away from the string.

  • Step 6 - Draw

    • Smoothly pull the string toward the face.
    • Ensure the draw arm remains parallel to the ground.
    • Important: Dry fire (shooting a bow without an arrow) is prohibited. DO NOT DRY FIRE A BOW!

  • Step 7 - Anchor

    • Place the index finger tip at the corner of the mouth.

  • Step 8 - Aim

    • Aim with the point of the arrow and learn your target reference point.

  • Step 9 - Shot Set Up

    • Slight rearward motion of the drawing elbow should be executed.

  • Step 10 - Release

    • Relax the hooked fingers at once to release the arrow.

  • Step 11 - Follow Through & Reflect

    • The phrase “Paint the face” refers to the motion of drawing the hand thumb near the shoulder.
    • Reflect on the shot immediately after release.

Parts of an Arrow

  • Fletching: The vanes or feathers on the arrow that stabilize flight.
  • Nock: The notch at the rear end of the arrow that holds it on the bowstring.
  • Index Fletch: The fletch that is usually a different color from the other fletches to indicate proper orientation.
  • EASTON: A brand name related to archery equipment.
  • Point: The tip of the arrow that impacts the target.
  • Shaft: The main body of the arrow, which carries the fletching and point.