Getting ready for field archery in natural terrain

Know the course and the targets

Field archery in natural terrain takes place on a course of 21 targets, set at unknown distances. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the terrain before starting, taking the time to observe the different types of target. The targets depict animals and are divided into distinct zones: the ‘kill’ zone and the ‘wound’ zone. Understanding these zones is fundamental to getting the most from your shots and maximising your score.

Draw up a nutrition plan

Before starting your shooting session, it is essential to plan your nutrition. A snack rich in complex carbohydrates, such as dried fruit or energy bars, can provide the energy needed to keep your concentration up. It is also important to drink regularly, in small amounts. This helps avoid dehydration, which can harm your performance and accuracy.

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The importance of warming up

Warming up is an indispensable step to prevent injuries, especially in a discipline that loads the shoulder asymmetrically. Before starting, do targeted warm-up exercises, including shoulder rotations and arm stretches. Good physical preparation not only helps reduce the risk of injury but also improves your ability to shoot accurately. By including mobility and strength exercises, you ensure better overall performance.

Follow the safety rules

Before each shot, make sure the shooting area is completely clear. Check that nobody is in the line of fire. Following safety rules is fundamental to avoiding accidents, especially in a natural environment where the risks can be higher. Never neglect this step, as it is crucial for your safety and that of others. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the opinion of a supervisor or the person in charge of safety on the course.

Structure your shooting session

To maximise your effectiveness when shooting, structure your session. Start with a warm-up, followed by technical work on your stance and your shot. Then apply these techniques at a familiar distance, before moving on to real-life conditions with scored ends. This prepares you mentally and physically for field shooting conditions, where distances and terrain can vary. Remember to include concentration exercises to get used to shooting under pressure.

Manage your shooting time

In field archery, you have a limited time to loose your arrows: 30 seconds for Seniors and Juniors, and 45 seconds for Benjamins, Minimes, Cadets and Veterans. It is crucial to manage this time effectively. Train to shoot quickly while maintaining your accuracy. Good time management can make the difference between a good score and a poor one. Use a stopwatch during your training to simulate real competition conditions.

Assess and adjust your technique

After each session, take the time to assess your performance. Note what worked well and what needs improving. Adjust your technique according to the results. This will let you progress and get the most from your performance in future sessions. Repetition and adjustment are key to becoming a competent archer in natural terrain. Also consider filming your sessions to analyse your stance and shooting technique.

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What we don’t know yet

Despite this practical advice, grey areas remain concerning the exact distances between targets and shooting pegs for each age category, as well as the precise criteria for determining whether an arrow is in the ‘kill’ or ‘wound’ zone. In addition, the specific warm-up methods and training techniques for improving accuracy in field archery are not yet clearly defined. These points call for more research and exchange between practitioners to refine best practice.