Arrow Pair: Definition, Scoring & Shooting Rules

In archery, an arrow pair refers to two arrows shot consecutively during a single end or round of competition. The archer shoots both arrows at the same target face from the same position, though they may adjust stance slightly before the second shot.

How an Arrow Pair Is Shot

Each shot in a pair of arrows follows the same four-step sequence: nocking the arrow onto the bowstring, drawing to a repeatable anchor point, aiming at the target center, and releasing the string. Before starting that cycle, seating the nock correctly on the bowstring is essential for a consistent release. The archer completes the full sequence for the first arrow, then repeats it as quickly as possible for the second without sacrificing accuracy.

Why Competitions Use a Matched Arrow Set

Real-Time Correction

Shooting in a matched arrow set format gives the archer a chance to adjust between shots. If the first arrow lands off-center, aim or release technique can be refined before the second shot. Managing that in-the-moment adjustment is closely linked to handling competition pressure effectively.

Reducing Environmental Variables

Because both arrows in an arrow pair are shot in quick succession, wind shifts and lighting changes have less opportunity to affect the outcome. The environmental context for both shots remains nearly identical.

Scoring and Tie-Breaking

Each arrow in an arrow pair is scored individually based on which concentric ring it strikes. The center ring carries the highest value; outer rings are worth progressively fewer points. The pair's total is simply the sum of both scores. In some competition formats, a pair of arrows is also used to break tied scores: both archers continue shooting paired sets until one outscores the other, or until a set number of pairs is completed.

Arrow Pairs in Training

Shooting in pairs is a standard training method for building consistency. Repeating the full shot cycle back-to-back challenges an archer to maintain form under the physical load of multiple draws. Arrow selection matters here too — understanding how arrow spine affects flight behavior helps ensure both arrows in the pair perform identically. For archers looking to sharpen their practice structure, reviewing how an end is defined and timed provides useful context for how arrow pair formats fit into a full competition round.