Everything About Indoor Archery

Compared to outdoor target archery, indoor shooting lacks the effects of the elements such as wind. As a result, serious indoor competitors often shoot arrows with a larger diameter shaft because they can catch more lines for a higher score.

Additionally, most indoor shooters use hinge-style releases to promote consistent arrow flight. Some also use a quiver with a large capacity to hold all of their arrows for competition.

How to Shoot

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or seasoned competitor, indoor target archery is for everyone. Indoor tournaments are held in local bow shops and pro stores across the country throughout the winter. Typically, archers compete in head-to-head matchups and the mixed team or individual with the highest score wins.

Since the distance to the target is short, consistency is key. Serious indoor archers often opt for larger-diameter arrows that have heavier points and bigger fletching to help them “catch” lines in the scoring rings.

They also shoot with hinge-style releases that require a complete rotation of the handle to release the string. This style of release helps reduce flinching, which can happen if you anticipate the shot. Archers can also choose to shoot a Vegas round, which features a white inner ring that scores 5 points and an outer blue ring used only to break ties. Archers shoot 12 ends of five arrows each and have four minutes to complete the round. The goal is to get 60 Xs on the target or 300 points overall.

Equipment

When you forget a toothbrush or swimsuit for an upcoming trip it isn’t really that big of a deal, but when it comes to archery a forgotten piece of equipment at an indoor target tournament can be disastrous. That’s why a serious indoor competitor makes sure to pack the right gear.

Besides bows and arrows, a competitor needs to make sure they have the proper peep sight, release, and stabilizers in games like unblocked games 67. Also, a quiver for storing the arrows is essential, especially when shooting at an indoor range with multiple shooters sharing the same space.

Most seasoned outdoor archers will opt for larger diameter arrows when competing indoors. They know that bigger arrows will better ‘catch’ the lines on the targets and earn more points. Additionally, a longer fletching will improve the arrow’s flight at indoor distances. Easton’s X10 shafts, for instance, are currently used to set all of the world recurve and compound records. These lightweight, carbon-fiber arrows come in a variety of spine selection curves to fit any bow. They’re also the arrows of choice for most recurve archers who compete indoors.

Ranges

If you’re interested in a new hobby for yourself or your kids, indoor archery is an excellent option. It provides an enjoyable and relaxing activity that can help strengthen muscles, increase self-confidence, and foster family unity.

Look for an indoor range with appropriate target butts to hold paper, 3D, or foam targets securely in place and proper lighting to reduce eye strain and improve visibility. The facility should also follow established safety protocols and offer equipment rentals or a pro shop.

Indoor shooting ranges are usually quieter than outdoor ranges, allowing you to focus on your target and practice with minimal distractions. They also give you a sense of control over your environment, eliminating the risk of loose arrows flying away from the range or yard. This allows archers to practice consistently and see their scores steadily improve, leading up to their peak potential. This is a major advantage for children who have busy schedules and need to develop time management skills. It also makes it easier to attend archery tournaments closer to home or even travel to national and international events.

Leagues

With the indoor shooting range and outdoor 3-D, you’ll find everything you need to improve your skill. Their fully trained staff will help you with all your archery needs. They’re also a full service dealer for such top brands as Matthews, Hoyt, PSE, Darton, and Alpine.

Tournaments are contested on either the single spot target which is traditionally used by Barebow and Recurve shooters or the 5 spot target which is normally used by Compound shooters. In competition the target is divided into 12 ends of 5 arrows per end. Each arrow is scored based on the size and color of the ring it hits. If the arrow touches a scoring boundary line this is counted as a point, for example an arrow just touching the center X ring counts as a 5. Ties are broken by the total number of X’s scored.

Most indoor tournaments have a bowhunter class which is limited to archers using equipment similar to what they’d take hunting. This usually includes front stabilizers up to 36 inches and sights with fixed pins or magnifying lenses up to 10 power.

Competitions

Whether you are a bowhunter who loves to practice indoors or an Olympic hopeful, there is an indoor tournament to suit your interests. From the USA Archery JOAD Indoor Nationals and the USA Archery Indoor Nationals, to regional and state championships, there is an indoor target event for you.

The competition format is based on the same rules as outdoor target. In the qualification round, athletes shoot 60 arrows at a distance of 18 meters. The archers that make it through the qualification round advance to the elimination rounds.

During an elimination round, each archer shoots four ends of 3 arrows (2 per archer) in 2 minutes. The targets have a large single spot or a five spot face, depending on the bow type (Recurve or Compound). Each ring scores differently, with the outermost red ring scoring 10 points and the inner blue ring scoring 4 points. The white center X ring breaks any tie.

The archers that made it through the elimination rounds shoot head-to-head matches to determine the winner of each match. The top 16 men and women from the elimination rounds will compete in a series of bronze, silver and gold matches to determine the winners of the individual medals.