TAHAP I

FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

AKADEMI KEJURULATIHAN
KEBANGSAAN

KURSUS KEJURULATIHAN
TAHAP I

ACHERY

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

FOREWARD

This National Achery Association Malaysia (NAAM) Level I Coaching Certification Manual is
designed as a reference for participants attending the NAAM Level I Archery Coaching
Course. The Curriculum is set or coaches interested in Development of Archery .
In the various instructional and coaching publications that are available, each will have its
own way of teaching athletes how to master the game. As they say in any sports, “The rule
is…..there are no rules”. Part of the secret to becoming a successful coach rests with your
ability to be open minded, knowing your players and implementing a plan that will work best
for a team.
Coaches who understand the value of continuing education and take the time constantly
improve the knowledge of the sport will strengthen their ability to work with variety of
athletes. Helping athletes reach their goals and develop their own personal in the sport
should be the ultimate goals of a coach. There’s no substitute for getting out there and
working with athletes. Applying the different concepts and discovering how they work in the
real world will increase the coach’s practical knowledge and experience about the game.
Coaching is a lifelong journey in which good coaches will continue to learn and grow through
shared experiences with athletes. Great coaches are made, not born.
This Manual is one in the NAAM Coaching Program series and has been produced as a joint
initiative with National Sports Council of Malaysia. The Malaysian Government acknowledges
the role sport plays in enhancing the quality of life.
© NAAM and AKK MSN

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

No author could claim solely responsible for compiling a manual of this magnitude. There are
several people we have to acknowledge for their assistance and encouragement in compiling this
National Archery Association Malaysia (NAAM) Level I Coaching Manual.

My first thanks and foremost goes to the President of the NAAM, YBhg. Tan Sri Abdul Halil b. Abdul
Mutalib and the Vice President Dato’ Abdul Hamid b. Hj. Hasan who was the major driving force to
the preparation of the NAAM Level I, II and III Coaching Manuals.
We are also indebted to the Director General of the National Sports Council (NSC) Dato’ Seri
Zolkples Embong and the Director of Coaching Management Division NSC En. Ahmad Zawawi
Zakaria for their willingness and enthusiasm to prepare Coaching Manuals for all sports including
their co-operation in this manual.

We would like to express our profound gratitude and sincere appreciation to the NAAM Coaching
Panel for their kind valuable guidance, encouragement, valuable suggestions without which the
manual would not have been completed. Mr. R. Vivekanandan s/o K. Ramiah of the National Sports
Council (NSC) deserves enormous credit for being an indispensable conduit in contributing and fast
checking the technical content of this manual.

Thanks also to Puan Naziah Talib for her incredible speed, efficiency and care in handling the
manuscript. We have the Panel members to thank for their support. Needless to say only the Panel
is responsible for any weakness the manual may have. Thanks also to the Coaching Management
Division of NSC for their incredible speed, efficiency and care in handling the manuscript.

The list would not complete without acknowledging our gratitude to all directly or indirectly helped
in one way or another in the culmination in preparing this manual. Every effort has been made to
trace all the copyright holders, but if any have been inadvertently overlooked we will be pleased to
make the necessary arrangement at the first opportunity.

Compiled and Edited by

NAAM coaching panel

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

PREFACE

As part of an ongoing process to further consolidate the development of archery at the grass root
level, the National Archery Association Malaysian (NAAM) has set up a National Junior Archery
Development Programme Committee. This Committee has been given the task to draw up a
detailed Junior Master Plan. To ensure that this is professionally done, a number of Technical
Advisors comprising those knowledgeable in this field were co-opted into the Committee.
The Technical Advisors consist of the Panel Members , and they had drawn up a comprehensive set
of manuals, which had been accepted by the Committee. There are four parts to the Manual:

1. Practical Course Instruction Manual
2. Theory Course Instruction Manual
3. Coaches Reference Manual and Skill Tests
4. Instructors Training Manual
These manuals encompass instructions from School Level (aged 10-12) to Level Four (Advanced –
National Back Up Squad). These Manuals are also designed to facilitate any future updates.
I would like to congratulate and thank the Technical Advisors for their dedication in compiling the
manuals with some valuable input. I wish also to thank all the members of the National Junior
Archery Development Programme Committee for their contribution. The hard work will now begin
with the implementation of the restructured Junior Development Programme (JDP).
NAAM will need the support of various parties, such as the Government, Archery Clubs and
corporate sponsors to ensure that the new structured Junior Programme is implemented
successfully.
NAAM therefore look forward to working together with archery clubs, MSSM and potential sponsors
to ascertain that our objectives are met.

Dato’ Abdul Hamid b. Hj. Hasan
Vice President, National Archery Association Malaysia

This Manual is published by National Archery Association Malaysia (NAAM)
The contents of the Manual are the copyright of NAAM. No part of this Manual
may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission from NAAM

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

ORGANIZATION OF THIS MANUAL

CONTENTS: This table describes the contents of the chapters in this manual.

Chapters Number and Title Pages Description

Level I Coaching Curriculum 6 - 10

Chapter 1 - History 11 - 13

Chapter 2 – Game of Golf 14 - 15

Chapter 3 - Equipments and Accessories 16 - 18

Chapter 4 - Skills and Games 19 - 67

Chapter 5 - Sport Skill 68 - 104

Chapter 6 - Nutrition 105 - 129

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

NAAM COACHING CURRICULUM LEVEL I

Entry to the NAAM Coaching Accreditation Scheme is through Level I Coaching Courses
which are staged nationally and are designed to train large number of coaches who can work with
archery players in specific phases of the Athlete Development Pathway–for beginners. It is
most important for coaches who are teaching the basics of Archery to children and beginners to
be competent in the science and art of coaching. Learning the skills of the game correctly,
quickly and effectively is as much a factor of individual motivation and effort as of the ability of
the coach. The art of developing effective training and competitive programs for children lies in the
kind of practice and competition the player is being prepared for any given stage of his or her
physical and mental development.

