Archery is one of the most existing activities but it requires a lot of practice to improve your steadiness and aim. So, one of the first things that pop through newcomers’ minds is the ideal distance for practicing archery. Whether you’re already started or still trying to figure out what distance to practice archery, this article has got you covered.
The ideal distance for practicing archery depends on your level of expertise, your age, and the type of bow you use. However, as a beginner, you should typically stay relatively close to the target (about 5 to 20 yards) until you’re consistent with your shots.
If you want to find out more about the specifics of the ideal distance for archery, keep on reading this brief guide. Let’s dive right in!
How Far Should I Practice Archery?
The answer to this question varies depending on a variety of factors. Of course, as a beginner, you’re expected to practice archery at a much closer distance and stand further as your accuracy and consistency improve.
In this section, we’ll have a closer look at the ideal distance to practice archery as a beginner while keeping in mind all the factors that can affect those numbers:
1. Depending on the Age
Besides experience, the most important factor to keep in mind here is the age at which you start archery.
Young Beginner
While it’s a matter of debate among many archers, the most suitable age for kids to start shooting arrows at targets would be anywhere around the age of 6 to 9 years old.
By that time, the child will have both the physical and mental capacity to know how to hold and use bows and arrows as well as the ability to understand the basic physics of archery.
Additionally, the child will have a good understanding of all the necessary commands needed to follow safety precautions.
For a child that is under the age of 12 years old, it’s recommended that he or she starts shooting at a distance of about 5 yards or 15 feet, regardless of the style of archery they’re following.
However, if your child is having a hard time hitting the target consistently, adjusting the distance by getting a little closer may work. You typically want to get them closer by increments of 5 feet.
Adult Beginner
Adults, on the other hand, have a much higher sense of steadiness and have better coordination and control of their bodies, which allow them to shoot targets at a further distance.
For starters, an adult can start shooting from as close as 10 to 15 yards. Some beginners may never find any trouble shooting the target consistently at such distance, so they can start at a distance of about 18 to 20 yards
2. Depending on the Style of Archery
Besides the age, the suitable range of archery may also be impacted depending on the type of bow you’re using because each one of them has its own style.
The differences here are due to sizes as well as parts of the bows and arrows, such as the feathers.
Traditional Archery
The most popular types of bows in traditional archery are the regular recurve and longbow designs. These ones are typically simple and lack the type of accessories found in advanced bows like the compound ones.
For that reason, these bows are typically more difficult to shoot, and therefore, many beginners use them at the closer end of the scale, which is usually around 8 to 10 yards.
However, if you feel like 8 to 10 yards are quite difficult for you, there’s no shame in starting by getting a few feet closer to the target in order to hit it consistently.
Compound Archery
As previously mentioned, compound arches that use cable and pulley systems can make it a lot easier to hold and control the bow instead of the single sting design of traditional ones.
But, just because compound archery and crossbows are relatively easier than traditional ones doesn’t mean that they also need their fair share of patience and consistency to be a better archer.
However, it can make it easier enough that a beginner archer can add a few yards further from the target when they’re just starting. In fact, many beginner archers can easily shoot targets consistently at 10 yards and are capable of starting their practice from as far as 15 to 20 yards.
What Is the Ideal Target Practice Size?
Targets come in a variety of sizes and designs for beginners. However, if you want a good size to start with, I recommend that you go for something that’s anywhere between 16 to 20 inches, such as:
- Field Logic Youth Block GenZ Open Target (16 inches)
- Venmark Traditional Straw Archery Target (20 inches)
Of course, if the target feels too small but you don’t want to get closer, you can always go for a slightly larger archery target.
This is actually recommended if you typically miss the target with a few inches and only need to work on fine-tuning your precision while shooting by a few inches.
Some archers are also interested in hunting live game, such as deer and elk. In that case, you might be interested in buying a target that looks like one for immersion and improved accuracy during shots such as the GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target.
When Can I Move Further from the Target?
Consistency is the main deciding factor when it comes to transitioning to the next level or standing back even further.
Before you’re capable of getting further from the target, you need to check the following off your list:
- You’re capable of hitting the target within a radius of 4 to 6 inches
- You don’t miss frequently when you’re standing back by a few feet
- You’ve mastered the other basics for archery at that distance, such as form and focus on the target
- You’re capable of hitting a moving target at that distance (Optional)
Final Thoughts
This wraps it up for today’s guide about the perfect distance for practicing archery. As you can see, the distance can easily vary from as close as 5 yards to as far as 20 yards depending on your natural skill, age, type of bow, and more.
The most important aspect to keep in mind here is that, no matter how close you need to be to hit a target, you’ll always be able to hit it consistently if you work on your anchor points, focus, and proper shooting form.
Since hitting targets consistently might wear out your target, click here to read my article about “how long do archery targets last?”!