Glossary Of Archery Terms
Archery is a sport that has been enjoyed by people for thousands of years. With a rich history and a variety of techniques and equipment, archery has developed its own unique set of terminology.
From the anatomy of a bow to the types of arrows and the different styles of shooting, there is a vast amount of archery terminology that can be overwhelming for beginners.
In this Glossary of Archery Terms, we will provide clear and concise definitions for a wide range of archery terms, helping both novice and experienced archers to better understand the sport and its equipment.
Whether you are interested in target shooting, hunting, or just want to learn more about this fascinating sport, this glossary will serve as a helpful resource for all your archery-related queries.
Bow-related Terms
To fully appreciate the sport of archery, it is important to understand the various terms used to describe the equipment and techniques involved.
Bow-related terms, in particular, are essential to know, as the bow is the most fundamental tool used in archery.
Below are some of the most commonly used bow-related terms and their definitions.
Draw Weight
Draw weight refers to the amount of force required to pull back the bowstring to the full draw length.
It is measured in pounds and typically ranges from 20 to 80 pounds for adults. The draw weight can affect the speed and accuracy of the arrow.
Brace Height
Brace height is the distance from the bowstring to the bow grip when the bow is unstrung. It is an important factor that affects the performance of the bow.
A brace height that is too low or too high can cause the bow to perform poorly, resulting in decreased accuracy and speed.
Riser
The riser is the central part of the bow where the limbs, grip, and other accessories are attached. It is usually made of metal, wood, or carbon fiber and plays a crucial role in the stability and accuracy of the bow.
Limbs
The limbs are the long, curved parts of the bow that attach to the riser. They store and release the energy of the bow when the string is released, propelling the arrow forward. There are two types of limbs used in modern archery: recurve and compound.
Recurve Limbs
Recurve limbs curve away from the archer at the tips, which allows for a longer draw length and increased speed. Recurve bows are popular in traditional archery and Olympic-style target archery.
Compound Limbs
Compound limbs use a system of pulleys and cables to store and release energy, resulting in a smoother draw and increased accuracy. Compound bows are commonly used in hunting and field archery.
Armguard:
A protective gear worn on the forearm to protect it from the bowstring during shooting.
Backset:
The distance between the bowstring and the bow’s grip when the bow is at rest.
Belly:
The curved, inward-facing side of the bow that faces the archer.
Billet:
A rectangular piece of wood that is cut and shaped to form the bow’s limbs.
Bow:
A weapon consisting of a flexible piece of material, such as wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, that is bent into a curved shape and strung with a string to launch an arrow.
Bow length:
The overall length of the bow from tip to tip, including the bowstring.
Bow Nock:
A small groove or notch in the end of the bow’s limb where the bowstring sits.
Bow Performance:
The ability of a bow to deliver an arrow with accuracy, speed, and power.
Bowstring:
A cord or string that is attached to the ends of a bow’s limbs and used to launch an arrow.
Bow Stringer:
A tool used to safely and properly string a bow by placing tension on the bowstring while attaching it to the bow.
Bow Tip:
The end of the bow’s limb where the bowstring attaches.
Bowyer:
A person who designs, crafts, and makes bows.
Brace height:
The distance between the bowstring and the bow’s grip when the bow is strung and at rest.
Centershot:
The alignment of the bow’s arrow rest, bowstring, and bow limbs, ensuring that the arrow flies straight.
Composite Bow:
A bow made from multiple materials, such as wood, horn, sinew, and glue.
Core:
The inner part of a bow’s limb, usually made of wood or foam.
Crown:
The highest point of the bow’s limbs.
Deflex:
A bow design where the limbs curve away from the archer when the bow is strung.
Dutchman:
A technique used to repair a bow by inserting a small piece of wood into a damaged area of the bow.
Finger Pinch:
The pressure on the archer’s fingers caused by the bowstring when the arrow is released.
Flatbow:
A simple bow with flat, non-tapered limbs.
Grip:
The part of the bow’s handle that the archer holds while shooting.
Arrow-related Terms
Arrows are the projectiles used in archery to hit the target. Understanding the different parts and terms related to arrows can help archers communicate better and choose the right equipment.
Shaft
The long, straight part of the arrow made of materials such as wood, carbon, or aluminum.
