9 Challenges of Field Archery: How to Overcome Them
Field archery can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite challenging. There are many different things that you need to take into account when you are out on the field, and if you aren’t prepared for them, you will likely find yourself struggling. In this blog post, we will discuss nine of the most common challenges faced by field archers, as well as how to overcome them. Let’s get started!
World Archery and the National Field Archery Association have established laws in order to regulate field archery rounds. Although there may be differences between their regulations, the fundamental aim of both organizations remains identical.
Whether you’re shooting a World Archery or NFAA field round, there are nine similar challenges that all archers must face. These include stations for short-distance shots at small targets and long-distance ones at larger targets, where multiple arrows will be released each time.
1.) Stamina
Archery shape is one thing, but field archery shape? That’s another story. Even if you shoot half of a National Field Archery Association (NFAA) field round—14 targets—you’ll still fire off 56 arrows! And that almost doubles the typical indoor Vegas range. If you do the full round, it’ll be twice that number. To top it all off, walk two miles while shooting throughout your round, and by its close, your stamina will certainly be tested; don’t let those final few targets drain away points from what could’ve been an amazing score.
2.) Distance
When you shoot inside, the distances never change which reduces the challenge. Field archery, on the other hand, tests your skills at various ranges. The World Archery round requires compound adult archers to practice from 10 to 60 meters; a distance that may appear easy but rarely is ever practiced by most! Reaching sixty meters calls for an exquisite amount of accuracy and poise that 18-meter shots would not require.
As the distances in a field round are constantly fluctuating, it can be hard to get into any sort of rhythm. You may hit a 15-meter target with ease and then you’ll have to try your luck at 55 meters – an intimidating challenge that could cause you to lose all the confidence earned from achieving success on earlier shots.
3.) Sight tape
A field round is an ultimate test for your sight tape. You may not always be shooting at 5 or 0 yards, so you’ll need a sturdy and comprehensive sight tape that covers all possible distances in the round. This requires meticulous testing to ensure accuracy, yet it can be done with confidence when carefully examined.
It’s fairly typical to be spot-on with sighting distances for targets that are close, yet a bit off when it comes to those further away. Field archers should explore custom sight tapes made available by programs like Archers Advantage for the best accuracy at all ranges.
4.) Footing
If you happen to come across a field target shooting station that has ample space for your feet, consider yourself fortunate. Typically, one of your feet is always elevated or angled sideways and the ground can be bumpy with sticks and stones. This type of uneven footing will throw off both your balance & accuracy if you don’t prepare accordingly!
5.) Angles
When archery is involved, the varying terrain can be a great challenge. You may find yourself shooting uphill or downhill or across a hill. This would require you to work harder and adjust your body in order to make sure you maintain good posture and form while still keeping your bow at an even level for accurate shots. Are you able to stick it out through any of these tough angles?
6.) Cuts
When shooting up or down hills, it’s essential to factor in yardage cuts. Gravity affects the arrow differently at angles than on a flat surface; thus, if your target is 32 yards out but lies at the bottom of a steep hill, you must be aware of how much to subtract from that distance so that you’re aiming precisely at its center and accounting for the fact that your arrow will hit behind your pin. In this case, if the angle is considerable enough then what was initially perceived as a 32-yard shot may require adjusting one’s sight to 29 yards instead!
Don’t be tricked by the angle direction. Many archers mistakenly believe that uphill shots require them to increase the yardage; however, they should actually decrease it like with downhill shots.
7.) Weather
Field archery is an outdoor activity, so you’ll have to be ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you – from gusty winds and rain to blinding sunlight. If the weather looks dreadful before a competition, it’s best to go practice in those conditions to get familiar with your gear and how it responds. That way, even if poor weather comes up on the game day, you will be prepared!
8.) Making adjustments
An archer who fails to change their strategies in the face of a field round sets themselves up for failure. With all these conditions swirling around you during your competition, you must be able to identify what’s going on and adjust accordingly.
If it appears as though your arrows are impacting too high on the targets, then swiftly figure out how much distance needs to be taken off from your shots in order to compensate for whatever effect is at play. The longer you wait before taking action, the more points will slip away from earning success.
9.) Confidence
Although adaptability is essential during a field round, it isn’t always the best option. Every archer experiences self-doubt and questions his or her shooting abilities or equipment at some point. However, resist impulsive decisions and don’t succumb to temptation!
Believe in your skills and plan so that you’re equipped to select the best strategy for every arrow. You will sometimes ask yourself “What just happened there?” This is normal, even in field archery. Hurdle these nine obstacles while finishing an impressive round of field archery which ultimately give you a feeling of fulfillment like never before!
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I stay balanced while shooting in field archery?
Answer: It is important to practice good posture and proper form when shooting field archery, even on uneven terrain. Try to keep your feet shoulder-width apart for balance and adjust the angle of your body as needed for greater stability.
2. What should I consider when shooting uphill or downhill?
Answer: When shooting up or down hills, you need to factor in yardage cuts. Gravity affects the arrow differently at angles than on a flat surface; thus, if your target is 32 yards out but lies at the bottom of a steep hill, you must be aware of how much to subtract from that distance so that you’re aiming precisely at its center.
3. How can I prepare for weather conditions when shooting?
Answer: As field archery is an outdoor activity, you’ll have to be ready for any kind of weather Mother Nature throws at you – from gusty winds and rain to blinding sunlight. It is best to go practice in those conditions to get familiar with your gear and how it responds, so that you are prepared for game day.
4. What strategies should I use when making adjustments?
Answer: If it appears as though your arrows are impacting too high on the targets, then swiftly figure out how much distance needs to be taken off from your shots in order to compensate for any effect. It is important to resist impulsive decisions and use your skills and plan to select the best strategy for every arrow.
5. What can I do when I am feeling overwhelmed or self-doubtful?
Answer: During a field round, it is normal to experience self-doubt and question your shooting abilities or equipment. In such moments, it is essential to believe in your skills and plan so that you’re equipped to select the best strategy for every arrow. Doing this will help build confidence and eventually lead to success.
Thank you for reading! I hope this article has been helpful in providing information on the obstacles faced while shooting field archery as well as strategies for overcoming them. Now get out there and enjoy the sport! Happy shooting!
