Glossary of Terms Used in Archery (compiled by Raúl Esteban)

A.M.O. and A.T.A.

"AMO" is the acronym in English (Archery Manufacturers Organization) corresponding to the association of
bow manufacturers. It has currently been absorbed by ATA (Archery Trade Association) which encompasses
both manufacturers and associations of shooting and archery hunting. It regulates terminology and standards with
the bows, arrows, and all their accessories are manufactured.
Shortcut (over draw)
Device provided with an arrow rest that protrudes backward from the back of the bow and serves
to use shorter arrows than normal. Usually used in pulley bows.
Grip along the rope (string walking)
Shooting style in which the archer moves the position of the fingers along the string to adjust the
vertical displacement of the bow's limb; in this way, the range of the arrow is varied. When one
use this aiming method, the use of a sight is not allowed. The anchor point remains fixed
(compare with 'anchoring along the face').
Thumb draw
Use of the thumb only to tension the bow placed below the nock of the arrow. The
the thumb is placed around the string, holding its tip with the index finger of the
same hand. In this shooting form, the arrow must remain on the same side of the bow as the hand with which
the rope is tightened.
Flamenco grip (flemish draw)
Use only the index and middle fingers to draw the bowstring. The index finger is placed above the
arrow nock and the middle finger below.
Mediterranean draw
Use the index, middle, and ring fingers to tension the bow. The index finger is placed above the
bearing of the arrow and the other two fingers below.
Anchor point
Place, generally on the face, next to which the archer positions the hand that pulls the string, and that
take as a reference to achieve consistency in shooting.
Anchoring along the face (face walking)
Shooting style in which the archer moves the position of the string hand along the face to
adjust the starting position of the arrow in relation to the horizontal plane; this way the range is varied
from the arrow. When this aiming method is used, the use of a sight is not allowed. The point of
the loop remains fixed (compare with 'grip along the rope').
Mediterranean anchorage
Using the Mediterranean grip (See), the anchoring is done by bringing the index finger to the corner of the
lips.
American anchorage
Using the Mediterranean grip (See), the anchoring is done by bringing the middle finger to the corner of
the lips.
Anchoring in Olympic shooting
Using the Mediterranean grip (See), the anchoring is done by bringing the upper edge of the metacarpus and
the first phalanx (proximal) of the index finger under the chin and the jaw, so that the string
from the bow I touched the archer's nose.
Nock stop ring
Ring placed on the bowstring that serves as a stopper for the nock of the arrow.
Thumb ring
Ring worn on the thumb, with a bulge for gripping the string during the opening.
Often used in the Far Eastern countries in traditional archery.
Identification rings (cresting)
Painted rings in front of the feathers, for decoration or identification.
Vibration damper (torque)
Adjustable and flexible coupling that is usually placed in the stabilizers and also in the body of the
arch and is used to dampen the vibrations of the arch.
Opening of the arch (draw)
The act of pulling back the bowstring to tension it and thus store energy in it.
Draw length of the archer
Distance that separates the outer edge of the window from the arc, once opened, in the correct position of
the nocking point of the arrow with the string (nock of the butt). This was the standard measure
in a time when all bow manufacturers built the bodies with the parameters
established by the 'AMO' standards; among them, the distance from the 'pivot point' (coinciding with the
hole for the pressure button) and the outer edge of the arch window, which was set at
1¾". The new materials and techniques currently used in the construction of bodies,
It is unnecessary to maintain such parameters constant for each of the different arch models.
However, the current 'ATA' regulation maintains the measurement standard for the 'archer's opening',
but defining it as: The distance measured from the point of contact of the arrow with the string
(garganta del culatín) to the pressure button (or, if not, to the "pivot point"), plus 1¾".

