The Art of Archery

by Rob Daniels

The technique of using a bow to project arrows is called archery. Someone who constructs bows is known as a bowyer. While someone who shoots the bow is called an archer. The bow and arrow is a complex technology. Bows and arrows vary widely, but very little has actually changed in the architecture used for archery.

The total arrow propelling energy is developed from a flexing of the materials employed in the bow construction as a result the materials used to construct bows and arrows have changed but only minor design modifications have occurred. The bow is made of a long, narrow strip of flexible material that snaps back to its original shape after being bent. As the string is pulled back, the bow bends for maximum tension, propelling the arrow forward when the string is released. When the archer releases the arrow, the bow's curve returns, adding power to the arrow's flight. If the string is bent in either direction during the drawing of the bow, it can divert the arrow from the target.

Fletching are the feathers used at the base of the arrow to keep the arrow stable in flight. The purpose of the fletching is to help the arrow fly straight, and appear similar to the fins found on a dart. The fletching also balances the weight of the arrowhead to prevent the arrow from tumbling end-over-end in flight. Fletching is used to control an arrows flight and accuracy. In the past arrows were fletched with stiff tail feathers from eagles, hawks, owls or turkeys. Sometimes, helical flletching was used to give a spiraling flight to an arrow, the feathers were twisted a half turn around the butt of the shaft. Helical fletching causes the arrow to spin more during flight.

Today, fletching on arrows is often made of polyurethane and other plastics. Each arrow has a notch, at the butt end after the fletching. The notch is fitted to the bowstring. The bowstring has a nocking point where the notch of the arrow fits. Nocking point locators should not extend more than 1/2 inch above or below the arrow nock when at full draw. Arrow shafts were at one time made out of shoots, such as dogwood, wild rose, ash, birch, chokecherry, and black locust. Modern arrow shafts are constructed from fiberglass and heavy plastics.

About the Author
Rob Daniels writes educational material for http://www.archery-target.com and http://www.kayak-escape.com two of his favorite lifelong sports.