Shooting rounds and distances

A shooting round is a specific format of competition that determines:

• How many arrows are shot
• The distance to the target
• The target face size used
• How scores are recorded

Different rounds are designed to suit different age groups, bow styles, skill levels and competition formats.

Whether you’re a beginner shooting your first event or an experienced competitor aiming for state and national rankings, every competition round follows a defined set of rules and distances.

Understanding distances in archery

In target archery, distances are measured in metres. The distance you shoot will depend on:

• Your age division
• Your bow division (Recurve, Compound, Barebow or Longbow)
• The competition format

Beginners often start at shorter distances such as 10–30 metres, while elite archers may compete at distances of up to 70 metres.

As archers develop their skills, they typically progress to longer distances and more challenging rounds.

The most common outdoor archery competition round

720 round

The 720 round is the most widely used format for modern target archery competitions.

Archers shoot:

• 72 arrows
• At a single distance
• For a maximum score of 720 points

Common examples include:

Round	Distance	Typical divisions
WA 70/720	70m	Open Recurve
WA 60/720	60m	Cadet and Masters Recurve
WA 50/720	50m	Compound, Barebow and Longbow
WA 40/720	40m	Intermediate divisions
WA 30/720	30m	Cub divisions

Following qualification, many tournaments continue into head-to-head matchplay rounds to determine final placings.

Longer tournament rounds

Some events use traditional multi-distance rounds where archers shoot at several distances throughout the day. These rounds test an archer’s ability to adapt their sight settings and shooting technique across changing distances.

Examples may include:

• 144-arrow rounds
• 120-arrow rounds
• 90-arrow rounds

These formats remain popular at club, state and national events.

Indoor archery rounds

Indoor archery competitions are typically shot at 18 or 25 metres.

Because weather conditions are removed, indoor archery places a strong emphasis on precision and consistency.

Indoor rounds are ideal for developing shooting technique and are commonly held throughout the cooler months.

Choosing the right distance

Every archer progresses at their own pace. New archers should focus on consistent technique, safe shooting practices and accuracy at shorter distances.

As confidence and skill improve, coaches and clubs can help determine when an archer is ready to move back to longer distances.

Remember: success in archery comes from accuracy and consistency, not simply shooting the longest distance.

Ready to compete in archery?

Archery NSW clubs and events offer rounds suitable for every age and ability level. Whether you’re aiming for your first competition or chasing state team selection, there is a round designed for your stage of development.