Adleigh L, March – Before discovering archery, I had never participated in sports. I tried many different ones, but none felt like the right fit. Sometimes, I didn’t enjoy the sport itself. Other times, I struggled to grasp the rules or felt anxious about making mistakes in front of a crowd. Despite this, I didn’t feel like I needed to play a sport. However, as I got older, I started feeling left out. Most of my peers were involved in athletics, and I began to wonder if I was missing out. So, when I had the opportunity to join an archery team, I took it—and I quickly realized it was nothing like the other sports I had tried.
In traditional team sports like soccer, basketball, or baseball, there is a lot of pressure on players. Your teammates rely on you, and the crowd—including families, friends, and coaches—is watching closely. At my sisters’ sporting events, I often noticed parents and coaches yelling instructions from the sidelines. While they meant well, this could make the environment feel stressful rather than enjoyable.
Archery, however, is different. While you are part of a team, your teammates aren’t actively watching your every move. Typically, the only people paying close attention to you are family members or friends you invite. The tournament atmosphere is also much calmer since spectators are encouraged to whisper or remain silent. This creates a more relaxed environment, making it easier to focus.
Another unique aspect of archery is how easy it is to track your progress. Your scores clearly show your strengths and weaknesses at different distances. With enough experience, you can even tell when something feels off in your shot before you see the result. Coaches can also observe your form in real-time, identifying small adjustments that can improve your performance. In contrast, in many other sports, the fast-paced nature of the game can make it difficult to pinpoint mistakes right away.
Perhaps the most significant difference is that, in archery, you’re not directly competing against someone in the moment. While your goal is to achieve a high score, your focus is on improving your own performance rather than reacting to an opponent’s actions. In many sports, your success depends on what the other team does. In archery, it’s all about you—your form, your focus, and your shot.
Archery is a unique and inclusive sport that accommodates a wide range of people, including those with disabilities or those who simply don’t enjoy traditional team sports. While not everyone may love archery, it’s a great option for individuals who feel overwhelmed or disconnected from other athletic activities. If you’re looking for a sport that emphasizes personal growth, focus, and a supportive environment, archery might just be the perfect fit.
