Archery Glossary
Comprehensive reference for archery terminology
FOC (Front of Center)
The percentage of an arrow's weight that is in the front half
Arrow Spine
The stiffness rating of an arrow shaft, measured in deflection
Shaft
The main tube of an arrow, typically carbon, aluminum, or hybrid
Fletching
The fins or vanes attached to the rear of an arrow for stabilization
Vanes
Plastic or rubber fletching material, as opposed to feathers
Nock
The component at the rear of an arrow that clips onto the bowstring
Insert
A threaded component glued inside the front of an arrow shaft
Broadhead
A sharp-bladed arrow point designed for hunting
Field Point
A bullet-shaped practice point that matches broadhead weight
Arrow Wrap
A vinyl wrap applied to the shaft for visibility and fletching adhesion
Bushing
A component that adapts arrow shaft inner diameter for different inserts
Outsert
A collar that fits over the outside of an arrow shaft's front end
ASA Archery
The largest 3D archery organization in the United States — known for the asymmetric 14-ring shoot-off zone and twin Pro-12 scoring zones.
IBO Archery
International Bowhunting Organization — runs nationwide 3D tournaments with concentric ring scoring (11 inner spot / 10 / 8 vital / body) and color-coded stake distances.
WA 3D Archery
World Archery 3D — the international 3D format used in continental and world championships. Same face geometry as IBO with miss explicitly scored as zero.
IFAA Archery
International Field Archery Association — runs field, hunter, and animal rounds. The Animal Round uses a unique 3-arrow first-hit scoring with descending values per arrow.
Scoring Rings
The concentric scoring zones drawn on a target face that translate arrow placement into points. Zone count, shape, and value vary by federation.
Vital Area
The boundary on a 3D archery target that simulates a lethal shot placement on real quarry — typically the 8-ring on most formats.