10 Best Archery Books For Any Level Archer In 2021
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Here is a list of ten best archery books that will keep you glued to the book all the time while transforming you into a better and more experienced archer.
It doesn’t matter which level you are in, these books cut across all levels with some which are specific to a given level of archery.
If you are a beginner, there are several collections which will give you a detailed step to step and well-illustrated guide on how to be an expert.
Even if you are playing archery for recreational purposes, there’s a set of books that will guide you on making your playing equipment and on how to play safely.
And if you’ve been playing archery, you’ll also get a series of books which will help you become an expert.
they will guide you on how to execute your shots and accurately aim at your target with great consistency.
Table of Contents
1. Archery For Beginners By Amante P. Marinas, Sr.
This book is very suitable for beginners who have passion and interest in archery and would love to indulge in the game for the first time.
It highlights the basic concepts of archery in a simple way that is very easy to understand and comprehend to help every beginner interpret the important fundamentals of archery.
The book clearly explains the very basics of shooting from finding a place to learn, the types of bows, how to be a good shooter, and how to make your bow among others.
The flow of the book is very interesting and makes the reader quite engaged and enthusiastic to learn more about archery, hence getting a clear glimpse of the book.
Also, the author has made sure that he gives a precise and comprehensive step by step guide with clear instructions on recreational archery.
The writer goes ahead to give an in-depth explanation about the fundamentals of mastering the shooting skills of the compound and recurve bows.
The different topics covered in this book highlights the knowledge of the writer in engineering and martial arts.
Putting it into a comprehensive guide to anyone who would wish to indulge in the art and sport of archery.
The different topics covered in this book give the reader a complete insight into how to be an experienced archer.
With the clearly illustrated steps, the reader becomes well equipped with the general knowledge of archery.
Develops the urge to put to practice that which is read on the book – and this is the first step to being an archer.
Some of the topics covered in this book are:
- Compound and recurve bows
- Archery equipment and accessories
- Training preparation and safety
- Advanced shooting methods
- Fun archery games
- How to make your bow
From the above list of some of the topics covered in this book, it is evident that this should be your starter book.
Another plus to this book is that it has colored diagrams that give clear illustration to any new idea put forward and therefore the reader gets a clear picture of what is being discussed.
Indeed, if you have a passion for archery then this is a must-read book for you.
This book will greatly inspire the reader and motivates one into joining this wonderful game of archery.
You can be your coach until you have learned all the basics, then later if need be you can have a hired coach.
Pros & Benefits:
- Colored diagrams and illustrations which give clear guidelines
- Suitable for any age group since it contains simple and appealing language
- Easy step to step guidelines which are easy to understand and to follow
2. Zen In The Art Of Archery By Eugen Herrigel
This is one of the best classic works on Eastern philosophy archery books written by Eugen Herrigel.
This is an indispensable insight book.
This book highlights the real-life story of the author on how he practiced archery in Japan with the help of his trainer who was one of Japan’s great Kyudo (archery) masters.
He intended to learn more about the integration and balance between the body and the mind in archery also known as Zen.
In this book, you get to understand that archery is not just an act of aesthetic enjoyment but also an intelligence of the mind.
Furthermore, the author brings in an indispensable insight into this book by clearly explaining that during training sessions.
One should not only train the body but the mind too.
He further puts it that this coordination between the mind and the body enables one to do what the body wants and at the time that the mind is ready.
The best part is that it is not fiction, it is a real experience and therefore will give you the exact picture of what you can do.
If you want to engage your mind and intelligence as you enjoy the game then this insightful book is the perfect read for you.
Do it from the mind and it will get into you and this book gives you a detailed description of how you can achieve this.
Pros & Benefits:
- Gives a detailed explanation on the relationship between the mind and body in archery
- Teachers more on how to improve on skills or a craft
- Comes with an audio file
- It is small in size with just 64 pages so it is easy to read and comprehend
3. Archery By USA Archery
This book is suitable for any archer who would wish to improve on his archery skills such as accuracy, consistency, and achieving competitive success.
It is the ultimate resource for recurve and compound archers.
It gives a step to step guide on everything that it takes to be an expert archer.
The book covers the various useful information such as body alignment during shooting or hunting, muscle recruitment, and shot sequences.
