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Archery Anatomy: An Introduction to Techniques for Improved Performance
This unique book looks for the first time at archery techniques from the point of view of the interrelationship between the anatomy of the human body and the anatomy of the bow. By highlighting the primary power sources involved in the performance of the sport it enables coaches and archers alike to understand and perfect their skills in ways that use the natural movements of archer and bow in co-ordination.
Previous books have emphasised, quite rightly, the importance of the right mental approach to the sport - concentration, determination, motivation and visualisation. However, mental powers on their own are not enough to guarantee a good performance. Archery is a natural psychophysical motor skill that depends on efficient use of bones, joints, muscles and tendons. Archery Anatomy combines clear, accurate drawings and diagrams with explanatory text to provide a primer on the subject that is accessible even to those with no technological bias.
The book is not tied to any specific national or international rules; it can be used by archers throughout the world to gain an understanding of the bio-mechanics of the sport. Originating from the author's awareness that the basic problems of most archers stemmed from their ignorance of these aspects, it should make an invaluable contribution to the overall improvement of performance standards.
Despite the important interrelationship in archery between the anatomy of the human body and the anatomy of the bow, no book on the subject has previously been published. ARCHERY ANATOMY will therefore be an important and unique primer for coaches and performers alike. Detailed drawings combined with explanatory text explain how the skeleton and muscles should be used to improve performance in the most natural way, without artificial or strained movements. The book will stimulate analysis and understanding of the sport and, since it is not tied to any national or international rules, it will be useful to archers throughout the world, regardless of what discipline is practised. Coming at a time when sports science is becoming an essential qualification for all coaches, it is likely to be recognised as the standard work on the subject.
Previous books have emphasised, quite rightly, the importance of the right mental approach to the sport - concentration, determination, motivation and visualisation. However, mental powers on their own are not enough to guarantee a good performance. Archery is a natural psychophysical motor skill that depends on efficient use of bones, joints, muscles and tendons. Archery Anatomy combines clear, accurate drawings and diagrams with explanatory text to provide a primer on the subject that is accessible even to those with no technological bias.
The book is not tied to any specific national or international rules; it can be used by archers throughout the world to gain an understanding of the bio-mechanics of the sport. Originating from the author's awareness that the basic problems of most archers stemmed from their ignorance of these aspects, it should make an invaluable contribution to the overall improvement of performance standards.
Despite the important interrelationship in archery between the anatomy of the human body and the anatomy of the bow, no book on the subject has previously been published. ARCHERY ANATOMY will therefore be an important and unique primer for coaches and performers alike. Detailed drawings combined with explanatory text explain how the skeleton and muscles should be used to improve performance in the most natural way, without artificial or strained movements. The book will stimulate analysis and understanding of the sport and, since it is not tied to any national or international rules, it will be useful to archers throughout the world, regardless of what discipline is practised. Coming at a time when sports science is becoming an essential qualification for all coaches, it is likely to be recognised as the standard work on the subject.
160 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 22, 2021
Summary: Quite boring and very good
This book is ... on the dry side. The typeface is less than inspirational and the first third is all about where to find the supraspinatus tendon or what a triceps really looks like. I almost stopped reading, but trudged on by some reason. When I reached the section Power Unit Analysis, about halfway through the book, I just couldn't stop reading. I read several passages twice and went back to carefully read the parts I skimmed in the beginning. Except the first third.
The book turned out to cover even the smallest details in the shot cycle explaining what different variations mean, not from the author's opinion, but from an anatomy perspective. If you have the slightest doubts on the best way of gripping the string or in what way to hold your bow, this book has all the answers you need. I recommend this as a reference book for a recurve or longbow archer.
This book is ... on the dry side. The typeface is less than inspirational and the first third is all about where to find the supraspinatus tendon or what a triceps really looks like. I almost stopped reading, but trudged on by some reason. When I reached the section Power Unit Analysis, about halfway through the book, I just couldn't stop reading. I read several passages twice and went back to carefully read the parts I skimmed in the beginning. Except the first third.
The book turned out to cover even the smallest details in the shot cycle explaining what different variations mean, not from the author's opinion, but from an anatomy perspective. If you have the slightest doubts on the best way of gripping the string or in what way to hold your bow, this book has all the answers you need. I recommend this as a reference book for a recurve or longbow archer.
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January 21, 2013Okay, so no one is going to pick up this book when they sit in a cozy arm chair with a cup of coffee. This is not that sort of book, but if you're an archer it's just necessary. It explains in detail the archery form; the muscles, the movements, and how to minimize the stress on these parts.
This book goes over every muscle and bone used in archery and goes on to explain the biomechanics of the sport. The book is organized perfectly, a page of text is always paired with picture. A more visual learner like me really appreciated the diagrams.
Like I said, not for every one, but if you are even remotely interested in getting into the sport this book is a must-have!!
This book goes over every muscle and bone used in archery and goes on to explain the biomechanics of the sport. The book is organized perfectly, a page of text is always paired with picture. A more visual learner like me really appreciated the diagrams.
Like I said, not for every one, but if you are even remotely interested in getting into the sport this book is a must-have!!
May 13, 2013
This book is fantastic. The drawings are excellent, and the writing is clear and in easy-to-digest sections. I will be using this as a reference constantly to improve my skill. Recommended for all archers!
February 8, 2023
A good book for advanced archers and coaches. Not for beginner archers. Terms are often used and then explained several pages later (planes of motion). Abbreviations are often not explained at all, although they are easily deduced by context. A list of terms and abbreviations at the end of the book would aid the reader greatly.
February 18, 2025
Lots and lots of good information in here!! Very different from any other archery technique book I have read. I may not employ all of the advice here, but I will definitely be trying different ideas to see how they work.
October 27, 2024
Very dry book, but very useful as well. Will keep in my kindle library for future reference!
September 30, 2018
Archery Anatomy is clear, concise, with each page of illustrations opposed by a page of written details. It was not written for the beginner to archery. Drawings were used rather than photographs as the author is aware that in photographs the archer can show bad habits, draw and loose. It is not necessary to have an understanding of anatomy.
Archers in this country and abroad have used this book. I know a number of archers who have praised this book, which has only ever been published as a paperback at the author's insistence, so it can be kept in the archer's or coaches tackle box.
Archery's governing body GNAS, trading as Archery UK, website has a write up on this book in the development and coaching pages of the site.
Archers in this country and abroad have used this book. I know a number of archers who have praised this book, which has only ever been published as a paperback at the author's insistence, so it can be kept in the archer's or coaches tackle box.
Archery's governing body GNAS, trading as Archery UK, website has a write up on this book in the development and coaching pages of the site.
January 25, 2008
I think it would be hard for someone with no background in anatomy to pick this book up and get the most out of it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews