Target Archery is a sport where archers shoot at a target marked with evenly spaced concentric rings. The target is typically set at a specific distance from the archer.

The most popular form of archery, target archery is the shooting of non-moving, circular targets placed at varying distances. Competitions are held both indoors and outdoors, with varying sets of rules.

Score the highest number of points by the end of competition.

Target distances vary depending on whether a competition is held indoors or outdoors. Indoors, targets are placed at a distance of 18 and 25 meters. Outdoors, distances range from 30 to 90 meters. Competition is divided into "ends", with 3 arrows per end for indoor competitions and 6 arrows per end for outdoor competitions. After each end, competitors retrieve their arrows from the targets and record their scores. Standard targets are marked with 10 concentric rings, which carry values of 1 to 10 points. Point values increase as the size of the circles decrease.

Archery, dating back to the Paleolithic era was/is practiced by many cultured throughout the world. As civilization progressed, archery evolved from a method of hunting animals, into a useful tool of warfare. When guns became prevalent in the early 17th century the practice of archery became nearly nonexistent, only being used by societies where guns weren't yet available. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries archery was revived as a sporting venture in Europe and North America. Target archery quickly became the most popular form in the world due to it's natural simplicity. It was an Olympic event from 1900 to 1920, but was dropped due to a lack of a governing body that could standardize rules. In response, the International Archery Federation (FITA) was created in the 1930's. In 1972 target archery was re-introduced to the Olympics, and has been a popular event since.

Arrow(s)
Bow
Target

Caution must always be used when shooting arrows near others. Competitors wait for a command before firing, and never collect arrows while others are shooting. When the word "fast" is called, shooting stops and arrows are returned to their respective quivers. Also, excessive movement is discouraged while a competitors bow is pulled back.

Competitors must develop strong shoulders, forearms and wrists to pull the bow with enough force, to ensure the proper distance and velocity is achieved.

Arrow - a sharpened shaft, shot from a bow

Bow - curved stick whose ends are joined by a taught cord, used for projecting arrows

Ends - a round of competition where three to six arrows are shot; competitions consist of twenty ends

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_archery