Archery Targets: Types, Sizes & Scoring Explained

Archery targets are purpose-built practice and competition aids designed to help archers develop consistent accuracy. They come in several construction types — including foam block, bag, burlap, and crossbow targets — and are built from durable materials engineered to withstand repeated arrow strikes across extended practice sessions.

Common Target Types

• Foam block targets — dense layered foam that stops arrows cleanly and allows easy removal; well-suited to both compound and recurve setups.
• Bag targets — tightly packed synthetic fill inside a fabric shell; lightweight and portable for backyard or field use.
• Burlap targets — traditional compressed material targets often used on wooden or straw backstops.
• Crossbow targets — reinforced designs rated for the higher kinetic energy of crossbow bolts.

Target Face Sizes and Scoring

Most archery targets are square or round and carry printed rings or dots that give archers a clear focal point. Competition-grade target faces follow standardized dimensions: outdoor recurve archers typically shoot a 122 cm diameter face at 70 metres, while indoor formats generally use a 40 cm face at 18 metres. The standard five-colour scoring system awards inner yellow rings 10 and 9 points, red rings 8 and 7, blue rings 6 and 5, black rings 4 and 3, and outer white rings 2 and 1. An arrow shaft only needs to touch a scoring line to count for the higher value.

Setup and Placement

For consistent practice, competition guidelines recommend positioning the center of a single-face target at 130 cm (±5 cm) from the ground, tilted roughly 10–15 degrees from vertical. This angle helps arrows sit in the face rather than deflect, and keeps the butt stable during removal. For bow targets used in field archery, face sizes scale with shooting distance, ranging from 20 cm up to 80 cm in diameter.

Why Practice on Archery Targets Matters

Consistent repetition on archery practice targets builds muscle memory, reveals equipment issues, and reinforces a repeatable shooting form. Off-season shooting on understanding arrow hit placement keeps your skill level high between hunting seasons or competitions. The more familiar you become with your equipment through structured target work, the more confidently you can perform when it counts. If you're shopping for your first target, our archery target buying guide walks through the trade-offs between foam, bag, and 3D targets in more detail. For the 3D format specifically — life-size foam animal targets shot across a wooded course — see our complete guide to 3D target archery.