Archery – Glossary

EQUIPMENT

Arrow	A projectile with a pointed tip, shaft, and fletching.
Arrow Rest	A device on the bow where the arrow rests before being launched.
Bow	The tool used in archery to launch arrows, consisting of a riser, limbs, and string.
Bowstring	The string attached to the limbs of the bow, used to propel the arrow.
Limbs	The upper and lower flexible parts of the bow that store energy when drawn.
Quiver	A container used to hold arrows, worn on the body or placed on the ground.
Riser	The central part of the bow, where the archer holds it.
Sight	An adjustable aiming device attached to the bow to help the archer aim accurately.
Stabilizer	A rod or set of rods attached to the bow to improve balance and stability during a shot.
Target	The object an archer aims at, usually a circular board with scoring zones.

SCORING & TARGETS

Bullseye	The center of the target, worth the highest points.
End	A set of arrows (usually 3 or 6) shot before scores are recorded.
Gold	The innermost yellow scoring zones on a target, including the bullseye.
Linecutter	An arrow that touches the line between two scoring zones, which counts as the higher score.
Round	A series of ends making up a full competition segment.
Scorecard	A sheet used to record an archer’s scores during a round.

SHOOTING TECHNIQUES

Anchor Point	The spot on an archer’s face where the drawing hand consistently rests during aiming.
Draw	The act of pulling the bowstring back in preparation for a shot.
Follow-Through	The motion after releasing the arrow, ensuring proper form and consistency.
Grouping	When multiple arrows land close together on the target, indicating precision.
Release	The moment the bowstring is let go, propelling the arrow toward the target.

COMPETITION

Range	The area where archery is done, including shooting lanes and targets.
Shooting Line	The line archers stand behind while shooting.
Tie-Breaker	A single-arrow shoot-off to decide a winner in case of a tie.

TYPES

Compound Archery	A discipline using bows with a pulley system, allowing for greater accuracy and power.
Recurve Archery	A discipline using bows with a pulley system, allowing for greater accuracy and power.
Time Limit	The maximum time allowed to shoot a set number of arrows.

ARROW FLIGHT

Arrow Spine	A measure of the stiffness of an arrow shaft, affecting its flight.
Draw Weight	The amount of force needed to draw the bowstring to full draw.
Fletching	The feathers or vanes on an arrow that stabilize its flight.
Nock	The notch at the end of the arrow that attaches to the bowstring.
Trajectory	The curved path an arrow takes as it travels toward the target.

TERMS

Archer’s Paradox	The phenomenon where an arrow flexes around the bow upon release, yet still hits the target.
Dead Release	A poor release technique where the hand does not follow through after letting go of the string.
Perfect End	When all arrows in an end hit the highest scoring zones.

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