Blind Archery: The Art Of Sound And Touch

Blind archery is not as rare as some might think. Blind and visually impaired people can participate in archery and compete in tournaments using unique equipment that suits their needs. For instance, a tripod can be used instead of a traditional bow-mounted sight to help archers get their bearings. They also use special clip-like markers for their feet so they know where to set their body. A spotter assists visually impaired archers with safety issues and keeps track of their scores. Blind archers can also use a tactile sight – a device that rests gently against the back of their hand – to aim.

Tactile archery equipment

Tactile archery is an adaptation of the traditional sport that allows blind and visually impaired people to participate. It uses a range of specialised equipment to help archers get their bearings and aim their shots.

One of the most important pieces of equipment is a tripod or mount that holds the bow sight. This replaces the traditional bow-mounted sight and provides a tactile reference point for the archer. The archer touches the back of their extended hand (the one holding the bow) to an adjustable bar on the tripod, allowing them to orient themselves towards the target.

Another crucial tool is a foot marker. This is placed on the floor and aligned with the shooting line. It has protruding foot indicators that the archer touches with their heels. This ensures that the archer always stands in the exact same spot when shooting, maintaining consistency in their positioning.

In addition to the tripod and foot marker, tactile archers may also use special clip-like markers to indicate where to set their feet, further aiding their body positioning.

These adaptations allow blind and visually impaired archers to compete on equal terms with sighted archers, demonstrating that archery is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities.

How to get started

Blind archery is a fun and inclusive sport that is more accessible than you might think. If you are interested in getting started with blind archery, here is some advice on how to take your first steps.

Firstly, it is important to prioritise safety. Blind archers should never shoot alone, as they cannot see if someone is in front of them. It is also important to wear protective gear and follow the rules of the archery range.

Next, you should look for an archery club that caters to blind archers. Organisations like British Blind Sport in England offer support and guidance for blind people interested in taking up archery. They offer memberships for adults and juniors, with access to coaching sessions and national competitions. They also have a helpline to help connect you to local sporting activities.

Once you have found a suitable club, you can learn the basics of archery and get set up with the right equipment. Blind archers can use a tripod or mount for the bow sight, with an adjustable bar that the archer touches with the back of their hand to help them aim. Special clip-like markers can also be used for foot placement, so the archer always knows where to stand and how to position their body.

In addition to this equipment, a "spotter" is usually needed to assist with safety and to keep track of scores. The spotter stands behind the archer and lets them know where their arrows have landed.

With the right equipment, support, and practice, blind archers can enjoy the sport and even compete in tournaments and championships.

Competitions and championships

The World Archery Para Championships, organised by World Archery, take place every two years. The championships were first held by the International Paralympic Committee in 1998, with ownership transferred to World Archery in 2009.

The visually impaired category is split into two sub-categories: VI1 and VI2/3. Athletes in the VI1 category are either completely or almost completely blind and must wear a blindfold during competition. Those in the VI2/3 category compete without blindfolds.

The Belgian Championships and the U.S. Outdoor Nationals are two other competitions that have included blind archery events.

Several blind archers have achieved success in competitions and championships. Ruben Vanhollebeke is a two-time World Champion in the visually impaired 1 category and set three world records in less than a year. He has established himself as a world leader in this discipline of the sport. Hazel Hockley, the oldest participant in the 2019 World Archery Para Championships, is another notable athlete. She had to fundraise to travel to the event and expressed gratitude to the volunteer community in ’s-Hertogenbosch with small gifts. Janice Walth, the first visually impaired archer to compete at the U.S. Outdoor Nationals in 2005, is another pioneer in the sport. She has set multiple world records and taken fourth place at the 2019 World Archery Paralympic Championships.

Common problems and solutions

One of the main challenges for blind archers is body sway. As Janice Walth, a blind archer, explains, "if I sway forward onto my toes, the shot goes way left. If I sway back onto my heels, the shot goes way right." This is because the bow-sight is mounted on a tripod, so any sway impacts the aim. To correct this, a spotter can tell the archer if they are swaying and help them adjust their stance.

Another issue is when the bow is not held straight. A blind archer might tilt their bow to the left or right without realising, which will impact the flight of the arrow. Again, a spotter can assist by informing the archer of the tilt so they can correct it.

Blind archers also need to be aware of safety issues. It is recommended that blind archers always have a spotter present to ensure no one is in the line of fire.

To address these issues, blind archers can use a tripod or mount for the bow sight. This means that instead of looking through a sight, they can touch it with the back of their hand to aim. They can also use a foot marker, which is placed on the floor and aligned with the shooting line. The archer stands with their heels touching the foot indicators, ensuring they are always in the same spot and facing the right way.

Additionally, blind archers can use a milk carton over the bullseye to hear the arrow hit instantly, providing immediate feedback on their shot.

Mental aspects of the sport

Blind archery is as much a mental game as a physical one. It requires a great deal of focus and visualisation to succeed.

Visualisation

Archers with visual impairments must be able to visualise the target in their mind's eye. This is especially important when they are aiming. Ruben Vanhollebeke, the reigning world para and European para champion in the visually impaired 1 category, says that he imagines the target and can "see it in front of [his] eyes". He also notes that his prior knowledge of colours helps him to visualise the target when people call them out.

Focus

Blind archers must also be able to focus on the physical feel of the shot. Steve Prowse, a visually impaired world champion, notes that he focuses on how the equipment feels when he shoots, as the physical feel of the shot is more important to him than the visual aspects.

Confidence

Confidence and a positive mindset are also important for blind archers. Vanhollebeke's grandfather always told him to "think positive and look on the bright side", and this has helped him to succeed in the sport.

Practice

Finally, practice is key. Blind archers must put in the hours to learn the correct form and technique, and to improve their accuracy. They must also be aware of their body sway and bow tilt, which can only be corrected with practice and the help of a spotter.

Frequently asked questions