PHYSICAL EDUCATION PACKET #7 Achery



PHYSICAL EDUCATION PACKET #7 Archery

Archery, or shooting with a bow and arrow, is probably the oldest sport in existence. Prehistoric man used a bow and an arrow to hunt, and during the Middle Ages armies utilized the skill of bowman to win wars. Today people participate in archery for the sheer enjoyment of target shooting and hunting. Archery is reasonably inexpensive and can be played indoors and outside.

The first step to learning archery is understanding what equipment is needed. A potential bowman will choose either a straight bow or the recurved bow ( the tips curve back to form an arc). The length of the bow depends on the individual needs of the purchaser, such as the person’s age, weight, and height. Bows range in length from 48 to 70 inches. Longer bows are for target shooting and shorter bows for hunting. Most hunting bows weigh more the target bows. Target bows usually range from 10 to 50 pounds. It is always best to buy a bow that is light enough to handle. The weight of the bow, or the draw weight as it is commonly called, means how many pounds of force are necessary to pull the bowstring a specific distance.

Bowstrings are made of synthetic material such as Dacron. Archers often put wax on their bowstrings to keep them protected.

Arrows are another important piece of equipment and are carried in an arrow holder called a quiver. The arrow is make up of the point or pile; the shaft; and the shaftment or rear of the arrow. The back end has a nock or notch that goes over the bowstring. Also included in the back are feathers called vanes that help the arrow maintain its accuracy as it heads towards a target.

There is only one basic shooting technique in archery. When this technique is analyzed it can be broken down into 10 steps which include: stance, bow arm, nocking, drawing, anchoring, relaxing, aiming, concentrating, releasing, and follow- through. If all ten steps are done correctly, shooting an arrow should look effortless and graceful.

1. Stance: The archer should feel firmly placed but not stiff or tense. Standing at a right angle to the target, the archer’s head should look right at the target.

2. Bow Arm and Grip: The bow is not really gripped but is supported at arm’s length from the body. The index finger or second finger is wrapped around the back of the bow’s handle. Shoulders are kept down and back while the arm is held as steady as possible without any tension.

3. Nocking: Putting the arrow on the string is called nocking.

4. Drawing: Drawing or pulling the bow utilizes both arms and upper body muscles. The bow are is raised toward the target as the string arm pulls back. The upper arm, shoulder and upper back muscles should not be too tense or the draw will be done improperly. During this step, the archer should take a deep breath and hold it.

5. Anchoring: It is critical that the string be pulled to a proper anchor point. A rule of thumb is that the hand that is pulling the string should come under the archer’s chin. As little as an eighth of an inch in anchoring could mean an error in hitting the target precisely.

6. Relaxing: Although it sounds strange to have relaxing as a step in the shooting technique, it really is essential that archers take the time to make sure all their muscles are not tense. Overall performance will improve if the archery enthusiast remembers this point.

7. Aiming: The sight - shooting method is a popular way to shoot at targets. A mechanical device is attached to the bow and can be horizontally and vertically adjusted. The “sight” is fastened to the back of the bow slightly above the arrow est. Close the left eye and while looking at the “sight” pin, align it to the center - r gold circle - of the target.

8. Concentrating: As with all sports, the ability to concentrate could mean the difference between excellence and average ability. All thoughts other than those related to archery should be put out of mind.

9. Releasing: When the archer feels ready the arrow is finally sent on its way. The string fingers should be steadily and smoothly relaxed without any snap or jerk to the hand.

10. Follow - through: This merely means the archer holds his/her form for a second or two after the release.

Aside from the bow and arrow, archers also use a leather arm guard worn on the wrist of the bow hand (the hand that holds the bow). A leather tab or a shooting glove is worn to protect the fingers that draw back the bowstring. Archers should wear comfortable and uncluttered clothes. Jewelry, large buttons, big pockets only serve to get in the way of the bow and arrow.

History

Archery began as an American sport in 1828 when the United Bowman of Philadelphia was formed. This group is still in existence today. The National Archery Association (NAA) was founded in 1879 and holds annual national contests.

Safety Tips

Archery is not a dangerous sport. However, like any physical endeavor, it is up to the individual to keep the sport safe by recognizing certain rules. The following four rules are simple, common sense advice.

A. Novice archers should always be supervised.

B. An arrow ready to be released should ONLY be pointed at the target.

C. Arrows should NOT be shot straight up into the air, they usually come straight back down.

D. Never take chances.

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