Jay Pinsky - Editor - The Archery Wire

2024 is almost over. On that note, 2025 holds a lot of promise in the archery world. Looking at the future is, at the very least, optimistic - or should be. Here's the good news: the future is now especially when it comes to competitive archery!

The world of competitive archery continues to revolutionize, enhancing how archers train, perform, and socialize with the sport thanks to brilliant engineering, advances in manufacturing techniques, and even coaching techniques.

Archers love details, so here are some about how technology makes a difference.

Precision Equipment

Today's bows, arrows, and other bow accessories we have are engineered for extreme accuracy and consistency, pushing archers to new performance levels.

Hoyt Archery Carbon RX-7 — Known for its lightweight carbon riser and unparalleled stability, this compound bow is a favorite among top competitors.

Easton Archery X10 Arrows — Precision-engineered with a carbon-aluminum hybrid design, the X10 arrows are designed for superior long-range accuracy.

Electronic Scoring Systems

The fact that we're talking about electronic scoring systems in the first place is pretty neat compared to where we were when I first started shooting. Automated scoring systems bring efficiency to competitions while reducing human error. That human error gives us some wiggle room on why we won or lost that day, but that's another story.

iScoredToday — A straightforward app designed for archery scoring that is widely used by both individuals and teams.

ArcheryTime Electronic Scoring — This system simplifies real time scoring for tournaments, ensuring accuracy and fast results.

Video Analysis

The incredible value of a seasoned coach is always underrated. One way coaches can get more buy-in from their students is to show them via video so they can see themselves for themselves. Video tools have become indispensable for breaking down an archer's form and improving their technique.

Hudl Technique App — Allows archers to review slow-motion footage of their form, helping identify subtle errors.

Coach's Eye — A popular platform for video analysis, offering annotation and side-by-side comparison features.

Biomechanical Feedback

Wearable tech now provides real time insights into posture, movement, and efficiency. It also provides a personality-neutral method of feedback, which sometimes works best for coaches, students, and parents who need information without the color of people's personalities - for better or for worse.

Kinetic Revolution Sensors — These attachable sensors track muscle engagement and shooting mechanics.

Motus Archery Smart Wearables — Offers detailed feedback on biomechanics to help archers refine their form.

* Biomechanics Feedback Into Manufacturing

Mathews BOND Grip System - demonstrates the application of ergonomic studies and biomechanical insights. By offering customizable grips, Mathews has improved comfort and reduced torque, enhancing accuracy for archers of all skill levels.

Virtual Reality (VR) Training

Virtual reality isn't just for gaming or escaping the real world. VR platforms can actually help us succeed. replicate the pressures of competition, helping athletes hone their mental focus.

AccuBow 2.0 — Combines VR and strength training, simulating competitive conditions for archers.

Virtual Archery Simulator — Provides an immersive, realistic training experience.

Mobile Apps for Training

From tracking progress to designing personalized plans, mobile apps keep archers sharp and, let's face it - honest.

Archer's Mark — Tracks performance, wind conditions, and sight adjustments for optimal shots.

MyTargets Archery App — A feature-rich platform for scoring and analyzing performance over time.

Enhanced Communication

Coaching technology has improved remote training for archers.

CoachNow — A communication tool for coaches and athletes to share real time video feedback and strategies.

Zoom — Essential for virtual coaching sessions and video breakdowns.

Live Streaming and Broadcasting

Live streams elevate spectator engagement and expand the sport's reach. The use of social media and real time broadcasts really found its place during the COVID era, and now, ironically, the significant advancements in telecommunication technologies help us all have a presence where we once couldn't due to geography, time, or access.

ArcheryTV (World Archery's YouTube Channel) — Offers live coverage of international tournaments with commentary and slow-motion highlights.

ScoreBoard Online Archery Streaming — Makes it easy to follow competitions worldwide.

Data Analytics

Data-driven strategies help athletes and coaches improve training and competition performance. I've seen analytics used heavily in baseball, and I'm sure it's prominent in all competitive sports, so it makes perfect sense that it's found its way to archery.

ArcherZUpshot — Combines detailed scoring data with visual analytics to refine an archer's strategy.

Easton Target Archery Software — Tracks and interprets arrow performance for optimal tuning.

Adaptive Equipment

Technological advancements ensure inclusivity in competitive archery.

Hoyt Satori Recurve Bow — A customizable bow designed for adaptability, perfect for para-athletes.

WNS Adaptive Archery Gear — Features specialized accessories for disabled athletes, making the sport more accessible.

If you're a fan of the latest technology behind the archer, on the archer, and in front of the archer, 2024 was a great time to be a competitive archer. 2025 will bring even more advances. Still, I can hear every parent, coach, and competitive archery group remind us collectively that no matter how new-school the equipment may get, the old-school tools of good work ethics, consistent practice, and sincere dedication will never age out - and will spell the difference on the podium.