An "end" is a term used in archery to describe a group of arrows shot consecutively before going to the target to score and retrieve them. It is a fundamental unit of measurement in archery competitions, used to organize the shooting process and keep track of the number of arrows shot.
The number of arrows shot in each end can vary depending on the type of competition and the level of skill of the archers. In most competitions, an end typically consists of three to six arrows shot in succession by each archer. This range can vary depending on the competition, with some events requiring as many as 12 arrows per end.
In target archery competitions, archers typically shoot a set number of ends (e.g., 6 or 12) at a specific distance (e.g., 18 or 70 meters). Each end consists of a fixed number of arrows, usually between 3 and 6, depending on the competition or practice rules. At the end of each end, the archer retrieves their arrows and scores them before shooting the next end.
The use of end arrows in target archery allows archers to pace themselves and keep track of their progress throughout the competition. It also allows for a more structured approach to scoring and competition organization. By breaking the shooting into smaller, discrete sets, archers can more easily focus on each shot and avoid fatigue or distraction.
In field archery, archers may shoot different numbers of arrows per end depending on the specific course layout and competition rules. For example, they may shoot 3 arrows at one target and then move on to the next target, or they may shoot all of their arrows at one target before moving on to the next.
The use of end arrows in field archery can help to structure the competition and keep archers on track. By shooting a set number of arrows before moving on to the next target, archers can focus on each shot and avoid getting lost or distracted on the course. End arrows can also help to ensure that all archers are shooting the same number of arrows, which can be important for fairness and accuracy in scoring.