Pointed (holding)
Instants immediately before the release, during which the bow must be kept stable, in
full opening, to fine-tune the aim.
Bow
Weapon made of a stick of elastic material, held at the ends by a string so that it forms
a bow that is used to shoot arrows.
composite bow
Arch made of various materials or that can be disassembled into various parts. This definition
it arose to differentiate this type of bow from those made from a single piece of wood, like,
for example, the "longbow". Nowadays, practically all the bows available in the
The market consists of composite arches, as they are made from laminated wood structures and fibers.
synthetic or solely with synthetic fibers. On the other hand, "composite bow" is also referred to as
pulley arch, as the English term 'compound' can also be translated as 'composed'.
Interestingly, at least in Spain, the term "compound bow" is more commonly associated with the pulley bow,
than with its original definition.
Pulley arch (compound bow)
One of the divisions of archery. A bow that has the string hooked to pulleys, in order to
reduce the effort needed to keep the arch open.
Deflexed bow
Arc whose pivot point of the handle is located in front of the connection points of the
blades with the body of the bow. It offers greater tolerance to release and hand twist errors.
bow, in exchange for a lower arrow exit speed (compare with 'reflex bow' and 'bow')
neutral)
Take down bow
Arch consisting of a body and separate blades that must be fitted and/or fixed to it to
complete it (compare with 'monoblock arch').
bare bow
One of the divisions of archery. It is about a bow, composed of a body and limbs. In the body
there should be no other elements than the arrow rest (which can be adjustable) and it is allowed to use
push button. There should be no aiming system, nor should the bow contain any element
that allows aiming. Stabilizers are not allowed, but torques and weights are. The whole bow set, without
The rope must be able to pass through a ring with an inner diameter of 12.2 cm.

Standard bow (FITA standard bow)

One of the divisions of archery. It is a basic bow made of a single piece or dismountable, whose
Paddles are made of wood or fiberglass. It may have a simple sight, clicker, and a bow rest.
adjustable. Stabilizers are allowed, but not torques. The complete bow with all the accessories,
but without a string, it must be able to pass through a ring with an inner diameter of 12.2 cm.

Longbow
One of the divisions of archery. Bow originating from Medieval England, normally from
6 feet or more in length, made of yew wood or similar, and whose main characteristic is that
Once mounted, the string only touches the bow at the ends ("tips"). In the current versions of this
type of arch, a window has been incorporated, but originally they did not have a window, being able to be
used by right-handed or left-handed archers, interchangeably. Obviously, it is used with shooting modality
Monoblock arch
Arch in which the body and the blades form a single block, with no possibility of separation (compare with
removable arch
neutral bow
Bow whose grip pivot point is aligned with the connection points of the limbs
with the body of the bow. Its behavior is obviously halfway between a bow
deflex and reflex (compare with deflex bow and reflex bow).
Recurve bow
One of the divisions of archery. Also called 'Olympic archery' as it is the officially recognized one.
admitted in the Olympics. It consists of a central body, where arrow rests, pressure button are housed,
visor and stabilizers to which two curved profile blades are attached (hence its name). It can be
consider an evolution of the traditional recurve bow.
Reflex bow
Bow whose pivot point of the grip is located behind the connection points of the
arms with the bow's body. It provides greater arrow exit speed, but they are more sensitive to the
errors that are transmitted in the release and through the twisting of the bow hand (compare with 'deflex bow' and
neutral arc
Traditional recurve bow (instinctive recurve bow)
One of the divisions of archery. It is an arrow consisting of a body and limbs, which can be made of
removable palettes ("take down") or built from a single piece "monoblock". It must be
made of wood, to which synthetic fibers can be added. Its main characteristic, and from there
his name is that the paddles have a curved profile. It should not have any aiming element or
stabilization and is used in instinctive shooting modality
Bow stringer
Device that serves the archer to mount or string the bow.
Archer
Person who practices archery.
Stem or shaft
Arrow shaft. In carbon, aluminum, and aluminum-carbon arrows, it is also referred to as
tube, while the term shaft is more appropriate for wooden arrows.
String jig
Instrument used to manufacture the strings of the bows.
Sight block
Moving part of the bow sight that contains the aiming point or index.
Kisser button
Small disk, or similar, that is mounted on the bowstring and serves as a reference for the draw.
total, when it touches the mouth.
Pressure button (pressure button / plunger)
Adjustable device that is placed on the riser and protrudes just above the arrow rest, which is used
of help, through adjustments, to achieve a good flight of the arrow.
Bracer (bracer / arm guard)
Piece to protect the bow arm from potential hits from the string, and that is placed on the part
interior of the arch forearm.
Bow arm
The arm of the archer with which he holds the bow during the shooting action.
String arm
The arm of the archer with which the string of a bow is pulled back.
Cable
In a pulley arc, a rope that connects the pulleys to each other or to the body of the arc to achieve reduction
of effort in the tensioning. Initially, they were steel wire cables, hence their name. Now they are used
synthetic thread ropes, more efficient and durable than steel cable.
Arrow wraps
Decorative stickers that adhere to the shaft of the arrow, below the nock and above which are
they can stick the feathers.
Caliber (shaft size)
Identification code of the shaft given based on the stiffness, size, and properties of the arrow,
which allows for an easy selection of it.
quiver
Container for the arrows that can be hung by the archer or placed on the ground. It can also be
you can ride in the arch, particularly in bowhunting.
Category
In competition, the result of the combination of a division (see) and a class (see). For example:
Recurvo Mujer, Compuesto Junior Hombre, Compuesto Mujer, Tradicional Mujer, Longbow Hombre, etc.