Fletching
The feathers or plastic vanes attached to the back of the arrow shaft, which help stabilize the arrow’s flight.
A notch located at the end of the arrow’s shaft that holds it onto the bowstring.
Point
The front end of the arrow that is sharpened to penetrate the target.
Broadhead
A type of arrow point that has multiple sharp edges, usually used for hunting.
Field Point
A type of arrow point that is rounded and used for target shooting.
Arrow Rest
The device on the bow that holds the arrow in place before it is released.
Arrow Quiver
A container used to hold arrows.
Arrow Wrap
A decorative tape or sticker that can be wrapped around the arrow shaft.
Spine
The measure of an arrow’s stiffness or flexibility. A higher spine number means a stiffer arrow.
Arrow Length
The length of the arrow shaft, measured from the nock to the tip of the point.
Arrow Weight
The total weight of the arrow, including the shaft, fletching, nock, and point.
Straightness
The degree to which an arrow is perfectly straight. A straighter arrow will fly more accurately.
Cresting
A decorative pattern or design painted on the arrow shaft.
Target-related Terms
Bullseye:
The center of a target that archers aim for.
Face:
The printed surface of the target, usually made of paper, which displays the scoring rings and other markings.
Scoring Rings:
The series of concentric circles on the target face, each with a different point value, used to score the accuracy of an archer’s shot.
End:
A set of arrows shot in succession before archers walk down to the target to score.
Round:
A series of ends shot at a specific distance and target face size.
3D Target:
A foam target shaped like an animal, used in field archery and 3D archery.
Bag Target:
A target made of a durable material such as canvas or burlap, filled with synthetic fiberfill, and used for practicing accuracy and penetration.
Block Target:
A target made of layered foam, used for practicing accuracy and penetration.
Backstop:
A material placed behind a target to catch arrows that miss the target or pass through it.
Face Walking:
A technique of adjusting the distance to the target face based on an archer’s bow and arrow setup, to hit the desired scoring ring.
Target Panic:
A psychological condition in which an archer becomes anxious or tense when aiming at the target, leading to erratic shooting and decreased accuracy.
Nocking Point:
The point on the bowstring where an arrow is attached, usually marked with a brass or plastic nocking point for consistency.
Release Aid:
A mechanical device used to hold and release the bowstring, used in compound archery.
Draw Length:
The distance between the nocking point and the bow grip when the bowstring is fully drawn, measured in inches or centimeters.
Anchor Point:
The point on an archer’s face, usually the chin or cheek, where the bowstring is drawn to before releasing the arrow.
Shooting-related Terms
Anchor Point:
The consistent point on the archer’s face where the drawing hand comes to a stop before releasing the arrow.
Back Tension:
A technique used by archers to properly execute a shot by engaging the muscles of the back during the release.
Draw Weight:
The amount of force required to draw the bowstring back to a specific point. It is usually measured in pounds.
Nock:
The small plastic or metal piece at the end of the arrow that attaches it to the bowstring.
Quiver:
A container used to hold arrows during shooting.
Release Aid:
A mechanical device used to release the bowstring instead of the archer’s fingers.
Sight:
An attachment to the bow used to aim the arrow.
Stabilizer:
A rod attached to the bow that helps to balance the weight distribution of the bow and minimize torque during the shot.
String:
The cord that connects the two ends of the bow and is used to propel the arrow.
Tab:
A protective piece of leather or fabric worn on the archer’s fingers to prevent injury from the bowstring during release.
Timber hitch
A timber hitch is a type of knot used to attach a rope to a log or other piece of timber. It is commonly used in forestry and logging operations.
Whet
To whet is to sharpen or hone a blade or other cutting tool. This is typically done using a sharpening stone or other abrasive surface.
String Silencer:
A device used to reduce the noise and vibration caused by the bowstring during shooting. It is usually made of rubber or felt and is attached to the bowstring.
Peep Sight:
A small circular or oval-shaped sight that is mounted on the bowstring and used to help archers aim their shots. The archer looks through the peep sight to align their eye with the front sight and target.
Stabilizer:
A weighted device attached to the front of the bow to help balance the bow during the shot and reduce any unwanted movement or vibration.
