How to choose archery accessories

You can start archery with just the basic gear. Besides a bow, you need arrows, an arm guard, and a target. Other equipment, like a quiver or a glove, can be added later. Start at a short distance, shoot safely, and focus on the same movement with every shot.

Below you will find a list of equipment, a guide for your first shots, safety rules, and tips on bow maintenance. We have bows, arrows, and accessories all in one place in the Archery category.

What you need to get started

We break down how to choose your first bow based on height, age, and draw weight in our guide How to choose a bow. We cover arrows in our guide How to choose an arrow.

Guards: arm guards and gloves

After release, the bowstring snaps along the arm holding the bow. Without protection, it can give your forearm a painful sting, and the bruise will last a long time. That's why you should get an arm guard right from the start. The Archery arm guard is made of thick leather and provides reliable forearm protection.

During longer shooting sessions, the string can cut into the fingers of your drawing hand. A leather finger tab or an archery glove will help. You can find all guards in the Archery guards category.

Targets and target butts

Arrows need a soft target that they can penetrate without breaking. A classic choice is the straw target butt with an 80 cm diameter, onto which you attach a paper target face. Place the target butt on a stand or lean it against a stable surface.

If you are just testing whether archery is for you, a homemade target made of compressed straw or cardboard will do. However, there must always be enough open space or a backstop behind it to catch arrows that miss the target. You can find our full range of targets in the Targets and target butts category.

Quivers and other accessories

You will appreciate a quiver once you start shooting more arrows or head out into the field with your bow. A back quiver is a classic from movies and fantasy, while a hip quiver is more practical for target shooting because your arrows are always within reach. You can find our selection in the Quivers category.

For transport, a canvas bow case, sewn in our own workshop, comes in handy. It is also worth keeping a spare bowstring in your kit.

First shots step-by-step

1. Stance. Stand sideways to the target, feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your weight evenly distributed on both feet.
2. Nocking the arrow. Place the arrow on the rest or on the hand holding the bow, and snap the nock onto the string. The differently colored fletching should point away from the bow.
3. Gripping the string. Grip the string with three fingers: index finger above the arrow, middle and ring fingers below it. The string should rest in the first joint of your fingers.
4. Draw. Raise the bow and draw the string with a smooth movement of your back, not just your arm. Keep the hand holding the bow relaxed; do not grip it tightly.
5. Anchor. Always bring your drawing hand to the same spot, such as the corner of your mouth or under your chin. The same anchor point means a consistent shot.
6. Release. Simply relax your fingers and let the string go. Do not jerk your hand, and stay in position for a moment after the shot.

Start at a distance of 5 to 10 meters. Focus first on getting your arrows to group closely together. You can fine-tune the exact placement later.

Safety first

• Never aim at people or animals, even with an unstrung bow.
• Before shooting, make sure no one is in front of or behind the target.
• Everyone retrieves arrows at the same time, only after the command that shooting has stopped.
• Never dry-fire your bow. Shooting without an arrow can break the bow and injure you.
• Check your arrows before shooting. Discard any cracked arrows.
• Children must always shoot under adult supervision.

Bow maintenance

Unstring wooden and rattan bows for longer periods so the limbs do not permanently warp. Store them in a dry place, away from heaters and direct sunlight, preferably in a case. Laminated bows are more durable, but they don't like being kept at full draw for long either.

Check your bowstring regularly. If it starts to fray, replace it. You can find strings for our bows and materials for making arrows in the Strings, points, and fletching category.

Where to shoot

You will learn fastest in an archery club or group, where a coach can correct your technique and lend you equipment to try out. You will encounter traditional bows at woodcraft camps, LARPs, and historical tournaments. We captured the atmosphere of one such event in our report from Tábor.

Aurum Tábor Archery and Fencing Tournament

Are you free on August 17th? How about the Aurum Tábor Archery and Fencing Tournament! Jan Svěchota tells us about the history of the group and the course of the tournament. full article…

Non-fiction journalism 3. 8. 2024 Jan Svěchota  12 min

If you are more interested in archery at LARPs, read our interview with an experienced LARP archer.

LARP Archery – A Passion and a Hobby

Are you tempted by LARP archery? Do you want to try it? In this interview, seasoned LARPer and archer Jan Němec shares his experiences and insights with you. full article…

Interview 12. 7. 2023 Kryštof Halfar  12 min

Frequently asked questions