Wax
Initially made from beeswax, now made from synthetic products, with which the bowstring is waxed to prevent
that acquires too much dirt through use, while achieving that the fibers and threads of the
the rope stays together.
Veneers
Thin sheets glued to the blades. They are usually used as decorations on bows with laminated wooden blades.
They usually do not change their properties. Generally, they are very thin sheets of wood or
well vinyl sheets or other products such as snake skin.
Clarifier
In the pulley arches, complementary lens to the 'scope', housed in the 'diopter' (View) or 'peep', that
improves visibility through optical sighting elements.
Class
In competition, ranking of archers based on their condition. For example: Women,
Men, Women Cadet, Men Cadet, Women Junior, Men Veterans, etc.
Clearance
It is defined as the cleanliness with which the arrow leaves the bow. The arrow should not touch the bow upon its release. If
this occurs, the phenomenon of "culebreo" appears (See).
Clicker
Onomatopoeic name applied to the 'Opening Indicator' or tension (See).
Dolphin diving (porpoising)
Upward and downward movement of the rear end of the arrow during its flight, normally
caused by a poor placement of the camber point.
Fishtailing
Horizontal movement, from side to side, of the back of the arrow during its flight towards the target.
usually caused by a mismatch in the arrow's spine compensation.
Collimator
Circular element that surrounds the index or point of aim and facilitates placing it concentrically.
(aim) at the circles of the target.
Cresting
See 'Identification Rings'
Endless string or "skein"
Method for making the bowstring, consisting of forming a skein with a single thread, forming
the covers at the ends by covering them. It is the typical construction for curved arches
Olympic and pulley.
Flemish rope (flemish twist)
Method for making the bowstring, consisting of joining several strands of thread into bundles that are braided.
in a manner similar to that used to make cords. This eliminates the need to line the loops.
Typical confection for traditional arches.
Bow string
Bowstring made with several strands, usually of synthetic material. The number of strands
It depends on the type of bow, its power, and the material of the string. (See "Dacron Thread", "Fast Thread")
Flight"e" Hilo Dyneema.
Bow body (riser)
Central section of the arch where the blades are fitted at its ends. It can be manufactured in various
materials: wood, aluminum alloy, carbon fiber and with different configurations and
structures. See ('Reflex / Deflex Arc').
Culatín or cake (nock)
Piece placed at the end of the arrowshaft, which is used to position the arrow on the string.
minnowing
Movements similar to those of fish tailing, but with lesser amplitude and much faster than
they appear on the back part of the tube or shaft, usually caused by a lack of 'clearance'
(See).
Finger tab
Leather piece for the rope hand, used to protect the fingers and provide a smooth exit.
the rope is loose.
Démultiplication (let off):
Reduction of the peak power of a pulley arc with respect to the power needed to maintain it
in full opening. Normally expressed as a percentage.
Diana (target face)
Fabric, cardboard, or paper with drawn scoring zones that is pinned to the parapets, on which is
they shoot the arrows.
Diopter (peep sight)
Plastic or metal device placed on the bowstring (allowed only on compound bows),
provided with a small hole through which the archer looks, allowing for better alignment of the
sighting point with the target. They can also be equipped with a lens (See "Clarifier"), which
uses to achieve greater clarity when using magnifying glasses.
Discipline
Each of the different types of competition in which archery competitions are classified.
For example: Outdoor, Room, Field, 3D, Long distance, etc.
Trigger (release)
Device for the hand that is placed around the bowstring, used to tighten and release the string,
minimizing the wavy trajectory of this after release. Only allowed in pulley arcs.

