Archery Vocabulary
Instructions: Take aim at this quiz about archery terms and techniques!
- 1.
In archery, what is a 'quiver'?
AA scoring zone on the targetBA container used to hold arrowsCA type of bowstringDThe act of shaking while aiming - 2.
What is the 'nock' in archery?
AThe handle of the bowBA knocking sound when the arrow hits the targetCThe grooved fitting on the end of an arrow that clips onto the bowstringDA type of arrowhead - 3.
In archery, what is the 'bullseye'?
AA type of arrow tipBThe center of the target, worth the most pointsCA type of bowDA technique for aiming - 4.
What does 'draw weight' refer to in archery?
AHow heavy the target isBThe weight of the arrowCThe weight of the bow itselfDThe force required to pull the bowstring back to full draw - 5.
In archery, what is 'anchor point'?
AThe spot where the bow rests on the groundBThe center point of the bowstringCWhere the target is anchored to the standDA consistent reference point on the face where the drawing hand is placed at full draw - 6.
What are 'fletching' (or 'vanes') on an arrow?
AThe painted markings for identificationBMetal rings that hold the arrowheadCDecorative wrappings on the shaftDThe feathers or plastic fins attached to stabilize the arrow in flight - 7.
In archery, what is a 'compound bow'?
AA bow that uses a system of cables and pulleys to reduce holding weight at full drawBA bow made from multiple materialsCA bow used in a compound (enclosed area)DTwo bows combined into one - 8.
What is a 'recurve bow' in archery?
AA bow designed for left-handed archersBA bow whose limb tips curve away from the archer when unstrungCA bow with a curved handleDA bow that can shoot around corners - 9.
In archery, what does 'Robin Hood' refer to?
AA style of shooting from horsebackBDonating arrows to beginnersCWearing a green hat while shootingDSplitting one arrow with another by hitting it in the nock end - 10.
What is an 'arm guard' (or 'bracer') used for in archery?
AProtecting the forearm of the bow arm from the bowstring upon releaseBStrengthening arm musclesCKeeping the arm steady while aimingDGuarding the arm from sunburn - 11.
In archery, what is the 'riser'?
AAn elevation platform for the archerBA rising trajectory of the arrowCA device to raise the target higherDThe central section of the bow where the grip and arrow rest are located - 12.
What is 'archer's paradox'?
AA philosophical question about archeryBThe bending of the arrow around the bow upon release, yet still hitting the targetCThe paradox that heavier arrows fly fartherDThe contradiction of wanting to hit the target but being nervous - 13.
In archery, what is a 'broadhead'?
AA large target used for practiceBA sharp, bladed arrowhead designed for huntingCA wide stance for stabilityDA wide-brimmed hat worn for sun protection - 14.
What does 'spine' refer to regarding arrows?
AThe sharp point of the arrowheadBThe backbone of the archerCThe central line of the targetDThe stiffness or flexibility of the arrow shaft - 15.
In archery, what is 'clout shooting'?
AA competition to see who can shoot the farthestBA form of archery where archers shoot at a flag on the ground from a long distanceCShooting with great forceDShooting while blindfolded
Answer Key
A quiver is a container designed to hold arrows, worn on the back, hip, or attached to the bow, keeping arrows organized and readily accessible for shooting.
The nock is the slotted plastic or horn fitting at the rear end of an arrow that clips onto the bowstring, ensuring the arrow stays in position until released.
The bullseye is the innermost circle of the target, typically worth the highest score (10 points in standard target archery), colored gold or yellow.
Draw weight is the amount of force (measured in pounds) needed to pull the bowstring back to the full draw length, affecting arrow speed and penetration.
The anchor point is a consistent spot on the archer's face (such as the corner of the mouth or chin) where the drawing hand rests at full draw, ensuring consistent aiming.
Fletching refers to the feathers or plastic vanes attached near the back of an arrow that stabilize it during flight by creating aerodynamic drag and spin.
A compound bow uses a system of cables, pulleys (cams), and limbs that provide mechanical advantage, allowing the archer to hold less weight at full draw while storing more energy.
A recurve bow has limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung, storing more energy and delivering more speed than a simple straight-limbed bow of the same draw weight.
A 'Robin Hood' is when an archer shoots an arrow directly into the end (nock) of another arrow already in the target, splitting or telescoping it, an extremely rare occurrence.
An arm guard (bracer) is a protective piece worn on the inside of the bow arm's forearm to prevent the bowstring from slapping the skin upon release.
The riser is the central, non-bending part of the bow that includes the grip, arrow rest, sight mount, and stabilizer bushing. The limbs attach to the top and bottom of the riser.
Archer's paradox is the phenomenon where the arrow bends and flexes around the bow upon release, yet still flies accurately toward the target due to the arrow's natural oscillation.
A broadhead is a type of arrowhead with sharp blades designed for hunting, engineered to cause a wide wound channel for an ethical, humane harvest.
Arrow spine refers to the stiffness of the arrow shaft. Proper spine selection is critical for accuracy, as the arrow must flex appropriately for the bow's draw weight.
Clout shooting is a form of archery where competitors shoot arrows at a high arc toward a flag (the clout) on the ground at distances up to 180 yards, scoring based on proximity.