Compound
Compound archery uses a bow with cams and cables that reduce the holding weight at full draw, and is typically shot with a release aid and a magnified sight.
Overview
The compound bow uses a system of cams, or pulleys, at the limb tips linked by cables. As the archer reaches full draw, the cams roll over and create 'let-off', reducing the weight the archer holds to a fraction of the bow's peak weight.
It is usually shot with a mechanical release aid rather than off the fingers, together with a small peep sight in the string and a magnifying scope, which support very consistent, tightly grouped shooting.
Compound is a distinct target discipline with its own competition categories, using equipment and technique that clearly set it apart from recurve and barebow.
What defines it
- Uses cams and cables that create let-off at full draw.
- Let-off reduces the weight held while aiming.
- Typically shot with a mechanical release aid.
- Commonly paired with a peep sight and a magnifying scope.
- Associated with tight, consistent shot groupings.
Getting started
- 1Beginners often try compound at a club or range where equipment can be set to a comfortable draw.
- 2Learning to use a release aid and settling on a repeatable anchor point are common early steps.
- 3A coach or club can help fit the bow and introduce the fundamentals.
Other Archery disciplines
The forms of Archery sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Compound to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports
- ArcheryA precision target sport of drawing a bow and aiming at a target, rewarding focus, control and a steady hand.
- RowingA rhythmic, full-body endurance sport on the water or on an indoor machine.
- SwimmingA full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
- Field HockeyAn outdoor team sport that uses curved sticks to move a ball, built on agility and teamwork.
- Race WalkingA technique-driven endurance sport that turns walking into a fast, low-impact discipline.
Exercises
- Farmer’s carryA loaded carry where you walk while holding a heavy weight in each hand.
- Goblet squatA squat variation where you hold a single weight close to your chest for balance and control.
- Wall sitA holding exercise where you sit against a wall with no chair, holding a squat position still.
- Hip thrustA loaded hip-extension exercise with your upper back on a bench and a weight across the hips.
- Bench pressA pressing exercise lying on a bench, lowering a weight to the chest and pushing it back up.
Techniques
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- Sprint StartThe explosive start of a sprint from a set, crouched position, driving forward low before gradually rising to full stride.
Movement patterns
- CarryHolding and transporting a load while keeping the trunk braced and stable — an anti-movement pattern that builds grip, core stability and full-body strength.
- KickA ballistic single-support leg swing that whips force from the plant foot through the hip and knee to strike or propel a ball or target with the foot, distinct from the weight-bearing steps of locomotion.