The new Level I will produce qualified Youth Coaches who will not only able to train
and prepare young children for Modified Archery competitions but also provide the bridge to
real Archery Training. At grass roots it is the affiliation to individuals that determines retention
and Level 1 Coaches will be competent and able to take the kids through to the Kid's
programmes of training (below 12 years old and competition relevant to under 12, under 14
and under 15 years of age). The Level 1 Coaching Course provides professional training to those
who wish to become trained and accredited coaches qualified to coach beginners. It is the first
requirement towards a career in coaching at the highest levels

1.0 AIM

The aim of the course is to equip coaches with coaching knowledge and skills at
beginners’ level and the development of Archery players. At the completion of this course, it is
hoped that these coaches will work in schools or clubs with young and developing Archery players
at the grassroots of Archery. In addition to the technical aspects of training their Archery
players, a Level I coach must also be prepared to fill a position of leadership, as one who works
with young people and as one whose enthusiasm and knowledge will help to build the culture of
Archery players. It is vital that they continue to make use of their experience and technical
expertise by remaining active in the sport. It is also vital that a strong bond of continuing
cooperation be built up between these active coaches and NAAM. For this reason, Level 1
coaches are encouraged by BFM, to join and be active in their National and State Archery
Associations.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The Level 1 is to help coaches:

2.1 Understand the processes involved in effective coaching.
2.2 Improve the social, physical, emotional and intellectual abilities of the children.
2.3 Create an atmosphere of enjoyment without pressure in learning and playing.
2.4 Treat each child individually at their level of development.
2.5 State the roles, responsibilities and ethics of a Archery coach.
2.6 Plan, organize and implement a training programme.
2.7 Demonstrate correctly the basic skills of Archery.
2.8 Coach the basics skills of archery according to the principles and processes of

coaching.
2.9 Acquire knowledge to understand and interpret correctly changes to he rules of the

game.
2.10 Utilize specific principles of training, sport science knowledge and aids to improve

performance.
2.11 Gain confidence and learn different ways of teaching sports skills.
2.12 Receive up-to-date knowledge about helping children learn Archery.

3.0 Content Organization

Course Duration: 36 Hours

Topic Hours
Chapter 2 - Basic Rules 1½
Chapter 3 - Equipments and Facilities ½
Chapter 4 - Skill and Games 22
Chapter 5 - Sport Skill 4
Chapter 6 - Nutrition 4
Practical Test Skill Demonstration 4

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
Duration

The Level 1 Archery Coaching Course is a four day residential course. Participants
are required to take an active part in all training sessions. Training sessions would be
interactive and experiential in nature. Participants would be required to participate in group
discussions, contribute to group assignments and practices, demonstrate specific skills as
requested and conduct simulated coaching sessions.
4.0 Attendance

Participants must attend all sessions. Participant must achieve 100% attendance to
take the examination in order to be certified.
5.0 Weightage of Components in Examination
Participants will be tested and evaluated during and at the end of the course. The
test and evaluation will be comprised of:
i) Active Practical Participation (Evaluation by the Instructor) – 60%.
ii) Skill Demonstration – 40%.
6.0 A participant who successfully completes the course and fulfils all the Course
requirements shall be awarded a Level 1 NAAM Archery Coaching Certificate.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

ENTRY QUALIFICATION AND CONDITION FOR
ARCHERY COACHING COURSE

(Kelayakan dan Syarat-syarat untuk menyertai

Kursus Kejurulatihan Sukan Memanah)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
(Tahap 1) (Tahap 2) (Tahap 3)

1.Open to all. 1.Holder of Level 1 1. Holder of Level 2
certificate for 1 year certificate for 2 years
2.Active coaches and have got a SPPK 1 and have got a SPPK II
recommended by the and Licence C (MSN). and Licence B (MSN).
State Archery
Association. 2.Minimum 1 year of 2. Minimum 2 years of
coaching at coaching at
3.The National Archery school/club/district or school/club/district or
Coaching Working state level. state level.
Committee has every
right in choosing the 3.Active Level 1 3. Active Level 2
suitable candidate to Coaches recommended coaches recommended
attend this course. by the State Archery by the State Archery
Association. Association.

4.The National Archery 4.The National Archery
Coaching Working Coaching Working
Committee has every Committee has every
right in choosing the right in choosing the
suitable candidate to suitable candidate to
attend this course. attend this course. It is
the pinnacle of
professional coaching
qualification at the
national level.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

EQUAVALENT FOR THE NATIONAL ARCHERY COACHING COURSE

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
(Tahap 1) (Tahap 2) (Tahap 3)

1.Represented Malaysia 1. Represented No Equivalency is
given.
in SEA games. Malaysia in ASIAN

games.

2.Have got a Sports 2.Holder of Level 1
Science Level 1 certificate for 1 year
Certificate (MSN). and have got a SPPK 1
and Licence C (MSN).

3.Have got a Sports
Science Level 2
Certificate (MSN).

