Literature review – Beginner’s guide to traditional archery

There are a wealth of books, magazines and websites out there offering the archery related advice and guidance.
So I thought it a good idea if I put down my thoughts down on such sites I’ve found.
The first of these is a book review.
Beginner’s guide to traditional archery by Brian J Sorrells ISBN 978-0-8117-3133-1 Stockpile Books
I’ve found this book covers the basics pretty well. It is very easy to read with simple clear explanations of the key points. I’ve taken to carrying this in my work bag to read on the train, as I have found I can pick it up and read a few pages or section easily.
I like the shooting exercise shown in the later chapters, these are particularly interesting as they mirrored many of my own practice methods. As a coach I’ve found that some of my pupils have also found these techniques worth while.
I think it works by giving an overview of archery for those interested in learning to shoot a traditional bow (recurve,  flatbow etc) but compound archers may find it less useful.
Beginner's guide to tradional archery
Overall I would say 9/10 as I really like the way it is written and find it an easy  read, along with something I go back to from time to time.
Thanks for reading

Paget de Vesey Company of Archers Feb 2012

Well last weekend saw us head to Birmingham for the annual Paget de Vesey Company of Archers shoot. A shoot where there is always a great selection of cakes and top notch catering. Lovely lemon drizzle cakes.
Having spent time on the range on the Saturday i was hopeful of doing ok. Sadly this would not be a return to form other than poor form.
I Always think of this shoot being the start of the NFAS  year with it often being  a little chilly. This year it was a couple of weeks later in the calendar. Not sure how but organisers had managed to have a dusting of snow which made the woods look great if a little cold. This was to be their first all 3D course and i think it worked well.
Organisers had also invested in some New 3D targets which was good to see and were  positioned to be challenging for archers. Thought a few could do with backstops that weren’t trees as this took a heavy tole on arrows (one in our group broke i think 6 ACE carbons and i broke 3 piles. Though a couple of mine were more due to my poor shooting rather than target placement 😉 )
I think the format of a shoot this year worked well, with a shoot through rather than stopping for lunch. Meant it wasn’t such a long day and we got to leave whilst still light 🙂
The one positive I can take from the event is I didn’t blank any target. I came in with just over 14 point average. Top afb came in with 666.
Sharon won ladies barebow. Would have liked the organisers to have released the scores at prize awards rather than just 1st 2nd and 3rd but they have posted them on the web (http://www.nfas.net/shootreports/paget_19022012.pdf). Guess I didn’t do too bad with 5th place
Big thanks to the organisers and will look forward to next year.