There are many things being an archer in high school has taught me. Staying focused, knowing when to pay attention (thanks to all the whistle commands), and learning to support others. While this helps us form bonds with people of multiple backgrounds other struggles lurk behind the scenes of an archer and their team. If you think I’m joking, here are thirteen problems only an archer would understand.
1. When you’ve got a good group of arrows on your target except for one that decided it was too cool to hang out with the others.
And it’s one of the most infuriating things in the world.
2. Too much homework + practice most of the evening = Taking your stress out on the target.
And sometimes you go home with even more stress than you went to practice with.
3. Non-archers who have seen movies like “Brave,” “The Hunger Games,” or “Lord of the Rings” saying they get your sport.
It’s in this instance where we all are Merida.
4. Defending the fact archery is a sport when people say it isn’t one.
I’m not even going to start with this one.
5. That moment when your arrow goes over the net and ricochets off the wall during practice.
Then everyone looks at you and you’re embarrassed for the rest of practice.
6. While we’re on the subject of arrows, at least one person forgetting to pull theirs from the target.
Trust me, everyone is guilty of doing this at least once.
7. Never dry fire.
Just. Don’t. Do. It.
8. Explaining to non-archer friends that the bruises on your arm are from the string of your bow.
And yes, they hurt like no other.
9. Having to get up at the butt-crack of dawn for a tournament.
Even if you sleep on the bus, it’ll never be enough.
10. A majority of your time is spent on the range.
So the chances of dating another archer are likely.
11. Hearing all the steps of proper form any time your coach notices a bad shot at your target.
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been on the team. They’ll do this anyway.
12. The one person who won’t stop talking while you’re on the line.
Seriously, at one point or another this has happened to all of us. If it hasn’t, you could be that person.
13. I’ll say this again: coaches talking about form might be annoying, but chances are they’re right in the gold when correcting you.
Don’t question your coaches. Ever.
