Brecken Lee, February –
Picture this, you just arrived at your tournament feeling ready and excited to shoot with your teammates, you get out of your car and open your trunk to grab your bow. But wait, where is it? How could you have possibly forgotten it at home, I mean you’re going to an ARCHERY tournament. How did you forget the one thing you need to shoot!?! Though I hope this never happens to you, I’m glad to say I’ve got your back. Refer to this article before your next tournament to make sure that you are perfectly prepared for the day.
- Your bow and arrows
This one seems pretty obvious, you’re about to shoot, you need your bow and arrow, but you won’t believe how many times I have gotten in the car and almost forgotten it! During a tournament you need 6 arrows, 5 to shoot and 1 in case anything goes wrong. Before you leave for your tournament make sure that your bow is waxed, and your rest is intact, a fully functional bow is the key to success.
- A water bottle
Having a water bottle with you can be a huge bonus to your shooting game. Though NASP rules do not permit water bottles on the range, having them with you for before and after your flight can really help to keep you undisturbed before shooting.
- A stress ball
Last year I had a lot of tournament panic so I tried many ways to help keep myself calm on the line. My most effective method was using a stress ball. I use a NeeDoh because I like the texture but any brand will work. This is probably my number one tip for any archer, I even inspired some of my teammates to get one!
- Your glove or tab
If you don’t shoot with one then you’re in the clear, but if you do, make sure that this is checked off of your list before you leave for your tournaments. Not having your finger cover can change your aim points, and set you in a bad mental space before your tournament.
- Money
This one is not necessary but a lot of times tournaments may sell concessions or raffle tickets, it can be a really good way to support your local schools and businesses.
- A book / homework
If you are someone who likes to get to your tournaments early, or wants to be there to support your team sometimes it can get to be really scary, watching everyone shoot and seeing the scores go up. What I like to do when I’m there early is get some of my homework done for the following week or read a fun book to clear my head.
I hope this checklist helps you succeed at your next tournaments. I know that for me getting ready for a tournament means keeping my head clear and staying prepared before heading on to the range. This checklist works for me but everyone is different so don’t be afraid to keep trying until you find your perfect tournament checklist.
Wish you all the luck,
Brecken Lee – 2025 student contributor