Nocking Point:
A small marker placed on the bowstring that indicates where the arrow should be nocked. This helps to ensure consistency in arrow placement and accuracy.
The process of adjusting various components of the bow and arrow to achieve optimal performance and accuracy. This includes adjusting the bowstring, nocking point, arrow rest, and sight.
Back Tension Release:
A type of release aid that requires the archer to use their back muscles to release the bowstring, rather than their fingers. This can help to reduce tension and improve accuracy.
Other Terms
3D Archery:
A type of archery that involves shooting at three-dimensional targets that mimic real-life hunting situations. It is often used by hunters to practice their skills in a realistic environment.
Field Archery:
A type of archery that involves shooting at targets that are placed at varying distances and in different terrain conditions, such as hills or woods.
Clout Archery:
A type of archery that involves shooting arrows at a large target placed at a great distance, usually over 100 yards. This type of archery requires a high degree of skill and accuracy.
Flight Archery:
A type of archery that involves shooting arrows for distance, with the goal of achieving the greatest distance possible. This type of archery requires specialized equipment and techniques.
Billet
A billet is a rectangular piece of wood from which a bow stave is cut. It is usually made from a strong and flexible wood such as yew, hickory, or bamboo.
Backset
Backset is the distance from the back of the bow to the string when the bow is braced. It is an important factor in determining the draw weight and performance of the bow.
Bowyer
A bowyer is a person who makes bows. They are skilled craftsmen who use their knowledge of wood, tools, and bow design to create functional and aesthetically pleasing bows.
Crown
The crown is the highest point of the bow limb, usually located at the center of the limb. It is an important factor in determining the performance of the bow.
Deflex
Deflex refers to the curvature of the bow limbs that is oriented toward the archer when the bow is braced. It is an important factor in determining the draw weight and performance of the bow.
Dutchman
A Dutchman is a small piece of wood or other material that is inserted into a bow to repair a defect or to reinforce a weak area.
Follow the String
Following the string refers to the path that the bowstring takes as it travels from the nocking point to the bow tip. It is an important factor in determining the performance of the bow.
Helical Twist
Helical twist refers to the way the bowstring is twisted around its axis. It can affect the accuracy and performance of the bow.
Hinged Bow
A hinged bow is a type of bow that has a hinge mechanism in the handle. It allows the archer to adjust the draw weight and length of the bow.
Overbowed
Overbowed refers to a bow that is too strong for the archer to handle comfortably. It can cause fatigue and decrease accuracy.
Overspine
Overspine refers to an arrow that is too stiff for the bow. It can cause the arrow to fly erratically and decrease accuracy.
Point of Aim
Point of aim is the spot on the target where the archer aims the bow. It is an important factor in determining the accuracy of the shot.
Push-Pull Stringing
Push-pull stringing is a method of stringing a bow that involves pushing one end of the bow down while pulling the other end up to attach the bowstring. It is a safe and effective way to string a bow.
Quill
A quill is a lightweight material that is used to make arrow fletching. It is usually made from the feather of a bird.
Quiver
A quiver is a container used to hold arrows. It can be worn on the back or hip, or attached to the bow.
Reflex
Reflex refers to the curvature of the bow limbs that is oriented away from the archer when the bow is braced. It is an important factor in determining the draw weight and performance of the bow.
Rift
Rift refers to a defect or crack in the wood of a bow. It can weaken the bow and decrease performance.
Roving
Roving is a type of archery that involves shooting at targets placed at different distances and angles. It is often used for recreational or hunting purposes.
Selfbow
A selfbow is a type of bow made from a single piece of wood, without any laminations or other added materials.
Sight Window
The sight window is the area of the bow between the handle and the limbs where the archer aims. It is an important factor in determining the accuracy of the shot.
Conclusion:
Archery is a sport that has a rich history and tradition, and with that history comes a vast array of archery-specific terminology.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you will not only be able to better understand the sport of archery but also communicate more effectively with other archers.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced archer, it is always a good idea to keep a glossary of archery terms handy to refer to when needed.
As you continue to practice and develop your skills, you will undoubtedly come across new terms and concepts that are not covered in this glossary.
However, by starting with the terms listed here, you will have a solid foundation upon which to build your archery knowledge.
