Information about Archery
Planning on picking up a Bow and Arrow and having a shot? If you are, you are about to take part in an ancient activity. Archery has been with us since the Stone Age. It has played a notable role in shaping and developing the world as we know it today.
Archery (from the Latin arcus meaning ‘bow’ or ‘arch’)
Historically, the bow and arrow have been used for hunting and combat. They appeared in the late Palaeolithic or early Mesolithic periods. The oldest signs of archery’s use in Europe date from around 10,000BC. In Asia and the Middle East evidence suggests that it originated even earlier. In modern times, it is mainly a competitive sport and recreational activity.
A person who participates in archery is typically called an archer. An expert or someone who is fond of the activity is called a toxophilite – ‘lover of the bow’.
This is derived from the Ancient Greek τόξον (Tokson ‘bow’) and φίλος (Philos ‘friend’).
Archery is a sport that requires skills of precision, control, focus, repetition, and determination. It is a competitive sport and is an event of the Summer Olympic Games. More importantly, it is a recreation available to be practiced by all, no matter age, gender, or ability. It is a widespread pastime in both developed and developing countries.
Firing arrows from bows is often in the public eye thanks to popular culture and appears in films such as Brave, Hunger Games Mockingjay trilogy, and The Avengers.
Click on the buttons below to find out a bit more about the equipment we use. There is also a list of archery terms and information about the technique.
Archery is a very inclusive sport which caters for juniors, adults, masters, the visually impaired and those with disabilities. Scottish Archery outline the opportunities for all.
