Archery is a versatile activity. It is something that can be done for fun, for hunting, or for competition. “Target shooting wasn’t a thing for me,” said US Para Archery Head Coach Jonathan Clemins. “But I realized I enjoyed shooting my bow as much as I enjoyed hunting.”
In addition, archery can be a year-round sport. Although most people think of it as an outdoor activity, indoor archery ranges extend the opportunity to shoot a bow when weather becomes an issue. “Archery doesn’t have an off-season,” said 3X Paralympian and Silver Medalist Matt Stutzman, who is known as the Armless Archer. “It doesn’t slow down. You could shoot a tournament every month.”

Furthermore, it is an inclusive sport that you can do alongside other adaptive athletes as well as able-bodied athletes. “It is exactly the same sport … you just may need adaptive equipment to assist you.”
Finally, it is one of those sports that you can do at any point in your life. “It is not an age specific sport,” said Army Veteran and 2X Paralympian Lia Coryell. She competed in her first Paralympic Games at the age of 51.

The basic equipment to get started is typically a bow, some arrows, and a target to shoot at. You can purchase these items at a local sporting goods store or archery range. Some archery ranges or archery clubs may allow you to borrow or rent their equipment before needing to purchase your own.

There are two primary bow styles: compound bows and recurve bows. Recurve bows are your traditional style, whereas compound bows have additional mechanics that assist with drawing it back. The latter seems to be more popular, but making a decision on which style is a matter of personal preference.

Para archers can shoot from a standing, supported, or seated position, allowing an opportunity for individuals with different physical disabilities to participate. Here’s how the different positions can assist each archer:

Standing: Archers with upper-limb amputations, single leg amputation or those without balance issues will participate in the sport while standing.

Supported: For those archers that prefer to stand but may need just a small amount of assistance holding their position, consider a braced position. A simple wedge under the heel could be used to help maintain balance. Other archers may request the use of a post or brace to lean against to help steady themselves throughout the shot process.

Seated: If standing isn’t an option, archers can participate while sitting in their everyday wheelchair or on a stool.

There is a lot of adaptive equipment that exists for athletes with various disabilities. “Sometimes it is about trial and error and just figuring things out,” Stutzman said. Some common adaptations include:

Nocking the arrow: Archers with limited hand movement can request assistance with placing the arrow onto the bowstring.

Drawing and releasing the bowstring: Drawing the bow requires arm strength and grip. If you are unable to draw back the bowstring without assistance, you can request help from a coach or volunteer or use one of the common draw and release adaptations below.

Finger Tabs: For archers with limited grip, finger tabs and gloves can help. Finger tabs are a flat leather device that fits between the finger and bowstring.

Bow Stands: Another adaptation is a bow stand which helps hold the bow so the archer can focus on just pulling back the string.

Mouth Tabs: For archers who have lost the use of an arm, a mouth tab can be used to draw back the string. The tab attaches permanently to the bowstring and is held between the archer’s teeth while drawing, holding, and releasing.

Mechanical Releases: For archers who use a compound bow, a shoulder mounted release aid or other mechanical device that triggers the release of the bowstring.

Arrow Retrieval: For archers that have difficulties walking or use a wheelchair a volunteer can be assigned to assist with arrow retrieval at the end of each round.

• Adaptive Archery Equipment Suppliers
• D.I.Y. Adapted Sports Equipment Series

Classification provides a structure for para competition. The classification system is designed to determine eligibility and group athletes according to their impairment to create a level playing field. Classifiers go through extensive training and are certified by World Archery to carefully determine whether athletes qualify for para competition. Classification can be either national or international.

• USA Archery Classification Information
• World Archery Classification Information

Rules and Regulations

• Move United Archery Rulebook
• USA Archery Rules
• World Archery Rules and Regulations

Records

• 2023 Archery Records – The Hartford Nationals conducted by Move United
• World Archery – World Records

Resources

• Resource Brochure for Clubs and Coaches
• Resource Brochure for Athletes and Parents
• Become a Coach
• Find a Coach
• Find a Club
• Become a Judge
• Find a Judge
• Athlete Development Model
• Achievement Award Programs
• Find an Event
• Veteran Grant Programs
• Para United States Archery Team Selection Procedures
• Paralympic Games Selection Procedures

In partnership with USA Archery and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Move United has produced an Adaptive Archery Instructor Manual.  Designed as a complement to the USA Archery coach’s certification program. This manual explains the various teaching techniques and adaptations required to help integrate an athlete with a disability into a new or existing archery program.

Request a hard copy.

In addition to the Adaptive Archery Manual, through generous grant funding from VA Adaptive Sports, USA Archery also created a library of helpful video content on topics such as shooting from a wheelchair, with a mouthtab, prosthetic, shoulder release, and how to make a mouth tab, etc. Click here to view the video series.

Click here to find a location near you.