Dragon or dragonera (bow sling)

Small strap tied to the bow and to the hand of the bow and that serves to avoid the 'grabs' after the
let go and let the bow fall to the ground. There are versions of doll and finger.
Division
In competition, classification according to the type of bow. For example: Recurve, Compound, Standard,
Naked, Traditional, Longbow, etc.
Fletching jig
Tool for placing and gluing feathers onto an arrow in a regular and firm manner.
Bow handle
Central part of the bow's body, where the archer rests the bow hand.
To nock or to feather
Action of placing the arrow's nock at the bowstring's nock point.
properly marked with the nock stop ring.
Engage the tip of the shovel
The end of the blade tapers into a narrow area reinforced with a notch, where it houses the
rope, through the extreme loops of it called "gazas" (See).
Stabilizer
Bar and weights set mounted on the front of the bow's body to eliminate its twist.
around its axis at the moment of release, absorb vibrations and facilitate the drop of the
bow forward.
Stacking the wall
Rapid and disproportionate increase in the force needed to draw the bow in the last inches
from its opening, produced by the loss of bending capacity of the blades, reaching a point of
opening.
Sight extension
Bar that allows to move the sight block away from the bow towards the target.
F.O.C. (forward of center)
Literally 'beyond the center'. It refers to the position of the center of gravity of the arrow in relation
at the geometric center of it, caused by the greater weight of the tip. It is measured in percentage.

Yellow fever (target panic)

Inability of the goalkeeper to keep fixed or stable the aim on the center of the target (yellow)
before letting go.
Follow through of the shot
Backward movement that the bow hand makes after executing the release. Besides this
movement, the completion of the shot requires the archer to maintain the posture, attitude, etc. achieved
in the full opening.
Fistmele (brace height)
Distance between the chord and the arc, measured perpendicularly between it and the point of pressure or pivot.
"point" of the grip, once the bow is strung. The term comes from medieval English and
It was equivalent to the distance between the base of the fist and the tip of the extended thumb. Measured this way
with which the longbow limbs were adjusted.
F.I.T.A.
Acronyms in French corresponding to the International Archery Federation
of Archery. An organization based in Lausanne (Switzerland), whose task is to regulate the rules
that govern archery competitions, as well as the organization of events in this discipline
sports. It has currently changed its name to World Archery Federation - W.A. (see), Federation
Archery World Championship.
Arrow
Projectile shot with a bow. As described in the WA (World Archery) Regulations, an arrow
consists of a tube with a tip, a butt, feathering, and, if desired, decoration.
Bare shaft
Arrow or arrow tube without feathers. It is used to determine the behavior of the arrow (rigid)
or flexible) and the correct position of the nock point and be able to make the adjustments
relevant to obtaining the best possible flight for it.
Flexibility of the spine
Measure of the bending of the shaft tube of an arrow, determined by the separation of the center of the shaft of the
horizontal when it is suspended, at that point, a stipulated weight (1.94 Lb), while it is supported on a
point of each end 28" apart from each other. The reading is done in thousandths of an inch.
Spatula (serving tool)
Instrument for winding the covering thread around the bow string.
Forro (serving)
Winding thread around the bowstring, at its center or in the loops, which serves to protect
the string of blows and rubs.
Central forro or entorchado (central serving)
Forro of the central area of the arch string that protects it from possible hits and frictions.
Gaza (string loop)
Each of the ends of the rope, in a loop shape, that are used to hook it on the
ridges at the end of the blade (See) of the bow.
Grain
English unit of weight, used to evaluate the weight of the arrow and its components. Originally it was
the weight of a grain of wheat and it is equivalent to 0.065 grams.

Goalkeeper glove
Partial glove, generally used in traditional archery, that covers only three fingers of the hand.
rope, to protect them and ensure a smooth release of the rope.
Dacron thread
Polyester fiber used to make thread for the production of strings for bows. Suitable for bows.
of initiation and arches with wooden paddles, since its permanent stretching factor (12%) protects
to the arch. Not very resistant to friction. Does not allow for many turns.
Dyneema thread
Long chain polyethylene fiber used to make yarn for the production of strings for bows. Very
resistant and durable. Once it reaches its final length, it does not stretch anymore. Ideal for high-end bows.
It allows for many turns. The most well-known and used are BCY Dynaflight 97 and BCY Formula 8125.

