Facewalking is an aiming technique used in barebow archery in which the archer slightly changes the anchor point on the face depending on the shooting distance. Instead of moving the fingers on the string, as in stringwalking, the finger position remains the same while the contact point on the face moves higher or lower.

Purpose:

• To adjust the point of impact for different distances
• To control the arrow’s trajectory without using a sight

Difference from stringwalking:

• Facewalking: the anchor point changes
• Stringwalking: the finger position on the string changes

Facewalking is used less often than stringwalking, but it is permitted in barebow competition depending on the rules of the organization, for example under World Archery regulations.

FastFlight is a modern high-performance bowstring material characterized by very low stretch and high stability. Compared to Dacron, FastFlight transfers energy more directly to the arrow, which usually results in higher arrow speed.

Characteristics:

• Very low stretch
• High durability
• Faster shooting performance

Important:

Not every traditional or older wooden bow is suitable for FastFlight, because the material places greater stress on the limbs.

The feather is part of an arrow’s fletching. It is attached to the rear section of the shaft and stabilizes the arrow in flight. Through air resistance, it helps align the arrow after release and corrects minor deviations in flight.

Types:

• Natural feathers (usually turkey feathers)
• Plastic vanes

Differences:

• Natural feathers are softer and ideal for shooting “off the shelf” or over the hand, as with a longbow.
• Plastic vanes are more durable and are commonly used with recurve and compound bows.

Most arrows use three fletchings. One of them is the “cock feather,” which points away from the bow.

The feather wrap is an additional thread wrapping applied at the front and/or rear of the feather on the arrow shaft. Its purpose is to further secure the feather and protect it from coming loose or being damaged – especially in the case of natural feathers.

Functions:

• Increases the durability of the fletching
• Protects the edges of the feather
• Prevents the feather from coming loose due to moisture or stress
• Can also serve as a decorative design element

The wrap is usually made with special thread and is often secured further with varnish or glue.

“Feet” is a unit of length from the imperial system – 1 ft equals 30.48 cm (12 inches).

In archery, feet are often used for:

• Distance measurements, especially in the United States
• Field and 3D courses
• Tournaments organized by the International Field Archery Association or the Archery Shooters Association.

Fiberglass is a composite material made from fine glass fibers. In archery, it is primarily used in bow limbs. It is usually combined with wood or other materials and provides both stability and flexibility.

Characteristics:

• High durability
• Good recovery and spring-back
• Robust and long-lasting
• Relatively inexpensive

Many traditional recurve and longbows have fiberglass laminated onto the limbs to improve performance and durability.

Field archery is an archery discipline in which archers shoot at targets set at varying distances in outdoor terrain. The courses usually run through forests or hilly landscapes. Distances may be known or unknown, depending on the rules being used.

Typical features of field archery include:

• A combination of shooting technique and distance estimation
• Natural outdoor courses
• Constantly changing shooting distances
• Uphill and downhill shots

Popular field archery competitions are organized by associations such as World Archery and the International Field Archery Association.

A field point is an arrow point primarily used for practice and target shooting. It usually has a conical or slightly rounded shape and is generally made of steel. Field points are designed to penetrate targets well without causing unnecessary damage.

Characteristics:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Available in consistent weights (e.g. 80, 100, 125 grains)
• Often made as screw-in points used with an insert

In contrast to broadheads, field points do not have sharp blades.

A finger protector protects the drawing fingers from the pressure and friction of the bowstring. It helps prevent pain and injury, provides consistent contact with the string, and allows for a clean and repeatable release.

Common types include:

• A thumb ring (used with thumb draw technique)
• A tab (finger tab or finger leather)
• A shooting glove

Fishtailing describes the sideways or vertical wobbling of an arrow in flight, where the tail of the arrow visibly “swings.” A certain amount of movement is normal (see Archer’s Paradox), but strong or persistent fishtailing indicates a tuning issue.

Possible causes:

• Incorrect spine
• Improper nocking point
• Faulty center shot
• Poor or inconsistent release
• Damaged or misaligned fletching

Effects:

• Loss of energy
• Unstable arrow flight
• Increased grouping dispersion

This is a clear signal that the arrow and bow setup may need adjustment.

FITA stands for Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc and was the former name of today’s world governing body, World Archery. The organization was founded in 1931 and is responsible for world championships, international competitions, and Olympic archery.

In 2011, FITA was officially renamed to World Archery.