Layout Table~~~~4939~4939~~

Archery Glossary~We've put together a glossary of some of the more 'unique' archery terms as it can be complicated for people new to the sport to understand everything straight away.

-A-
Anchor
    The point on the face where the archer holds their fingers at full draw.
Armguard
    A device that protects the bow arm from abrasion by the string. Also known as a bracer


-B-
Back
    The side of the bow farthest from the archer.
Backing
    Reinforcement on the back of the bow.
Bare bow
    A bow without sights or stabilizers.
Belly
    The side of the bow nearest the archer.
Boss
    The straw or foam target that the paper face is mounted on
Bracing Height
    The distance between the grip and the string, normally between 8.5” and 9.5”
Bracer
    The same as an armguard.
Broad head
    A sharpened steel point used in bow hunting.
Bulls-eye
    The gold centre circle on a target.
Butt
    The straw or foam target that the paper face is mounted on


-C-
Centre-shot
    Refers to making sure the arrow points down the centre of the bow when it is nocked on the string. Normally adjusted by using the plunger button and rest.
Cock feather
    The feather that's placed at right angles to the string when the arrow is nocked.
Cresting
    Distinctive colour markings on an arrow to identify the owner in scoring.


-D-
Draw Weight
    The number of pounds of force required to pull the bowstring back. Normally measured at 28 inches.


-E-
End
    A group of arrows that are shot before being retrieved from the target and scored. Usually six, sometimes three.


-F-
Finger tab
    A piece of leather that protects the string fingers.
Fletching
    The feathers that help stabilize the arrow during flight.
Flu-flu
    An arrow with over-sized feathers, used in bird hunting.
Footed shaft
    A shaft that has a hardwood section on its front end.


-K-
Kisser button
    A device attached to the bowstring that touches the archer's lips when the string is at full draw.


-L-
Limb
    Part of the bow from the riser (handle) to the tip. They normally come in three lengths; short, medium and long. On a standard 25” riser a short limb will make a 66” bow, a medium a 68” bow and a long a 70” bow.
Loose
    To let go of the string.


-N-
Nock
    An attachment that holds the arrow in in place on the bow string. As a verb, to place the arrow on the string.


-O-
Over-bowed
    Said of an archer who is using too heavy a bow for them to pull.


-P-
Perfect end
    An end in which the archer shoots all bulls-eyes.
Petticoat
    The part of the target outside the scoring area.


-Q-
Quarrel
    A crossbow arrow.
Quiver
    A case for holding arrows. Normally used to describe the case that hangs from either a belt or over the back of the archer.


-R-
Recurve
    A bow whose tips curve away from the archer.
Release Aid
    A mechanical device that lets go of the string. Normally used by compound archers instead of using their fingers.
Riser
    The bow's handle.
Robin Hood
    The feat of driving the tip of an arrow into the end of another arrow that's already in the target. Named, of course, for Robin Hood's legendary accomplishment.
Round
    A certain number of arrows, shot from established distances, in competition. A round is made up of ends, as a baseball game is made up of innings.


-S-
Self bow
    A bow made of a single piece of wood.
Serving
    A wrapping of thread that prevents wear on the bowstring.
Spine
    A measurement of arrow stiffness.
Stabilizer
    A weight mounted on a bow to minimize undesirable torque of the bow string upon release.


-T-
Tackle
    Archery equipment.~~~4939~4941~~