The Art Of 300 Barebow: Unraveling The Ancient Sport Of Archery

Barebow 300 is a term used in archery to refer to a perfect score of 300 in a round. Barebow is a basic style of archery that does not permit accessories to aid in aiming or stabilisation. Barebow archers use a bow and their fingers to aim by looking down the length of the arrow. The archer must choose where to place their fingers on the string, draw the bowstring to their face, and then release the arrow. This requires a high level of consistency and control, especially in the repetition of the length the archer draws the bow.

Barebow archery equipment

Barebow archery is a basic style of recurve bow that uses modern materials but does not permit accessories to aid in aiming or stabilisation. This means that barebow archers rely on fieldcraft and archery technique to master the discipline.

The barebow setup is simple: a bow, arrows, strings, and a few accessories. Here is a list of the essential equipment for barebow archery:

• Bow: The bow consists of a handle/riser and grip with two flexible limbs ending in tips with string nocks. The bow is braced by a single string attached directly between the two string nocks. The riser is typically made of aluminium and measures 25-29 inches, while the limbs come in short, medium, and long lengths. The bow must be capable of passing through a 12.2-centimetre ring, as per competition rules.
• Arrows: Barebow archers typically use arrows with a wide range of spines and a solid white no-glare finish. The arrows are held in place by an arrow rest and nocking points on the string.
• String: The string is drawn back to the archer's face, with the middle finger anchoring it in the corner of the mouth for alignment with the eye. The string has nocking points, which are dimples that fix the position of the arrow on the string.
• Accessories: While barebow archery limits accessories, there are a few essential ones. A plunger and arrow rest work together to guide the arrow as it leaves the bow. A barebow weight stabilises the bow and counterbalances the weight of the arrow rest and plunger. A finger tab protects the archer's fingers from the pressure of the string and has markings to aid in string walking. Finally, finger slings, arm guards, and chest guards are worn for protection.

Barebow scoring

Barebow is a basic style of archery that does not permit accessories to aid in aiming or stabilisation. Barebow archers use the string-walking method to aim, which involves placing their fingers at different points on the bowstring depending on the distance of the target. This allows them to aim with the arrow.

The barebow style of archery requires incredible consistency and control, especially in the repetition of the length the archer draws the bow. The mental fortitude to execute a clean shot is also crucial.

When it comes to scoring, what is considered a good score can vary depending on the individual and the competition. In one forum, users suggested that anything over 270 is a very good score, while anything over 200 is pretty good. Another user mentioned that a score of 244 won the state competition that year, while a score of 250 won the previous year.

It's important to note that there may be a difference in scores between practice and tournaments due to the pressure and concentration required in a competitive setting.

To improve your barebow scoring, it's recommended to focus on your form and your mental game. Developing a consistent routine that you can execute every time you shoot can help you stay focused and improve your form.

Additionally, choosing the right equipment and set-up is crucial. A plunger, barebow weight, and arrow rest are vital accessories for barebow archery. The plunger guides the arrow as it leaves the bow and helps with arrow tune adjustment. The barebow weight balances the bow for aiming and stabilises it during the shot. The arrow rest holds the arrow in place and guides it as it leaves the bow.

In summary, barebow scoring requires a combination of consistent technique, mental focus, and the right equipment set-up. By refining these aspects of your barebow shooting, you can improve your scores and work towards achieving those higher numbers.

Barebow competitions

Archery GB, the UK's governing body for the sport, also recognises barebow competitions and hosts national competitions. The organisation offers guidance on how to get into competitions and provides a competition finder on its website.

In the US, USA Archery organises national tournaments for barebow divisions, including the USA Archery Target Nationals, USA Archery Field Nationals, and USA Archery Collegiate 3D Nationals.

To compete in barebow competitions, archers must use a bow that complies with the common meaning of the word "bow" as used in target archery. This means an instrument consisting of a handle/grip and two flexible limbs, each ending in a tip with a string nock. The bow must be free of any sights, marks, or blemishes that could aid in aiming. Additionally, the unbraced bow must be able to pass through a ring with a 12.2-centimetre diameter.

Archers in barebow competitions must rely on their field craft and archery technique to master the discipline. They must focus on maintaining a consistent draw length while shooting to ensure their arrows go exactly where they aim.

Barebow shooting technique

Barebow shooting is a basic style of archery that does not permit accessories to aid in aiming or stabilisation. The bow is held in one hand by its grip while the fingers of the other hand draw and release the string. The archer aims by looking down the length of the arrow and, upon release, the energy stored in the bent limbs transfers through the string and into the arrow, propelling it towards the target.

There are three distinct phases to the process of shooting a barebow. In the first phase, the archer must choose where to place their fingers on the string. The further away the target is, the higher up the string the fingers will be placed. This is called string-walking, and it allows the archer to aim with the arrow. The archer must then raise the bow and draw the bowstring to their face, often anchoring their middle draw finger in the corner of the mouth so that the string aligns with the eye, and aims with the point of the arrow on the target. In the third phase, the archer executes the shot, releasing the arrow and finishing in the follow-through position.

There are three main types of barebow shooting: the gap method, instinctive shooting, and string walking. The gap method involves aiming with the tip of the arrow at the ground and the gap between the arrow and the target helps the archer hit the target. Instinctive shooting is a more 'mystical' way to shoot and is said to take many years to develop as the archer uses their instincts to hit the target. String walking is for barebow archers who want to shoot point-on. The archer moves their finger tab down the string, creating the gap on the string rather than using the arrow.

Famous barebow archers

Barebow is a style of archery that does not use accessories to aid aiming or stabilisation. It requires archers to have incredible consistency and control, and while it is easy to pick up and shoot, mastering the style takes time.

Barebow archers are often described as the "fun-loving outcasts" of competitive archery. They are a small, tight-knit community that jokes with, supports, and ribs each other. John Demmer III, who holds world records and national titles, is considered by many to be the best barebow archer in the US. However, due to the niche nature of barebow, he is not widely known outside the community.

Some of the most famous competitive barebow archers include:

• Erik Jonsson: Five-time World Archery Field Champion.
• Giuseppe Seimandi: Two-time World Games Champion.
• Cinzia Noziglia: Cross-discipline specialist.

While barebow archers may not be as well-known as their Olympic recurve and compound archery counterparts, their skill, dedication, and sense of community make them an integral part of the archery world.

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