Hobbies And Interests
Target Practice
Target practice is the most common game associated with the bow and arrow. Hunting and fishing stores sell large bull's-eye style targets that are packed with a material such as sawdust. These targets can be mounted on tripods or trees or leaned up against any upright surface. This style of target is circular with several different-colored rings. Each ring has a numeral value associated with it; the center has the highest value and the outer ring has the lowest value. Players shoot an agreed-upon number of arrows at the target and add up their total points. If you have a toy bow and arrow that can safely be used indoors, there are different ways to practise your target shooting without buying a large, professional-style target. Many toy bows and arrows are equipped with suction cup arrows to prevent injury in the event someone is shot. These arrows can be shot at objects such as windows and the fridge, as they will stick into place.
Distance Shooting
Whether you use a store-bought or homemade bow and arrow, you can judge your strength (and learn a little about trajectory angles, too) by playing a distance shooting game. Players line up behind a designated line and take turns firing arrows into an open field. Once all the arrows have been fired, players measure the distance of the farthest arrow to determine a winner. In subsequent rounds, players try to beat the mark set by the farthest arrow by changing the angle of their bow and arrow at the arrow's release.
Shooting Games
If you love adventure and enjoy watching traditional cowboy and Indian movies, you may wish to play a safe, war-style game with other youths your age. This game should only be played with toy bows and arrows that shoot Nerf arrows or suction cup arrows. The players are divided into equal teams and the boundaries of the game are set. Boundaries can be the yard or wooded area that is not frequented by people who would interfere with your game. Players get a chance to hide and try to shoot each other with their arrows. Players should always wear proper eye protection during this style of game.
Bow and Arrow Safety
Kids should be taught that while bows and arrows can be used for entertainment, many of them are not toys. Suction cup and Nerf bows and arrows are relatively safe, but other styles can be more dangerous. Kids should never aim or fire a bow and arrow at a person or animal unless the bow and arrow fires safe projectiles and the other individual is wearing eye protection.