For beginners and advanced archers...

Technical archery terms

0-Tiller

Tiller refers to the pre-stressing of the limbs. With a 0-tiller, the upper and lower limbs are evenly tillered/pre-stressed. This means that when the string is released, the force is transmitted equally from the top and bottom limbs to the arrow, provided the archer grips exactly at the center.

1440 Round

The 1440 round is a classic outdoor target archery competition format. It was formerly known as the FITA round and is now called the WA 1440 Round (after World Archery).

Why “1440”? The maximum score is 1440 points. Archers shoot 144 arrows at four different distances. A typical example for a men’s recurve 1440 round is 36 arrows per distance at 90, 70, 50, and 30 meters. Different rules apply for women and other classes.

2-Arrow Round

A 2-arrow round is a competition format in which two arrows are shot per target. This round is commonly used in 3D or field archery (depending on the federation and rules).

Typical procedure: In some rule sets, the first arrow is weighted more heavily as the “primary hit” to encourage precise shooting on the first attempt.

3-Under

A three-under grip is a shooting technique in which the archer holds the string with three fingers below the arrow/nock. The three-under grip allows for string walking, where the position of the three fingers on the string moves below the nock to adjust for different distances.

3d Archery

3D archery means shooting at three-dimensional animal targets, usually set up along a course through woods or terrain.

Typical features:

  • Natural courses with multiple stations
  • Varying and often unknown distances
  • Scoring zones in the “kill area” of the target
  • Usually 1–3 arrows per target (depending on the rules)

Another key aspect is that, besides technique, accurate distance estimation plays a major role.

3d Double Hunter

The 3D Double Hunter is a competition format in 3D archery that is often shot under the International Field Archery Association (IFAA). “Double Hunter” means that archers shoot at 3D targets (“3D”) at unknown distances (“Hunter”), with two arrows per target (“Double”).

Typical procedure: This format combines hunting-style shooting with scoring two arrows per target, making it technically challenging and highly demanding in terms of concentration.

Age Classes

Tournaments and competition rankings depend on the age of the archers. The two major world federations, IFAA and WA, define age categories to allow fair comparison of competition performance. WA and IFAA each have their own definitions of age classes, and tournaments can follow these categories or expand them, as long as it is not an official WA or IFAA championship.

Aiming Eye

The aiming eye is the eye located behind the arrow when aiming. This eye is used to line up the target. Ideally, the aiming eye is also the dominant eye. A right-handed archer usually has the right eye over/behind the string and should be right-eye dominant. When a right-handed archer has a left-eye dominance, this is referred to as cross-dominance.

AMO

Abbreviation for the “Archery Merchants and Manufacturers Organization.” The AMO was a U.S.-based association that established length and size standards in archery. Its current name is ATA. Among other things, the AMO defined draw weight and its measurement as well as the correct measurement of draw length.

Anchor

The anchor is the final position of the drawing hand on the archer’s face. An anchor point should be consistent, stable, and easy to repeat in order to allow a consistent shot, a consistent draw length, and consistent bow alignment.

Only a shot that is repeated in the same way every time allows predictable corrections and adjustments to technique.

Different anchor points are possible, as long as they are repeatable and comfortable for the archer.

Anchor Plate

Attachment on a finger tab that helps the archer anchor the drawing hand cleanly and steadily on the face.

Archer’s Paradox

The Archer’s Paradox describes the apparent paradox that, when released, an arrow initially bends and “wraps” around the bow even though it seems to be aimed straight at the target.

When the string is released, the arrow is accelerated very quickly and begins to flex sideways. This bending motion allows the arrow to pass around the bow window or riser before it stabilizes in flight.

The correct spine value (the arrow’s stiffness) is crucial. If the arrow is too weak or too stiff, it will not fly cleanly and the point of impact will change.

In short: The arrow does not simply leave the bow in a straight line – it flexes around the bow and only then stabilizes in flight. This interaction is what is known as the Archer’s Paradox.

Arm Guard

See also chest guard. An arm-guard is a close-fitting garment worn in archery to prevent the bowstring from contacting clothing or the body. It prevents the string from catching on loose clothing, ensures a clean, uninterrupted shot, and protects against painful contact with the string.

Arm Guard

An arm guard is part of an archer’s protective equipment and is especially essential for beginners. It protects the upper and lower forearm of the bow arm from being struck by the bowstring in the event of an incorrect release.

Arrow

An arrow is the projectile in archery, transferring the energy stored in the bow to the target. It consists of several components that together determine stability, precision, and flight behavior.

Main components:

  • Shaft (wood, aluminum, carbon, or hybrid)
  • Tip/Point
  • Nock
  • Fletching (natural feathers or vanes)

Significance:
The arrow must be tuned to match:

  • Draw weight
  • Draw length
  • Bow type
  • Intended use (Target, 3D, Field)