It gives a well-detailed explanation of the skills and techniques one has to employ while preparing for archery competition therefore can act as a perfect coach for you if you don’t have one.
Also, this book gives the details of the mental, physical training and winning aspects of the sport.
Other skills that you’ll get acquitted with once you read this book include how to maximize your practice time and make it worthwhile and how to develop a successful tournament strategy.
In addition to the above, the content of this book is suitable for both the archer and coach who wishes to be more effective in his role and seek exposure in a live setting such as the USA.
Pros & Benefits:
- Provides skills and techniques taught at the U.S Olympic Training Center
- Suitable for both archers and coaches
- It is itself a detailed “self-coach”
4. The Art Of Throwing By Amante P. Marinas, Sr.
This book is very suitable for beginners who would like to know more about archery and to have a clear mastery of how to throw weapons.
It is also a great resource for experienced throwers as it highlights techniques they can employ to perfect on their throwing skills.
It expounds more and gives a clear step to step guide on how to construct weapons, aim at the target, how to properly hold arrows, throwing weapons, the trajectory of the shooting among others.
The writer takes the reader through the fundamentals of weapon throwing and the mastery of the concepts involved whereas putting it clear that practice makes perfect.
The book is very easy to understand and uses appealing language that easily explains in simple terms how to graduate from a beginner to an expert in throwing bows.
The various components highlighted in this book include:
- The grip, methods, and mechanics as summarized under the basic concepts of throwing art
- The throwing equipment used by any archer such as the Bagakay, the knife, the ax, and the spear, and how they should be thrown
- The Chinese throwing implements include the flying dart, the flying steel olive, the golden coin dart, and the flying sticker
- Other throwing implements covered in this book are the Japanese and the western dart
This book also highlights the safety measures in handling and caring for the weapons.
It is a must-read book for any archer who wants to improve on the knowledge and skills of the art of throwing.
Pros & Benefits:
- Gives a step to step guide on the art of throwing weapons therefore easy to understand and implement
- Comes with an instructional DVD that is beneficial for both beginners and experienced throwers
- Uses easy to read the language
5. The Witchery Of Archery By Maurice Thompson
If you are an archer who loves outdoor sports and you want to improve on your arching experience, then this book is a treasure for you.
Written by a gifted, intelligent, and talented archer, Maurice Thompson who was the first president of the National Archery Association, this book will inspire you to be an archer.
It is a treasure in the world of literature that gives a clear account and paints a real picture of Florida.
Then the developers swiftly built the Disney world and the villages leaving behind the environmental disaster.
Anybody who reads this book develops the interest and urge to practice archery since it is more of an inspiration book to most people.
This interesting book gives an in-depth description and motivates archers on different archery storing.
Ranging from archery in hunting to Shooting Woodcock and Plover.
The book consists of different stories that are humorous while at the same time explaining to the reader how well to use equipment while hunting.
Other interesting parts of the book which will make you glued to the book include Bow-shooting with a Hermit, Lawn Shooting, and Roving.
Pros & Benefits:
- Has humorous stories that make the book interesting and appealing to many
- Uses a simple language making it possible to be read by anybody
- Suitable for any level archer
6. Beginner’s Guide To Traditional Archery By Brian J. Sorrells
This book is suitable for beginners who want to know more about traditional archery.
As a new archer, this book will give a detailed guide on how to select the best bows, arrows, shafts, and even shooting accessories.
The author gives a detailed discussion on both bow hunting and target shooting using mechanical sights.
Also, this book has different illustrations as well as 3D images to show you the different body positions to stand in when hunting.
If you need intensive training on archery, look no further, here is a book that will cater to all your needs.
Pros & Benefits:
- Easy to understand instruction to traditional archery
- Covers both bow hunting and target shooting
- Has high-quality pictures to support the texts
7. Hunting With The Bow And Arrow By Saxton Pope
This book is very suitable for anyone who wants an in-depth understanding of archery.
It gives the reader a detailed explanation of archery and its accessories.
If you are new to archery and want to gather general information about it, then this is the perfect book for you.
The book also explains the practice of making a bow and explains how the bow and arrow were used for hunting in ancient times.
It gives the reader general knowledge about archery and its equipment and shooting the bow.
The author has also added numerous photographs showing his hunting adventures with his friends, therefore making the book so real.