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

UNIT 1

HISTORY OF ARCHERY

1.1 History of Archery

Archery is the one of the oldest arts still practiced. This history will not only take you through a
journey on the evaluation of archery, but also through the history of mankind. Indeed, both are
closely linked. Evidence of ancient archery has been found throughout the world, even in Australia
where it had previously been through that the bow had been used.

Although archery probably dates to the stone age (around 20,000 BC), the earliest people known to
have used the bow and arrow were the ancient Egyptians, who adopted it at least 5000 years ago
for the purposes of hunting and warfare.
In 1200 BC, the Hittites would use the bow light, fast chariots that enabled them to become dreaded
opponents in Middle Eastern battles. Their neighbors, the Assyrians used archery extensively. They
built bow from several different types of material; tendon, horn and wood. They also gave the bow a
new, recurved shape that was far more powerful and as it was shorter, it was more easily handled
by an archer on horse back.
In China, archery dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1766- 1027BC). A war chariot of that time
carried a three men team: driver, lancer and archer. During the ensuing Zhou (Chou) Dynasty
(1027-256 BC), noble court attended sport archery tournaments that were accompanied by music
and interspersed with elegant salutations.

Chinese civil archery introduced to Japan from the 16th Century had an overriding influence on later
etiquette and techniques. One of Japan’s martial arts was originally known as Kyujutsu (the art of
the bow), known as Kyudo (way of the bow). Kyudo today continues to be thought in the advances
with deliberate steps to the shooting line and shoots at a target 36 cm. In diameter set in a bank of
sand that is roofed over, from a distance of 28 cm meters. The bow is 2.21 meter –long and made of
laminated strips of bamboo and wood.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

In the Greco – roman period, the bow was more used for personal exploits or hunting, rather than
warfare. Archers are frequently seen on pottery at the time. Both Greeks and the Romans used
Cretan as Archers. The Roman are said to have been second rate archers as until the fifth century
their bows were shot by drawing string to the chest, instead of the longer draw to the face with gives
the arrow far more accuracy. Their opponents had often far betters skills. The Parthians for instance
were horsemen who developed the skill of swiveling around the saddle and could shoot backwards
at full gallop. Middle Eastern superiority in archer equipment and technique continued for centuries.
With bows like those of the Assyrians and Parthiians, Attila the Hun and his Moguls conquered
much of Europe and Asia, and Turkish archers threw back the Crusaders.

For Native Americans, the bow was both means of subsistence and existence before and during the
days of English and later American colonization. This as for instance Robin Hood, to name the most
famous one. In Greek mythology, reference is often made to archers.
English literature honors the longbow for famous victories in the battle of Crecy, Agincourt and
Poitiers. The first known organized competition in archery was held at Finsbury, England in 1583
and included 3000 participants. By the time of the 30 years war (1618-1648), it was clear that the
bow as weapon belong to the past, due to the introduction of the gunfire. Since then, archery
developed as a recreational sport.

1.2 History of Archery in Olympic

Archery first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1900 and was contested again in 1904, 1908 and
1920. In those four games, it was possible for an archer to compete in numerous events and win
several medals. Hubert Van Innis (BEL) is the most decorated archer in Olympic history, winning six
gold medals and three silvers in 1900 1920. Archery was re-introduced to the Olympic programmed
in 1972 with an individual event for men and for women and John Williams and Doreen Wilber of the
USA captured the gold medals. Team competition was added to the medal programme in Seoul in
1988.
Source: FITA Bulletin

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

1.3 History of Archery in Malaysia

A reflection on the early days of archery in Malaysia:
Archery is relatively young compared to the more established sports in Malaysia. Through there is a
lack of documentation, it was likely that the sports might have taken root in this country during the
early 60’s though the enthusiasm of a group of weekend archers who pursued it as a past time.

Make shift wooden stands were used them and target butts were homemade with cardboards held
together by glue. The bows, arrows and the target faces were imported. But often, one had to be
patient in waiting for them to arrive.
The early archers even faced hardships in getting a proper field for their weekend practices, which
were normally held in school field through the generosities of some school principals. There were no
proper trainers or coaches in the mid 60’s. Comraderies were high. We all experimented with
techniques and styles-learning from one and other, the juniors from the seniors. Hitting the 1000
points level was a great achievement and definitely called for celebrations.

At a later stage of development of the sports, archery clubs were set up mainly in Kuala Lumpur,
Penang and Taiping. These clubs formed the backbone of the newly incorporated National Archery
Association of Malaysia (NAAM). Some of the pioneer archery clubs were:

Kuala Lumpur : The Armed Forces Archery Association
Penang The Selangor Bowmen
The Subang Archery Club
Taiping
: AABAC Archery Club
CRC Archery Club
Intel Archery Club
The Penang Port Commission Archery Club
The Penang Bowmen

: CRC Archery Club

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

1.4 Organization Chart

1.4.1 FITA - FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE TI R A’L’ A'RC
INTERNATIONAL ARCHERY FEDERATION

President
Dr. Ugur ERDENER

First Vice President
Mr. Paul H. PAULSEN

Vice President
Mr. Philippe BOUCLET
Mr. Sanguan KOSAVINTA
Mr. Ernesto DIAZ BAZAN

Member
Mr. GAO Zhidan
Mr. Klaus LINDAU
Mrs. Trudy MEDWED
Mr Mario SCARZELLA
Mrs Susanne WOMERSLEY
Mr KIM Yong Hwan
Mr Vladimir ESHEEV
Secretary General
Mr Tom DIELEN

