There are several types of archery practiced in the UK today. The main types are target, field, clout, and flight, and each requires slightly different shooting methods and equipment. Archers can take part in any - or all - of the disciplines.

 

Target Archery

Target archery is the type of archery practiced at the Olympics, and is the version most beginners learn first. Archers shoot a set number of arrows at targets set at specified distances on a flat surface. It can take place either indoors or outdoors. More Infomation

 

Field Archery

A field archery course is set up over woodland and rough terrain. Archers shoot a specified number of arrows at different targets in sequence. Archers might have to shoot uphill or downhill, and the targets could be different sizes and at different distances so anyone taking part has to really think about what they are doing. Field archery is a great way of keeping fit and enjoying the outdoors. More Infomation

 

Clout Shooting

This ancient form of archery was used as military training in the middle ages - background. The target is the clout, which is a small flag on a vertical stick, stuck in the ground and placed up to 180 yards away. An archer’s score is determined by how close each arrow lands to the flag, the arrow that lands the closest gets the highest points. More Infomation. The following is a useful Clout Instruction Booklet including why instruction is required before starting clout archery. Booklet

 

Flight Shooting

This form of archery simply consists of shooting an arrow over the longest possible distance. There is no target but it does require a very large, flat area – something the size of an aerodrome. Recurve, compound and longbow classes can all shoot flight archery within different weight categories. Specialist bows and lightweight arrows are used to maximise power and reduce drag.

 

Popinjay

Popinjay or Papingo, is a shooting sport that is performed with either archery equipment or with rifles. The archery version is also known as pole archery. The target is an artificial bird (a jay) or set of birds suspended from or perched on a high pole.