Archery
We spoke to the team at Archery GB about this fantastic sport and they have given us lots of brilliant information as well as an interview with a young ambassador, Max Oakley.
Beginners
Getting started in archery is a lot easier than people think. All around the country, clubs run have-a-go taster sessions and beginner’s courses. All equipment is provided, and everyone is properly insured. Courses are typically delivered as group sessions. Check out the Archery GB website to help pinpoint a beginner’s course.
Why take up archery?
There are so many benefits especially if you don’t enjoy team sports very much. Here’s just a few….
Archery helps physical and mental development
Archery requires stamina and upper body and core strength to fire off that arrow! It’s also great for improving focus, patience and coordination. It naturally follows that it’s a great self-confidence booster too!
Archery gives a sense of accomplishment
That feeling when you hit the gold for the first time is priceless! If you don’t excel at team sports, you may find archery suits you perfectly, allowing you to steadily improve on your own terms and have a real sense of satisfaction
Archery is a social sport
Archery is a great way to make new friends and learn from others. There are competitions to take part in, coaches to learn from and a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy at your local archery club, where you’ll meet a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds
Archery can be practised all year long
Archery is an indoor and outdoor sport – it can still be done in the rain, so best be prepared for all seasons over winter and wear your wellies!
Archery is cool
Want to be a super-hero?! Archery allows you to fulfil that dream of emulating Robin Hood, Merida from Brave (2012), Neytiri from Avatar (2009) and a host of others you may have met in video games, film and TV shows. It’s also a bit different – just mention you’re off to the archery range and see how curious everyone gets!
You can find out more about archery for under 18s here.
Types of archery:
There are several types of archery practiced in the UK today. The main types are target, field, clout, and flight, and each requires slightly different shooting methods and equipment. Archers can take part in any – or all – of the disciplines.
+ Target archery
Target archery is the type of archery practiced at the Olympics, and is the version most beginners learn first. Archers shoot a set number of arrows at targets set at specified distances on a flat surface. It can take place either indoors or outdoors.
+ Field archery
A field archery course is set up over woodland and rough terrain. Archers shoot a specified number of arrows at different targets in sequence. Archers might have to shoot uphill or downhill, and the targets could be different sizes and at different distances so anyone taking part has to really think about what they are doing. Field archery is a great way of keeping fit and enjoying the outdoors.
+ Flight shooting
This form of archery simply consists of shooting an arrow over the longest possible distance. There is no target but it does require a very large, flat area – something the size of an aerodrome. Recurve, compound and longbow classes can all shoot flight archery within different weight categories. Specialist bows and lightweight arrows are used to maximise power and reduce drag.
+ Clout shooting
This ancient form of archery was used as military training in the middle ages. The target is the clout, which is a small flag on a vertical stick, stuck in the ground and placed up to 165 metres away. An archer’s score is determined by how close each arrow lands to the flag, the arrow that lands the closest gets the highest points.
You’ll find more information on the different bows used in these types of archery in Archery GB’s Basic Guide to Equipment.
School Games
Archery is part of the School Games, a government-led programme designed to deliver competitive school sport to all young people.
Has your school heard of the fantastic Arrows programme, which has been specially created for primary schools? It can be used in PE lessons across the curriculum, in out-of-hours clubs and as part of School Games. There are eight different activity cards and a competitive festival format.
ARCHERY GB YOUNG AMBASSADOR MAX OAKLEY
We spoke to 13 year old Max Oakley who is the best person, as an ambassador for Archery GB, to tell you what a fantastic sport it is.
How old are you Max and when did you first try archery?
I'm 13 years old and was 9 when I first tried Archery properly.
What led you to try this particular sport?
On family holidays I always tried to get my parents to find somewhere to have a go at Archery as it seemed really interesting. We were in Ireland and we went to a 3d archery course in woods where you went round taking aim at very large 3d models of things like dinosaurs. The man who took us round told my parents I was a natural so when we got home Mum contacted a local archery club to get some more information. They explained that everyone has to do a beginners course to ensure you are safe to shoot, so mum booked me into the next one they were running and I joined the club straight after that.
Do you enjoy other sports too?
Yes, I like playing and watching rugby and enjoy golf too.
What level have you now reached in the sport?
In 2019 I became the under 12 National Recurve Champion and after attending Archery GB's National Talent Development programme I was selected to join the National Age Group Academy on the start of their Olympic Pathway. I have represented my county and hold county indoor and outdoor records.
What do you enjoy most about archery?
I really enjoy how social Archery is and I like how you have to be very focused and calm. Archery is a sport anyone can take part in and it really helps your overall fitness and mental health. I also love being an ambassador for Archery GB helping to spread the word about how great our sport is and the health benefits of the sport.
How often do you train?
I try and shoot 5 times a week and have 1 day where I have a Personal training session, with 1 days rest. I usually try and shoot around 500 arrows a week and do some home strength and conditioning training too.
What are your ambitions?
My ultimate dream would be to represent Great Britain at an Olympic Games, but I want to try and work really hard over the next few years to get the opportunity to represent GB at an international event.
Do you have to do any special warm ups?
Yes, before I shoot I always do an archery specific warm up which works my shoulder, legs, arms, head and neck. I also then use a resistance band as well to make sure I'm fully ready to shoot.
Is it an expensive sport?
It doesn't need to be. To do a beginner’s course and join a club it is very reasonable and most clubs will allow you to loan a bow to shoot once you join because the bows you use have to be the right size for you. If you feel archery is for you, you can buy a beginner’s kit which has everything you need to start shooting and this costs around £175. Because I compete and due to the level I have got to, the equipment does get more expensive.
Why would you recommend archery to bsporty readers?
Archery is a great sport that you will find is quite addictive! It's a sport that is great for your overall health and fitness because you use far more muscles than you imagine. Archery clubs are full of people who are so welcoming and have great junior sections with fun activities going on, especially at Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Many people just enjoy shooting for fun but Archery also gives you chance to travel the country competing and make friends from all over the UK.
Here are some useful videos on how to warm up like Max, set up a bow and get the right arrow length.
With thanks to Archery GB and Max Oakley for the content and use of videos in this article.
