Archery discipline

Recurve

Recurve archery uses a bow whose limb tips curve away from the archer, shot with a sight and finger release; it is the discipline contested at the Olympic Games.

Part of Archery

Overview

Recurve takes its name from the bow's limbs, which curve back away from the archer at the tips. This shape is the defining feature of the equipment and gives the discipline its name.

Archers usually shoot with a sight, stabilizers to steady the bow, and a clicker that signals a consistent draw length, releasing the string off the fingers with a tab. There is no mechanical let-off, so the archer holds the full draw weight while at full draw.

It is the form of archery contested at the Olympic Games, and a large part of the target-shooting tradition centres on it.

What defines it

Named for limbs that curve away from the archer at the tips.
Commonly shot with a sight, stabilizers, and a clicker.
Released off the fingers using a tab, with no mechanical let-off.
The archer holds the full draw weight at full draw.
The archery discipline seen at the Olympic Games.

Getting started

1Many people begin recurve at a local club or range using beginner equipment, learning a repeatable stance and draw before adding a sight.
2Starting with a comfortable, lighter draw weight makes it easier to build consistent form.
3A qualified coach or a club session can introduce the basics of setup and shooting technique.