Hilo Fast Flight

Polyester fiber used to make thread for the production of strings for bows. It was created as an improvement.
from Dacron and in response to the short life of Kevlar threads. It is a high-strength thread and
durability, with a slight stretch factor (2%).
I.F.A.A. (International Field Archery Association)
Acronyms in English corresponding to the International Field Archery Association.
Field Archery. It is a parallel organization to the W.A., founded in 1970, with the purpose of
give greater relevance to field archery and traditional, historical bows.

Opening indicator (draw length check / clicker)

Device placed in the arch that provides an audible signal indicating that the opening has
reached the desired level. Usually, it is a metal sheet that jumps when the tip of the
the arrow surpasses it, hitting the window of the bow, emitting a "click", hence the popular name
for which he is known.
Index or sight pin
Part of the sight that visually overlaps with the center of the target during the aiming action. See
Collimator
Let off
See 'Demultiplication'.
Pound
English unit of weight, used as a unit of force, to define the power of the bow and which is equivalent to
453.6 grams.
Waiting line
A line parallel to the shooting line, behind which archers must remain until the signal is given.
to be able to position oneself on the firing line.
Line of forces (draw force line [DFL])
Imaginary line that connects the pressure point of the hand on the bow, the string fingers, and the elbow.
rope.
Shooting line
Line parallel to the line of targets, marked on the ground from which the archers shoot.
Longbow
See 'Longbow Arc'
Arrow length
Distance from the slot of the butt to where the shaft ends and the tip begins (tip excluded).

Loop
In pulley bows, a loop is fixed to the string above and below the nocking point.
point"), and it is used to hook the trigger.
Bow hand
The hand of the archer that holds the bow during the shooting action.
String hand
The hand of the archer that pulls the string of a bow.
Mentalist
Finger tab accessory, generally metallic, used by some archers for locating
better the point of contact of the string hand with the chin, in Olympic recurve archery.
It also allows for increased distance, thanks to the higher angle of release of the arrow.

Bow stringer
Device that helps the archer to mount or string the bow.
Moscow (pin hole)
Exact center of the yellow scoring area of the targets used in competition.
Wall
See 'Estaqueo'.
Nock
See "Culatín".
Nock Point
See 'Fleche Point'.
Nock Stop
See "Widening Ring".
Node
Each of the two points where the bending of the arrow begins when it leaves the bow (See 'Paradox'
from the goalkeeper)
Longbow knot (timber hitch)
Knot traditionally used for the second loop of a rope made with a single loop.
Typical of longbow arches.
Dominant eye
The archer's dominant eye, with which it is easier for them to aim when keeping both eyes open.
open.
Overdraw
See 'Shortener'.
Paddle (limb)
Each of the two parts of the arch susceptible to bending, when the rope is tightened, to provide
the propulsion force to the arrow.
Archer's paradox
Instants at the beginning of the arrow's flight when it flexes to leave the bow.
Parapet or bag
Device on which the target is placed and that stops the arrow so that it remains lodged.
that their score can be taken. In the past, they were built of straw or esparto and were circular, but
Currently, they are made of foam and are square.
Peep
See 'Diopter'.
Chest
Chest protector, consisting of a piece, usually made of nylon, that covers the chest, on the side of
arch and it serves to ensure that the string, upon release, does not rub against the archer's clothing.