Treasurer
Mr Robert C.W. SMITH
Ex officio member (Chairman of C&R Committee)

Mr Mark MILLER
Ex officio Member (Chairwoman of

Athletes Committee)
Ms Alison WILLIAMSON

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

1.4.2 NATIONAL ARCHERY ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA (NAAM )

PRESIDEN
Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abd Mutalif

TIMBALAN PRESIDEN
Kept. (TLDM) Abdul Ghani Othman

NAIB PRESIDEN
1. En. Harun Osman
2. En. Johari Abu Bakar
3. Lt. Kdr. Anamalai a/l Murugason
4. En. Mohd Yazid

SETIAUSAHA KEHORMAT
Tuan Hj. Abdul Hamid Hj. Hassan

BENDAHARI
C/Insp. Wan Nornidawati Abd Ghani

JAWATANKUASA
1. En. Ismail Ariffin
2. En. Hussin Abdullah
3. En. Puvanewasaran a/l Muniandi
4. Tuan Hj. Moktar Rudin Aziz

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

UNIT 2
RULES FITA AND RULES FOR BEGINNERS

KNOWLEDGE OF BOW AND ACCESSORIES

- BASIC BOW
o HANDLE
o LIMB
o STRING
o SIGHT
o ARROW REST
o NOCKING POINT
o PLUNGER BUTTON

- ADVANCE BOW
o HANDLE
o LIMB
o STRING
o SIGHT
o ARROW REST
o NOCKING POINT
o PLUNGER BUTTON
o STABILIZER
o CLICKER
o DAMPER

- ARROWS
o TYPES OF ARROW
 BEGINNER
 ADVANCE
o SHAFT
o SPINE VANE
o FLETCHERS
o NOCK
o POINT

- ASSESSORIES
o FINGER TABS
o CHEST GUARD
o ARM GUARD
o FINGER SLING

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

o QUIVER
o BOW STAND
o BOW CASE

UNIT 4 – BASIC SHOOTING TECHNIQUE (THEORY AND PRACTICAL)
- EYE DOMINANCE
- STANCE
- HOOK
- GRIP
- SET UP
- PRE DRAW
- DRAW
- ANCHOR
- AIMING & CONCENTRATION
- RELEASE
- FOLLOW THROUGH

1.5 Introduction to target archery General safety rules
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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

In target archery, competitors shoot arrows against a circular target divided into ten concentric rings.
The highest score, for gold in the centre is always 10 points, and the outermost scoring ring is worth
one point. An arrow penetrating the dividing line between scoring zones always earns the higher
score. There are many types of target archery events, differentiated by the number of arrows shot
(30 to 144), the distance used (20 meters to 90 meters) , and the size employed ( 40 cm to 122 cm
diameter).

Arrows are typically shots in “set” of six. Such a set is called an ‘end’. After all competitors have
completed each ‘end’ arrows are scored and retrieved. Five consecutive ‘end’ would be shot to
complete each distance component of the tournament. Officials carefully control the shooting and
scoring process to ensure that all competitors are shooting and retrieving their arrows at the same
time. Safety is very carefully managed in tournaments.

Modern target bows are built with space age materials such as Kevlar and carbon fiber. The target
is capable of achieving quite incredible and very satisfying accuracy. With the right equipment and
only a little coaching and practice, even beginners to archery can register outstanding performance
quite early in their archery careers!

Everyone can enjoy archery. It is sports for all seasons and for all people, whatever age, gender or
level of physical ability. It is also a very versatile sport, since it can be a simple or involved as the
archers whishes. Most archery clubs caters for the difference aspects of this age-old sport from
color and tradition of target shooting, to the tranquility of field archery or the competitive intensity of
close range indoor shooting. Standards of competitions always vary to suit age and skills levels.
Whilst club level archery has a fine reputation for fun and socializing, competition archery can
provide increasing challenges at District, State, National and International levels- all the way through
to the Olympic Games. Highly sophisticated equipment, developed with today’s space age
technology has played a part in the many record-breaking performances at these elite
championships.

However, beyond the high-tech aspect of the sport, the ultimate challenges in archery always
remain with the archer. Archery in a sense is a martial art, and the real secrete to becoming an
expert in all martial arts come from realizing that training is a progress of self-discovery. As such,
archery is a means of both physical exercise, and becomes a means of modifying your personality
in the process of becoming a healthier, better balanced and more efficient individual.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

In the end, archery can involve much more than simply nocking an arrow, aiming and letting it fly.
Everything from the approach to shooting, the tightness with which the bow is held, to be
management of energy required to execute the shot, is choreographed. The concentration and the
patience required to become a master archer can indeed reach a form of meditation. Though this
sort of goal is shared by most of the martial arts, nowhere is it as much the driving force of every
motion and ritual as it is in the art of archery, and this sense, archery can become, for some
individuals much more than a mere Olympic Sports.

1.6 General Safety Rules

Archery is one of the safest sports you can do. The BOW AND ARROW IS A WEAPON and
therefore there are some safety rules and checks that must be obsessed at all times. The archery
instructor or coach must keep a close watch not only on the archers, but also on the archery range
to ensure it remains clear of people or animals.

 A bow must not be loaded with an arrow unless standing on the shooting line and the signal
to start shooting has been giving.
 Usually the signal to start shooting has been given.

 A loaded bow must only be pointed at the assigned target.
 Even a light draw weight bow can shoot an arrow a considerable distance.

