Shooting Styles
Archery isn’t one-size-fits-all. At City of Chester Archers, members shoot a range of bow types – from traditional longbows to high-tech compounds. Whatever style you’re drawn to, you’ll find people here who share your interest and can help you develop.
Recurve
The most widely shot bow style in the world, and the one you’ll see at the Olympics. Recurve bows get their name from the distinctive tips that curve away from the archer, which store and release energy efficiently.
Most beginners start on a basic recurve, and many members continue shooting recurve throughout their archery life – either casually or competitively. At the elite end, Olympic recurve includes a sight, stabilisers, and clicker, and is one of the most technically refined forms of the sport.
Shot by beginners through to international competitors.
Longbow
One of the oldest forms of archery, the longbow is a single piece of wood (or laminate) with no sights, no stabilisers, and very little in the way of accessories. What you get instead is a direct connection to the shot that a lot of archers find deeply satisfying.
It’s a more instinctive style, and it rewards patience and feel over gadgetry. If you like the idea of stripping things back, this might be your bow.
A traditional style with a loyal following at the club.
Flatbow
Similar in principle to the longbow but with wider, flatter limbs and a more rectangular cross-section. The flatbow sits comfortably between traditional and modern – it shares the simplicity of a longbow but has a more forgiving draw and consistent performance.
It’s a popular choice for archers who want a traditional feel without some of the quirks that come with a longbow.
Less common than recurve or longbow, but well worth considering.
Compound
Compound bows use a system of cams and cables to reduce the holding weight at full draw – so you can hold steady at anchor without fatigue affecting the shot. They’re highly adjustable, very accurate, and shot with a release aid and magnified scope rather than fingers and a basic sight.
Don’t let the mechanical complexity put you off – compound archers are some of the most precise and results-focused in the club.
Highly accurate and technically rewarding.
Not sure which style suits you?
If you’re new to archery, our beginners course covers the fundamentals on recurve – the standard starting point for most people. Once you’ve got the basics, you’ll have a much clearer sense of where you want to go. And there’ll be plenty of members happy to let you have a look at what they shoot.