Archaeological findings show that the bow and arrow has been around for at least 20,000 years. Findings of stone arrow heads in Africa indicate that the bow was invented there possibly as early as 50,000 BC. The bow is considered to be the first machine constructed by humans that could store energy. The principle has always been the same, the archer transfers his muscle energy into the bow with help of the string and then the bowstring passes on the power to the arrow and gives it a tremendous speed. The impact of an arrow is lethal to any pray or enemy.
The bow has been a popular weapon in warfare for thousands of years. The Egyptians used the bow against the Persians 5,000 BC.
Skilled archers has been a valuable asset for many Kings through history, and as a hilarious example of that is James II, King of England who in 1457 AD stated that football and golf took to much time from archery practice and therefore should be banned!
Archery has a long history as a sport, and it was an event at the Olympic Games in 1900, 1904, 1908 and 1920. The International Archery Federation – FITA was founded in 1931 and the first World Championships took place the same year. During the 1940s international archery began to grow. Target Archery is since 1972 again a game in the Olympics. Archery can be practiced in many forms, but the most common styles beside Target Archery is Field Archery and 3-D Archery. Flight shooting is another branch of the sport and it exits on shooting an arrow as long as possible.
Ancient Archery
Archery is one of the oldest arts still being practiced. This ancient technique dates to the Stone Age. Ancient Egyptians, possessed bow and arrows at least 5000 years ago. It became the main weapon used in warfare. Large numbers of armed archers found success on the battlefield. Archery talent contests began, sponsored by the military to promote guidance in accuracy with a bow. Ready, aim, fire! If, you need to close one eye [or both] to shoot, leave them open for now!
You may recall from childhood the story of the famous archer William Tell. According to legend, William was well known in Switzerland as an expert sharpshooter with the crossbow during the 14th century. German kings were seeking to take over his homeland. The newly appointed sheriff raised his hat on a pole in the village center square and demanded that all local townspeople bow before it. Tell was arrested after refusing to do so. His punishment was being forced to shoot an apple from his son’s head, or both would be executed. William Tell split the fruit with a single shot.
Historians have disputed such tales as being only myths. Their long-standing belief held shows the basic appeal of archery as everyman’s game. Archery continues to be an ideal sport that definitely gets the blood racing.
Crossbows were popular because you could become accurate in a short time. The crossbow sacrificed little firepower, or range to the longbow. Archers were trained from childhood to use bows. The first known organized archery competition, held in England in 1583, included three thousand competitors.
Archery is a versatile sport where most everyone can compete on equal playing fields. It is a great exercise for people with physical handicaps, including those confined to wheelchairs. Competing in tournaments gives you the opportunity to test your level of mental and physical strength. Experts advise as you let each arrow go, focus on the next shot.
The aim of archery is to hit a target displayed with five colored rings. The closer to the center of the target the arrow lands, the more points are scored. For hitting the bull’s eye, you gain a score of 10, zero points if the target is entirely missed.
Modern bows are made from laminations of wood with carbon fiber, fiberglass, ceramic or hard foam. There are two different types of bows used in competition:
The Recurve-
The Recurve bow has limbs that curve away from the archer. Also called the classic bow, it is the only style of bow allowed in Olympic competitions.
Compound bow-
The Compound has pulleys and cables to make the holding weight less than half of the draw weight.
Arrows can travel in excess of 150 miles per hour. They are made of either aluminum or carbon graphite shaft with a steel head. Aluminum arrows are uniform in weight and shape, where graphite arrows fly faster.
Archery’s popularity received a shot in the arm when striking; redhead Geena Davis took up the bow. The six foot tall, Oscar-winning actress, inspired scores of amateurs to stretch their own archery skills. She was first drawn to the addictive sport after seeing it televised at the ‘96 Olympics. Davis placed 24th in the semi-finals for the 2000 United States Olympic Archery team.
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