 When each archer has finished shooting their arrows, they should stand back from the
shooting line so that the instructor can clearly see that they has finished.

 Only when everyone has finished shooting should the signal to move forward to collect to
arrows be given.
 The usual signal to move the forward is two blast of whistle.

 If an arrow or part of the equipment is dropped in front of the shooting line while shooting is
in progress, it can only be picked up after shooting has stopped.

 Walk forward to collect the arrows, NEVER run.
 Keep an eye on the ground for any arrows that may have dropped short of the target and
lodged in the ground Always withdraw the arrow the arrow in the opposite direction that
they entered, so as not to bend or break the arrow.

 Always walk up to the side of the target butt, so as not to accidentally walk into the rear of
the arrows lodge onto the target.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 One person at a time should withdraw their arrows from the target.

 When withdrawing arrows from the target, make sure no one is standing in front of the target
or in the way of the withdrawing arrows. Withdrawing the arrows may require some force and
the arrows may come out suddenly from the target butt and the rear end of the arrow could
hit someone standing in front of the target.

 Everyone shooting should help to find any arrows that may have missed the target.
 When carrying arrows, always hold them to the side and NEVER RUN
 Everyone must return to the shooting line and the range checked to make sure no one is

behind the target butts or in the safety zone before the signal to commence shooting is
given.
 If any person or animal enters the safety zone while shooting is in progress, the emergency
signal will be given and all shooting must STOP IMMEDIATELY. Even if the bow is held at
full draw and the draw given, the arrow must not be released. The bow should be pointed at
the ground and the bowstring let slowly forward. The arrow should be removed from the bow
until the range is clear.
 3 or more blast of a whistle.
 Any archer failing to abide by the safety rules, endangering themselves or others should be
required to leave the archery range immediately. Counseling the archer is advised.
 NEVER point a bow and arrow at another person
 NEVER shoot an arrow straight up into the air. You can end up hitting another person
yourself.
 NEVER shoot an arrow off into the distance where you cannot see where it will land.
 Check the conditions your bow and arrow regularly. If in doubt, have it checked by the coach
or a very experience senior archer.

 Others

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 The one safety rule on clothing is that open –toe sandals, thongs or bare feed are not
allowed, due to arrows that may be lodge in the grass or ground, can injure your toes or
foot if walked into.

 Generally, clothing should not to be bulky around the chest and arms so as no to get caught
in the bowstring. Similarly, jewellery such as long ear rings and arm bangles may need to be
removed for safety reasons, as well as long hair a may need to be tied back.

 The drinking of any alcohol prior to or during shooting is strictly prohibited.

IMPORTANT WHISTLE OR HORN SIGNALS TO REMEMBER

- 1 blast of a whistle - start of shooting end
- 2 blast of a whistle - advance from waiting line to shooting line
- 3 blast of a whistle - to end of shooting time or to stop immediately

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
FITA RULES AND COMPETITION FORMAT
 Refer to the latest FITA Constitution and rules book.

KNOWLEDGE OF BOW PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
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3.1 The Basic Resurvey Bow

Recurve bow range in length from 48 inches to 70 inches. Most target
bows will average between 66 inches and 68 inches in length. As a rough
guide to choose the length of a bow to suit you, a person with a draw length
of more the 28 inches could use a 68 inches bow (66 inches and 68 inches
bows are standard length kept by local suppliers). The weight is note in
pounds (lbs) at a draw of 28 inches e.g. #20 @ 28 which means at a full
draw of 28 inches, the force require to hold the bowstring at this length will
be 20 lbs. And for adults and season archers the draw weight would be
anything between 32 lbs to 44 lbs. Most basic recurve bows are made from
laminated timber usually with a clear finish on the riser and the limbs having
a layer of fiberglass applied to each side for strength.

The type of timber use in the riser can vary, giving a multi colored
appearance. The other type called a “Take down Recurve Bow” which has
a pocked at the top and bottom of the riser for the limbs to bolt into. This
type of bow can be dismantled for ease of transportation. The limbs can
be separate; can be replacing by limbs that have a heavier draw weight.

3.2 Advance resurvey bow

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

An advance resurvey bow shown in Figure 1 is quite similar to the basic resurvey bow with
exception that it is made from a different material. The riser is made from machine aluminums to
decrease weight and to maintain accurate geometry. The limbs are accurately aligned in the
attached limb pockets. The riser also has a built in pocked for a clicker and pressure button
location.

The grip is detachable and a variety of grips shapes are available. There are various type of limb
i.e. Carbon Plus, these are laminated with a “Syntactic Form Core” and carbon fiber laminations to
give lightness and strength, as well as, stability in varying weather conditions. As expected, all this
new technology does come at a premium price meaning that it is more expensive compare to a
basic resurvey bow.

The other accessories that can be attached to this bow will be the centre stabilizer, side rod
stabilizer, v-bar extension, sight and various type of bow string to choose from.

3.3 Arrow

Arrow can be made from wood, fiberglass, aluminums and carbon graphite. Aluminums arrows are
made from extruded tubing to exact diameter and thickness. Each arrow is marked with a number
e.g. 2013 – which means the arrow is 20/64th inch. (7.94mm) in diameter and 13/1000th. Inch
(0.33mm) in wall thickness. The arrows are made 760 mm (30 inches) and have to be cut with a
cutting toll to the draw length to suit each person.

The arrow maker “Easton” produces a chart which matches the size of the arrow to the draw length
and the draw weight of the bow. The arrow will bend a certain amount as it is fired and this amount
of bend is critical for the correct flight and clearance from the bow.
It is very importance that the arrows are matched to the archers and their bow.

