Archery

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What’s new in archery

Beyond the bullseye: new ways to try archery

Paul 3 min read

Rising star Q&A, with GB’s Holly Linfield

Paul 3 min read

Mythbusting: stop getting archery wrong

Paul 3 min read

Get started with archery coach Mandie Elson

Paul

From Hunting Grounds to Podiums

Grounds to Podiums

With roots stretching back over 10,000 years, archery began as a vital skill for hunting and warfare. Eventually, it evolved into a competitive sport in the 16th century and featured in the Olympic Games of 1900, returning for good in 1972 with standardised rules and equipment.
Widespread Appeal

Widespread Appeal

Long associated with legends like Robin Hood, archery in Britain has grown from an historic pastime into a modern competitive sport. Its innovations and variations appeal to a wide range of ages and abilities, and ArcheryGB now boasts around 45,000 active members.
South Korea’s Golden Aim

South Korea’s golden aim

No country dominates Olympic archery like South Korea. With 50 Olympic medals in the sport, including 32 golds, they’ve set a standard that few others have been able to compete with. The last nation to win more archery medals than South Korea at the Olympic Games was the Soviet Union, way back in 1980.
Epic Olympic backdrops

Epic Olympic backdrops

Although archery is typically played outdoors, venues can vary. This has led to some stunning spots for archery competitions at recent Olympic Games. At London 2012, Lord’s Cricket Ground proved to be an excellent host, while Rio’s Sambadrome added some South American flair to proceedings. The French, meanwhile, offered some Baroque panache at the Hôtel des Invalides during Paris 2024.
Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Britain has won a total of nine Olympic medals in the sport, but you have to go back over 20 years to find its last one. Alison Williamson claimed bronze in the women’s individual event, finishing behind the South Korean pair of Lee Sung-Jin and gold medallist Park Sung-hyun.

Get started

Mandie Elson, coach at Newark Castle Archers, offers her advice on what kit to get if you want to take your archery to the next level.

Avalon Classic Finger Tab

£11.40

Buy

Easton Oval Arm Guard

£10.40

Buy

Avalon Classic Quiver

£17.99

Buy

Kinetic Arios Complete Bow

£130 - £220

Buy

Avalon Classic Quiver

£6 - £15

Buy online

Levelling the field

“I have found a sport that allows me to compete on a level playing field with my able-bodied counterparts”
John Stubbs Former world number one para-archer and Paralympic gold medallist

Define your success

“This is why I play sport. Being here, enjoying the crowds, feeling the adrenaline. You’re not just shooting for the sake of it”

Jodie Grinham Multiple Paralympic medal winner

Grassroots archery

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Learn the basics

Archery

Know your bow: understanding archery’s bow varieties

Go further in archery

Try archery

Whether you’ve never picked up a bow before or you’re looking to return to the range, there are beginner-friendly sessions and have-a-go events across the UK. Click here to find out how to book your first archery experience near you.
Join a club

Joining a local club is the best way to get into archery and meet like-minded folk. From traditional target shooting to 3D courses, clout, and Archery Tag, clubs across the country welcome archers new and old, of all abilities. Click here to find your nearest group and discover how to join.
Coaching

Help shape Britain’s future Olympic and Paralympic archers by becoming a qualified coach. Training and resources are available for all experience levels, click here to learn more.
Volunteer

Volunteers are vital to growing archery across the UK. From organising and judging competitions to helping out with club admin and finances, there’s a role for everyone. Find out how to get involved here.