If you are interested in learning about the hunting of specific animals such as bear, deer, mountain lion, fox, wildcat, wolf, and raccoon among others, then this book is exactly what you need.
Pros & Benefits:
- Gives a detailed explanation of specific hunting
- Uses photographs to illustrate concepts
- Suitable for all level archers
8. Traditional Bowyer’s Handbook By Clay C Hayes
This book is very suitable for anyone who has an immense interest, particularly in bow and arrow.
It is very helpful for anyone who wants to build his bow or is interested in modifying the bow that he already has.
It gives clear explanations about the types of bow, how to make a good bow and arrow in an easy to read and very accessible way.
The book highlights the ancient uses of the bow and arrow and relates it to the present experience using the same.
It gives a clear guide and understanding of the bow, indeed it is a guidebook into the realm of natural bow building.
For simplicity, the book has diagrams to illustrate all the steps used from the selection of suitable materials for arrow making to the actual act of shooting.
This book explains in detail more about traditional archery.
It provides details that are pure guidelines on how to select the best wood types for making arrows giving clear distinctive features of the different types of woods.
In addition to the above, you get to have a clear picture of the different types of bows, strings, and the general guideline on arrow making.
Pros & Benefits:
- Contains well-illustrated diagrams explaining each step involved in bow making
- Uses quite simple and easy language which is suitable for all level archers
- Gives easy to follow guidelines which makes it a perfect “coach”
9. Archery Drill Book By Steve Ruis And Mike Gerard
This book is suitable for an archer who wants to advance his knowledge in archery and improve on the skill, mindset, and focus, all of which are needed to effectively shoot under pressure or during a competition.
It is a book written by two experienced coaches and archers (Steve Ruis and Mike Gerard) who have immense knowledge of archery and have accumulated a wealth of experience in the same.
This book mainly concentrates on the effective drills needed to ensure accuracy and consistency in the shooting.
It covers very basic and important drills such as; physical training drills, skill-building drills, and mental training drills.
If you want to know more about the accurate shooting, perfect timing, and execution of your shot as well as maintaining your composure and focus during competition, this book is a perfect choice for you.
This book uses simple and most relevant instructions and will guide the reader into the journey of becoming a great archer who believes that ‘every shot counts’.
Indeed, this book is a must-read for all level archers.
Pros & Benefits:
- Suitable for archers, coaches, and instructors
- Has clear illustrations which make the book real
- Gives comprehensive but easy steps that can be followed by any level archer
10. Total Archery – Inside The Archer By KiSik Lee And Tyler Benner
This book is more suitable for shooters and anyone who wants to know more about shooting experience.
It is a collaborative work between an American skilled archer and a Korean coach.
It highlights the NTS shooting process.
The book majorly covers an athlete’s way of shooting and the best motion that the athlete needs to employ during shooting.
If all you need is steps to guide you into being an experienced shooter, then this is the right book for you.
It gives highlights in the form of a teacher-student perspective on archery, therefore, giving an insightful view of the archery as a whole.
It uses a simpler language that is easy to comprehend, this makes it suitable for readers of any age
Besides, it has diagrams and explanations which also makes it more appealing to any reader who needs to put to practice whatever skill is read.
Therefore if you want to be your coach in the journey to being the best archer, this is your perfect read.
Pros & Benefits:
- Contains photos, diagrams, and exercises to explain ideas
- Suitable for both coaches and archers
- Can be used by level 3 or 4 testing instructors
Choosing to read a book that works for you in fulfilling your dream of becoming the best archer can at times be very confusing.
There are many books about archery and therefore one needs to be keen when choosing the book to read.
Ensure you first identify your needs and the gaps that should be filled.
Once you’ve identified the need, browse through the book details, one by one as you highlight the ones that meet your expectations.
It might seem to be tedious but it is better to invest your time and money into a book that is worth every single penny spent.
These detailed descriptions of the various books mentioned above give you an insight into the best books which you can choose from.
Final Thoughts
Archery is all about passion, interest, and readiness to learn.
You can decide to have a coach to train you into becoming an expert in archery.
However, you can also choose to be your ‘own coach’ by getting any one of the books listed above, especially if you’re playing archery for recreational purposes.
Based on your comfortability and the skill or expertise needed, just go through the description of the books and find the one that best fits your current need.
With the wealth of knowledge that you’ll accumulate from these archery books, you will be an expert in archery.