3.4 Archery Gears or Tackles

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

a. Nocks
Nocks are made from rigid plastic and are glued to the rear of the arrow. The nocks are shaped so
that they will clip onto the bow string and hold the Arrow in place.

b. Fletcher’s.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

Fletcher’s are made from soft plastic in various shapes and sizes. Usually three fletchers are glued
to the shaft near the end of the arrow. They are usually angled to make the arrow spin as it flies, to
give it a more table, straight flight. The orientation of the fletchers in relation to the nock must suit
the type of arrow rest used.

c. Arrow Points

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

The type of arrow points used for target archery is as shown. The 7% bullet point will give the arrow
approximately 7% front of centre balance and the 9% bull point will give 9% F.O.C balance. The
other point assemble are for carbon arrows. The point and inserts come in various weights, so the
amount F.O; C balance can be very accurately controlled. The reason why this is importance is that
any small variation in weight, can dramatically effect the amount of bending in the arrow as it is
released and the overall speed.

d. Arm Guard

Arm guard is reinforced leather or plastic protective guards that are worn on the inside of the bow
arm. They are worn to protect the arm from the bowstring as it moves forward after release.

e. Finger Tabs

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
Finger tabs are used to protect the finger as they release the bowstring and also provide a
smooth surface for the bowstring to slide on. Most finger tabs are made from leather with some
having multiple layers of materials for extra protection. Other types of finger tabs can have
attachments as shown in the picture, to help keep the fingers apart and anchor under the jaw.
The size of finger tab should not be longer than the finger tips.

f. Quiver
A” Grand
Quiver” made
from steel rod
is spiked into
the ground to
hold the bow
and arrows. A”
belt Quiver” holds the arrows and if fitted with a pocket, can hold spare nocks, fletchers etc.

g. Chest Guard
A chest guard is used to prevent injury to the breast. The prolonged repetition of pressure
from the bowstring can lead to the formation of a lump within the fatty tissue, which is clinically
difficult to tell apart from cancer tissue without a biopsy. They are also used for the purpose of
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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
keeping loose clothing from interfering with the bowstring, especially if wearing clothes for cold
or wet weather. The chest quad is made from nylon or plastic open mesh material held around
the chest with an elastic strap.

h. Bow Sling, Finger Sling and Wrist Strap
A “Bow Sling” is an adjustable leather strap attached to the bow. The sling should fit loosely
over the hand.
The purpose of the bow sling is to allow the archer to relax the fingers of the bow hand and not
having to hold the bow to stop it falling out of the hand and release.
The “Wrist Strap” does the same job, but is attached to the wrist and a loop is placed around
the bow and clipped to the loop around the wrist.

3.5 Care and Maintenance of Equipment
Even before thinking about shooting, it is very important to start every shooting session with a
safety check and therefore care and maintenance must be done prior to shooting in order to
enjoy the practice or shooting session instead of spending a major part of the day in repairs.

 Riser and Limbs – Clean and check for cracks or fractures and deformations regularly. DO not
shoot with a broken or crack riser or limb, as it will cause serious injury.
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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 Arrows – Clean and check for cracks or splits, broken knock, detached fletchers and loose
arrowhead. A cracked nock or a broken arrow will cause the bow to “Dry Fire” and worse cause
eye injury.

 Bow Strings – Check for fray or damaged strings. Replace it immediately if found faulty. Wax
regularly to prevent it from drying up. A broken bowstring will damage and crack the bow and
also cause body injury.

 Check and tighten all loose nuts and bolt or screws. The vibration of the bow causes the nut,
bolts and screws to loose it. Therefore it is advisable to check them regularly or you will find
them missing and therefore not securing the equipment securely. Examples are the bow sight,
short and long stabilizers.

 Check the nocking points, as they will alter the flight of the arrow. At the same time, check the
serving as they might come loose.

 Check and secure the plunger button as the will cause irregular arrow flight.
 Also check and clean your finger taps, chest guard and arm guard.
 Last but not least, check the target butt, add back stops if the target butt are defective or worn

out. An arrow passing through the target butt will cause damage to the arrows and fletchers.

3.6 Archery Terms – Glossary

 A/C/C

Aluminum / Carbon / Competition arrow shafts made by “Easton”. Made of multiple layers of
carbon graphite fibers in an epoxy resin wrapped over a high strength aluminum shaft (0.2 mm
thick). The code numbers printed on the shaft indicates its size :e.g. 3-71 / 300 where 3 is the
number of carbon layers, 71 is the last two digits of the core aluminum shaft thickness in
thousandths of an inch (0.271”) and 300 is the spine of the arrow in thousandths of and inch.
There are specific types of points and nocks for this arrow shaft. These shafts are lighter than
the “ ultra-Lite” Aluminum shafts.

 A/C/E

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

Aluminum / Carbon / Extreme arrow shafts made by “Easton”. Made much of the same as
the A/C/C arrow, except the shafts are “Barrel-shaped”, being thicker in the centre of the
shaft and tapered at each end. This creates a much lighter and stiffer arrow.
The code numbers printed on the shaft indicates its size: E.g. 1206G / 370 where 12 is the
diameter of the aluminums core shaft measured in 64 this of an inch, 06 is the aluminums
shafts thickness measured in thousands of an inch, 06 is the aluminum shafts thickness
measured in thousands on an inch, G indicates the model series and 370 is the spine of the
arrow in thousandths of an inch.
There are specific types of points and nock for this arrow shaft.
These shafts are light than the A/C/C shafts.

