Programme guide

The Beginner Programme is a structured pathway designed to take you from your first arrows to becoming a competent, confident target archer.

Built around World Archery target disciplines, it combines theory, practical skills and measurable performance milestones, so you graduate with a solid technical foundation and a clear understanding of the sport.

• 7 structured learning modules — how and why we shoot the way we do
• 5 progressive performance levels — what you can demonstrate on the target

Archers progress by completing both the monthly learning focus and the relevant qualifying score for each level.

• Qualify using the technique taught in that month’s module
• Not style specific
• Shot on 80cm targets
• Distances: 10m, 14m and 18m (under-13s: 5m, 7m and 9m)
• Focus on consistency, form and safe progression

• Archers move to 60cm targets
• Qualifying scores differ by discipline, reflecting the accuracy differences between styles
• Marks the transition from general archery skills to discipline-specific development

• A shortened version of the World Archery Indoor Round
• Shot on the official 40cm target
• Scores are weighted by competition classification — a combination of age category, gender and shooting style
• Shows competency at official distances and target sizes — a substantial milestone

Seven modules cover how and why we shoot. The full lesson for each one unlocks on an archer’s own record as their coach signs it off.

A Barebow aiming method using the tip of the arrow as a visual reference point relative to the target.

An advanced Barebow technique using adjusted finger placement on the string for consistent arrow placement at different distances.

The Recurve aiming method, using a sight mounted to the bow for a precise, repeatable aiming reference.

How stabilisers influence balance and shot execution, how stabilisation differs between styles, and the relationship between the bow hand, the bow and the correct use of a finger sling.

Developing a simple four-step shot process to build consistency, flow and repeatability under pressure. This underpins every shooting style.

Archery terminology, differences between bow styles, basic equipment setup, and which specifications suit you as an individual archer.

An introduction to competitive archery: timers and shooting order, range etiquette and judging, shooting under pressure, and scoring systems and awards.

Every scored round is 18 arrows (6 ends of 3). Distances in brackets are for under-13s.

Level 5 is shot on the 40cm face at 18m (9m for under-13s). Qualifying score is out of 180 and depends on age group, gender and bow style.

Official World Archery target faces are used for all scoring rounds.

The 40cm face is the official size for Recurve and Barebow at indoor competitions, shot at 18m (9m for under-13s).

• Each end is 3 shots
• Scoring values: X, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0
• An X scores 10 and is used for tie-breaks
• Maximum per end: 30 points
• Each round is 6 ends — 18 arrows, maximum 180
• Official scoresheets must be used
• Double scoring is required: two scoresheets per archer

If an arrow’s shaft cuts the line between two scoring zones, it scores the higher value.

Scoring rings

Line cutters

• Each archer has two scoresheets
• Complete the personal details on both before scored arrows begin, then give one to your scoring partner
• Use a blue or black pen only

• Write arrows from highest value to lowest, regardless of the order they were shot
• An arrow outside the scoring rings is marked “M” for miss = 0 points
• If you shoot too many arrows, the lowest-scoring 3 are counted
• No contact with arrows, target face or buttress until the arrows have been scored

If an arrow hits the scored area but bounces out, tell the coach and ask whether to shoot a make-up arrow. In competition, holes are marked and a judge decides where the arrow hit.

• Double-check the final score and total the 10s and 9s
• Both scoresheets’ totals must match
• Corrections are allowed, but both archer and scorer must initial next to them
• Only sign the sheets once scoring is complete