How to Get Ready for a Target Archery Tournament

If you are into target archery, chances are you may be competing at tournaments. This article will show you some of the ways one must do to get ready for target archery competitions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bow (recurve or compound)
• Arrows
• Archery gears
• Target
• Practice area
• Memberships

1. Equipment: Buy a bow and sets of arrows made of high quality materials. You may compete using recurve or compound bows. If your goal is to compete in the Olympics someday, a recurve bow is what you would need to invest into. Compound bows, however, are used for Paralympic games.
   
   Choose the correct poundage when buying your bow; ladies will usually pull between 26 to 36 pounds while men usually pull between 36 to 42 pounds. For juniors, young ladies can pull between 18 to 26 pounds and young boys between 28 to 36 pounds.
   
   Buy arrows made of good quality materials. Avoid buying cheap materials made from plastics or pure carbons for they will break or splinter easily. Check the correct length for you that should work for the target distance.
   
   Experienced archers can give you better ideas in purchasing the right equipment for target archery competitions. Ask around and research online for more information.

2. Target Practice Locations: Practicing constantly and regularly is essential in getting ready for target archery tournaments. Find target practice areas where you can practice hitting targets. These places charge a minimal fee per hour of use and you can lease equipment there too.
   
   If you want you can also make your own target practice area. Make sure to consider your safety and of those around you. Take the necessary precautions to avoid causing injuries to you and to others. Check for guidelines in properly setting up your own target archery practice location and check with local authorities for restrictions.

3. Stay Physical Fit: Make sure to strengthen your arms by doing exercises for your upper body. Warm up and stretch before you start practicing. Staying active and eating healthy can ensure that you are physically fit and will have stamina for the competition.

4. Hire a Coach or Enroll in Target Archery Lessons: Target archery is a craft that must be learned with proper training and skills. Hiring an experienced or licensed coach or enrolling in target archery lessons can be of benefit to you if you are contemplating on competing in tournaments.
   
   You will learn the proper way of handling your bows and arrows to ensure that you will hit the targets. Furthermore, they will teach you how to practice safety while doing target archery.

5. Scoring: Practice scoring is a good way to determine how you are doing when it comes to hitting the targets. Check and compare your scores and groupings from previous practices.
   
   As you get better, add distance to your range. Make your target face smaller and see how you fare on smaller targets. The higher your scores, the better your chances are to rise to the top. You can also try hitting objects like inflated balloons that you stick on your targets to add some fun while practicing.

6. Sign Up: Months prior to the competition check the schedule of the tournaments then sign up. You may be required to be a member of the National Archery Association before you can compete. For junior divisions, you may need to sign up for JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development). Make inquiries from the organizers on what their requirements are for you to be able to qualify for archery competitions.

7. Prepare for Travel and Book Accommodations: If you are planning on competing at big competitions, chances are there will be limited hotel spaces. Book your hotel or motel accommodations in advanced. You may want to buy your airline tickets if you are flying to a location. You will get cheaper plane fares and hotel rates if you book early.
   
   There are some organized competitions that allow camping onsite, check for requirements and then prepare things that you will need to stay for a couple of nights. If you are driving to the location, ensure that your car is in great condition to be able to reach your destination safely. Take your car for a full maintenance check up for longer driving distances.

8. Check the Area: Arrive a day before or hours ahead before the competition starts. They would normally allow competitors to do target practice before the event. Be sure to be there for that.
   
   Checking the location before the competition will allow you to get acclimated with the location, especially if the competition is outdoors, where you would need to check the environmental factors such as sunlight and wind directions.

9. Gear Up: If you are competing with a team, chances are you may already be wearing a uniform that is suitable to archery competitions. If not, then you would want to make sure you are wearing the proper attire.
   
   Avoid wearing loose or baggy clothes. Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Wear sunglasses, sun visors or caps to protect from sunlight. Wear accessories such as arm guard and gloves for protection. Wear comfortable shoes to help you with your stance and to endure standing for prolonged durations.

10. Relax and Think Positive: Try not to be too tense during the competition. Think positive about the outcome. Relax and try to have some fun. You can handle the pressure of the competition better if you are relaxed. Meet and talk to other competitors so that you will gain new friends who enjoy the same sport as you.

Tips & Warnings

• Employ some form of yoga relaxation to help you relax and concentrate on your target.
• Do not release your arrow if you are not ready to shoot.

[MidniteWriter]

on 12/26/2007 Nice to know, I bet there's not a lot of information out there on this. Thank you!

[WriterGig]

on 12/21/2007 This is a great, informative and in-depth article! Thank you!