 Actual Draw Weight

The measured or calculated draw weight of an Archer.
e.g. a marked bow of 30 lbs at 28” draw when used by a person having a 27” draw length will
have an actual draw weight of 28 lbs. (a 1” difference in draw length will make approx. 2 lbs
difference in draw weight).

 Aim

To superimpose a sight pin on the centre of a target or, when not using a sight, the placement of
the tip of the particular point for a given distance.

 Anchor

A combination of points to which the bowstring and / or index finger of the drawing hand are
drawn to on the face and neck.

 Anchor Point

Definite spot on the archers body, normally the face, on which string and index finger come to
rest.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
 Arm guard
A piece of stiff material used to protect the bow arm from the slap of the bow string upon
release, worn on the inside of the bow arm.

 Arrow point or pile
Metal point inserted into end of arrow shaft. Can also be that the shaft fits inside the points
as in wooden shaft and some carbon shafts.

.

 Arrow Rest
A projection or support on the bow or the arrow plate located in the sight window on which
the arrow lies when nocked on the bowstring.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
 Barebow

The discipline of shooting without a bow sight, stabilizers and release aid.

 Belly
The side of the bow nearest the bow string. Now called the “face”.
 Bow hand
The hand that holds the bow.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
 Bow sight
A mechanical device attached to the bow with which the archer can aim directly at the target.

 Bow sling
A leather or nylon strap, fastened to either the bow or the archers hand, which prevents the bow
from falling to the ground when the archer shoots without gripping the bow.
 Bowstring
A multi stranded string of Dacron, Kevlar or Fast flight looped to the bow nocks.
 Bow stringer
Cord with two pockets or dissimilar size or one pocked and one saddle, used to string a recurve
bow.
 Bow square
T – Shape device to measure brace height and nocking point location

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 Brace height
Shortest distance from the string to the pivot point of the bow when strung, (old English:
Fistmele)
 Center serving
The protective winding on the centre of the string where the arrows are nocked.
 Clicker
Small strip of metal mounted on the sight window in front of the arrow rest giving precise
indication of full draw by snapping off the arrow point with an audible “click”.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 Dacron
A synthetic material used to make bowstring. Breaking strain = 50 lbs / strand. Very durable and
consistence. Available in the in the following colors: black, green, yellow, brown, bronze, red
and blue.
 Director of shooting (DOS)
The official in charge of an archery tournament.
 Drawing hand
The hand which draws the bow string back to the anchor point.
 Draw length
The distance, measure in inches, from the pivot point of the bow to the slot in the arrow nock at
full draw.
 Draw weight
The force in pounds required to draw a bow a distance. (Usually stated # xx @ 28”, where xx =
lbs at 28 “draw length.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 Face

The surface of the bow that face the archers.

 Fast flight

A synthetic material used to make bowstrings. Breaking strain = 95 lbs / stand. Minimal stretch
ensures consistency. Slippery material that requires specific serving to be used. Available in
the following colors: red, blue, white, purple, light green, dark green, yellow and black.

 Field archery

An archery round in which an archers shoots from a variety of distances at targets set up in
natural country.

 Finger tab

A piece of smooth material worn on the drawing hand to protect the fingers and to give a smooth
release of the bow string.

 Fletching Glue

To glue a feather or vane to an arrow shaft.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 Fletching
The feathers, plastic vanes or other devices attached to the arrow shaft which stabilizes the
flight of the arrow.

 Fletching jig

A devise used to hold the arrow shaft in place and correctly locate and align the placement of
the fletching.

 Follow trough

Movement of the drawing hand / arm and bow arm after the release.

 Full draw

The position of the archer when the bow string has been drawn and the drawing hand is at the
anchor point.

 Grip

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

To hold the bow, used in reference to holding the bow, too tightly. The handle of the bow held
by the archers.
 Handle

The centre part of the bow exclusive of the limbs.
 Kevlar

A synthetic material used to make bowstrings. A very strong and light material, but has no
stretch, which causes more shock to the limbs tip. Some bows cannot use Kevlar bowstrings.
Limited life-span of this material when used for bowstrings as it will break due to repeated
bending.

 Kisser button

Small protrusion placed on the bow string as an additional anchor reference point. Touch the
archers lips, teeth or nose at full draw.
 Left – handed bow

A bow with the sight window cut out on the right hand side when viewed from the face of the
bow.
 Limbs

The energy storing parts of the bow above and below the riser.
 Limb twist

A failure in the bow limb where the bow tip turns away from aligning with the bowstring. Can be
caused by over-stressing or over-exposure to very high temperatures making the laminations
deflect. In extreme cases, the bowstring can slip off the limb.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 Loop
The woven or served looped ends of the bowstring that fit in the bow nocks when the bow is
strung.
 Nock Set
A small brass attachment added to the string to mark the nocking point.
 Nocking Point
The specific point where the arrow is to be nock on the string
 Open Stance
The position of the feet on the shooting line, where the left foot is behind an imaginary line
extending between the archer’s right foot and the centre of the target (for a right handed archer)

 Pinching
The squeezing of index and middle fingers against the arrow nock during draw, causing
deflection of the arrow.
 Pivot Point
The point of the grip about which the moment forces (reaction) act. Normally the physical centre
of the bow.
 Pluck
Pulling the string away from the face in any direction upon release that that dictated by a correct
follow through.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

 Poundage

Draw weight of a bow.