Pivot point
See "Pivot Point".
Plate (bow plate)
Plate placed on the side of the bow, to provide a single point of contact to the arrow and
to ensure that the output of this is smooth.
Platform of the bow (bow self)
Horizontal projection of the bow window that prevents the arrow from falling off the bow in the absence of
arrow repositories. In some bows, this platform is 'radiated', meaning it has a curvature,
offering a smaller contact area with the arrow.
Feather 'rooster' or 'steering' (cock fletching)
The feather that is placed on the arrow forming a right angle with respect to the slot of the nock.
arrows that are bought complete in the store, this feather is usually a different color than the others,
to help the archer correctly place the arrow on the string.
Artificial vane
Plastic material fletching that is placed on the back of an arrow. They come in various shapes and
sizes. There are also special feathers with curly shapes ("spin wind"), specifically designed
for Olympic shooting.
Natural feather
Generally from goose or gander, they are characteristic of traditional archery. All feathers must be from the
same wing of the bird. It can have various profiles, the most common are: parabolic and shield.
Pulley (cam)
Device in the shape of a circle or ellipse, mounted at the end of the blade of the pulley arcs, used
in order to reduce the force needed to keep the arch open in the open position
complete.
Poker
Colloquial name of the long stabilizer.
Peak power
Maximum force needed to fully tension a pulley arch.
Draw weight
Force needed to open the bow to the archer's draw (measured in pounds). The standard power of
A bow is measured for an opening of 28 inches.
Inch
English unit of length, equivalent to 2.54 cm, used to define the dimensions of arcs,
arrows and their components.
Point or regatón (point)
Arrowhead. Made of metal (steel, brass), they take on various shapes and designs, depending on
the use to which they are intended. The most common are: 'Bullet' with ballistic profile 'Field' similar to the previous one,
but it narrows down until it ends in a conical shape.
Broadhead
Arrowhead, equipped with several very sharp blades, used for hunting.
Blunt impact point
Very thick special tip, not sharp, used in hunting by stunning.
Nock point
Mark on the bowstring that determines the point where the arrow nock should be fitted.

Pivot point
Area located at the throat of the bow's grip, over which it pivots as it falls forward, after
the arrow exit. It is usually located on the same perpendicular as the pressure button. It is
the point from which the measurement of the arc's "fistmele" is taken.
Course
Name given to the field where the throws are made in the Field or Course modality
Forest.
3D forest course (3D archery)
Outdoor archery competition discipline, on uneven terrain, volumetric figures
that represent animals, placed at predetermined distances and variable positions. The archers
they must walk from one figure to another to take their shots.
Field archery
Outdoor archery competition discipline, on uneven terrain, with targets of various types
sizes, placed at predetermined variable distances. Archers must walk from one to another.
Diana to take her shots.
Fistmele Rule (bow square)
Device that hooks onto the string and rests on the arrow rest and is used to measure distance
the height of the deflection point on the string.
Sight bar
Part of the sighting scope where the sighting system or sight block slides (See).
Arrow rest
Bow device to provide a support point for the arrow.
Scope
In a pulley bow, a set of magnifying lenses that contain the sighting point and that are placed in
the sight of the bow. Together with the 'diopter' or 'peep' (See), they constitute the aiming elements for this
type of arches.
silencer
Pieces of wool, leather, or synthetic material in the form of threads that are placed on the bowstring, close to
the ends, to minimize the noise of the string after the release.
Spine
See "Flexibility of the shaft".
Release
Action consisting of letting the rope leave the grip of the fingers, by relaxing the hand.
flexor muscles.
Tiller
It is the difference in power between the blades of the bow, as a consequence of the functional asymmetry of the
arch, directly influencing the vertical stability of the arch. It is adjusted through the difference in
distances from the upper blade to the string and from the lower blade to the string, measured perpendicularly
from the coupling of each blade with the body.
Tip
See 'Engage'.
Instinctive archery
Competition discipline of archery in which no method is used to aim. The archer
just look at the target and shoot the arrow.
Long-distance shooting (flight archery)
Competition discipline of archery that consists of achieving the maximum distance with
an arrow, depending on the type and power of the bow used.
Outdoor target archery
Competition discipline of archery with fixed distance targets in an outdoor field.
Indoor archery
Competition discipline of target archery at fixed distances in an indoor facility.
Torque
See "Antivibrator".
Tube
See 'Astil'.
Valley
Minimum force required to keep a pulley arch fully open.
Veneers
Caved in
Bay window
Cut section on the side of the bow body to allow the arrow to exit as close as possible
of the main plan of the arch.
Sight
Device placed on the bow to facilitate the archer's aim.
W.A.
Acronyms in English, corresponding to the World Archery Federation.
new name adopted in July 2011 by the F.I.T.A. (see), which brings together 156 national federations
and other archery organizations in the world.
Wraps
See 'Stickers for arrows'.