Archery has become a popular sport recently. The recurve bow’s popularity is in part due to it being the weapon of choice for Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of The Hunger Games. One common question that beginners ask is: 

How far can a bow and arrow shoot?

In order to answer this question, here are some information and tips for you.

1. Decide on the purpose of your bow. Recurve bows are used for one of two purposes: for target practice or for hunting. These bows are essentially the same, with one fundamental difference: the draw weight. This is the amount of strength you’ll need to draw the bow. Decide if you’ll use your bow primarily for target practice or for hunting. Your bow will need a higher draw weight for hunting.

2. Choose a suitable draw weight. Draw weight on a bow correlates to how hard you have to pull in order to draw back the string on the bow. To select your ideal draw weight, try about 75% of your maximum strength. Choosing a low draw weight will result in less speed and power in your shooting.

If you're a beginner, shoot with a lighter bow with regard to the draw weight. Don't choose a bow that's too hard to pull back. Younger people should also choose a lower draw weight.

3. Opt for a bow length that’s twice your draw length. Your draw length is your arm span in inches divided by 2.5. Bows come in different lengths, so choose one that is at least double your draw length.

4. Try out a few different bows. It is a good idea to see how well you can hold and shoot a bow before you settle on purchasing it. Try out some different options at a local archery range. This place will likely have several sample brands and styles.

Mix up your routine. Like anything else, if your routine becomes boring, you will be less likely to make time for it. Make sure to keep your exercise routine regularly by using different pieces of equipment at the gym or taking advantage of different exercise classes. By varying your workout you will keep it fresh which will help you stick with it.

5. Ask an expert to fit you for a bow. If you are going to purchase a bow, consult an expert at the sporting goods store to fit you for a bow that takes height, draw strength, and handedness into consideration.

By choosing the right bow and arrows for your body and purpose, along with practice, you will be able to hit targets accurately and consistently. If you want to have faster improvement, it is advisable that you increase your muscle mass since the weight of your bow also depends on your strength, and you will need to begin eating more of almost everything. Shoot for enough calories in your daily diet to gain a pound per week. If you don't see any weight change, consider altering your eating habits.

Lastly, making short-term goals, attaining them, and then rewarding yourself for doing so, can be a great motivator. Motivation plays a key role in any long-term commitment. The rewards that you set for attaining your short-term goals can be used to assist in the success of your long-term goals.