 Pressure Button (Plunger Button)

A spring loaded button in the sight window against which the arrow lies and compensates for
side ways bending of the arrow

 Quiver

Device for holding arrows

 Right Hand Archer

An archer who holds the bow in the left hand and draws with the right hand to bring the arrow
under the dominant eye

 Right Hand Bow

A bow with the sight window cut out on the left hand side when viewed from the face of the bow.

 Serving

The protective wrapping of thread around the lops and centre of the bow string to protect it from
wear and tear.

 Serving Jig

A device that holds the serving thread and maintains consistent tension as the tread is wrapped
around the bow string.

 Shaft

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

The arrow excluding the point, nock and vanes.

 Shooting Line

A line parallel to and a specific distance away from the targets from which the archers shoot

 Sight

Bow sight

 Sight Extension

Bow sight extension which attaches to the bow

 Spine

The arrow resistance to bending, classified by handing a 2 Ib. weight at the centre of an arrow
resting on tow supporting points 26” apart, and measuring the amount of bend

 Stabilizer

An extension rod holding a small weight used to minimize the vibration which occur during the
release

 Stance
The position of the feet and the body assumed when addressing the target

 String Jig

An adjusting frame used bow string makes bow string

 Stringer

A device to aid in the string of a bow

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
 Target Face

The paper which is attached to the target butt and indicates the scoring areas

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

UNIT 4

BASIC SHOOOTING TECHNIQUE (THEORY AND PRACTICAL)

4.1 Eye dominance

Before learning how to shoot the bow, it is important to decide which hand will hold the bow and
which will pull the bow string. As there are right-handed and left-handed people, so there are right-
handed and left-handed bows. But what decided if you are a right-handed or left-handed archer?

The answer is your eye dominance

As shown in the picture, hold out at arms length and with both eyes open; look through the hole
formed by your hand at a distant object. Keeping that object in view, slowly move your hand towards
your face until they touch your face. The hole formed by your hands should be over one of your
eyes. This eye is your dominant eye and will control your aiming. Another quick way to test your eye
dominance is to point your index finger at a distant object with both eyes open, then close one eye
and see if your finger appears to move away from what you are pointing at. If your finger does
appear to move, then the eye that closed is dominant eye. Try again with your other eye and your
finger should not appear to move.

TThhee aarrcchheerr llooookkss aatt yyoouu tthhrroouugghh tthhee
hhoollee.. TThhee eeyyee yyoouu ccaann sseeee tthhrroouugghh
tthhaatt hhoollee iiss tthhee ddoommiinnaanntt eeyyee..

Aiming eye identification with a pierced plate FFrroomm lleefftt ttoo rriigghhtt ::

TTwwoo eeyyeess ooppeenn
LLeefftt eeyyee cclloosseedd

((sshhoowwnn bbyy aa rriigghhtt--hhaanndd ppeerrssoonn))
RRiigghhtt eeyyee cclloosseedd

((sshhoowwnn bbyy aa rriigghhtt--hhaanndd ppeerrssoonn))
WWhheenn tthhee rriigghhtt eeyyee iiss uusseedd ffoorr aaiimmiinngg,, tthhee
ssttrriinngg iiss ddrraawwnn wwiitthh tthhee rriigghhtt hhaanndd

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL

4.2 Basic steps

For beginner to achieve a good technique in archery, they have to follow the basic steps listed
below:

4.2.1 Stance

There are 4 kinds of stance in archery only two of which will be discussed for practice:

 Square stance
o Feet position should be shoulder width apart
o Body position to be parallel to shooting line
o Body centre of gravity to be at centre
o Beginners are encouraged to maintain or use this stance for a period of 1 or 2 years
before they switch to the open stance.
o This position is easy for beginners to align his body to the target during anchoring and
holding

O

p
e
n

s
t
a
n
c

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
e
o The foot is aligned 45 °to the shooting line.
o During anchoring, this position offers a more body control as it reduces body movement
as appose to square stance.
o The head and neck will be more relaxed and offers the archers to concentrate to the
target.
o For the square stance, the body tends to move forward as the open stance will be able to
overcome the problem.
o This position also allowed the archers to use their back muscle and also allowed the
elbow to move with easily.
o This position allows the archers to have a full draw and maximum shoulder movement.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
4.2.2 Set up

o The body must relax at half draw position
o During half draw position, the archers would feel that they body in straight in center.
o During set up, make the bow arm align with the draw arm.

Hooking
String on the first Joint

The distribution of force
 Index finger 15- 20%
 Middle finger 60-70%
 Ring finger 25-35%

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
4.2.3 Drawing

o The drawing sequence must be as smooth as possible
o The position of the body and the head must not move toward the string
o Equal amount of push of the bow hand and pull on the draw hand must be equal.

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4.2.4 Anchor
o At another position the fingers must be below the chin and the side of the neck.
o During anchor, the pressure on the grip and draw on the draw arm must be continue and
balance.
o During anchoring the string is pull toward at the chin and release in a continuos motion.
o During anchoring the position of the body should not relax until release.

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FITA BEGINNERS MANUAL
4.2.5 Holding

o During holding the pushing force and the pulling must be continues.
o The bow arm must remain firm and straight as to maintain a straight line toward the

target.
o During holding the body must not be used.

4.2.6 Aiming
o During aiming, the concentration on the body form and not to concentrate to the target.
o During aiming the motion of the draw line must be continue and balance

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