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For 60 and over · 6 min read

Returning to Archery After 60

An exciting and accessible new chapter.

Senior woman drawing a recurve bow with FFTA coaching support, alongside a wheelchair archer and a target face, in the French countryside.

Archery is one of the rare sports that can be practiced with joy and progress throughout a lifetime. If you are considering returning to the shooting range or starting after age 60, know that the French Archery Federation (FFTA) and its affiliated clubs are perfectly structured to welcome you. The focus is on pleasure, well-being, and social interaction, all at a pace tailored to each individual.

The medical certificate: a safety formality

For your first session and official enrollment (obtaining a license), a medical certificate of no contraindication for the practice of archery, including competition if you choose, is indispensable.

  • Where to get it: Any general practitioner can sign it following a routine check-up.
  • Validity: This certificate is valid for one year. For subsequent license renewals, regulations often allow the use of a simplified health questionnaire for two years, provided you answer "no" to all questions, before needing to provide a new certificate every three years (verify the exact terms with the club during enrollment).

Equipment adaptation: comfort first

The archery club will lend you suitable equipment during your first year. Certified coaches will be particularly careful to provide a bow with low draw weight at the beginning, allowing you to acquire the technical motion without excessive fatigue or risk of injury. Progression is gentle and respectful of your physical abilities.

Gentler disciplines: precision beats power

Certain disciplines are especially suited to a relaxed practice, emphasizing the consistency of motion over the raw power of the bow:

  • Barebow: This involves shooting a bow without any aiming accessories (no sight, no stabilizer). The archer focuses on their sensations and instinct, making it a very pure and calming practice.
  • Beursault: The oldest and most traditional French discipline, Beursault is practiced in a specific setting (the "Jeu d'Arc"). It consists of shooting a single arrow per "halte" (round trip) at a fixed distance (50 m). The pace is slow, punctuated by short walks, which favors concentration and social exchange. It is a very comfortable entry point for seniors.

Senior slots and accessibility: finding the right club

Many FFTA member clubs organize specific shooting slots dedicated to retirees or seniors during the day. These moments are often very friendly and social.

  • PMR (Persons with Reduced Mobility) accessibility: If you have specific needs, the FFTA encourages clubs to obtain accessibility labels.
  • How to find them: Browse the Archub directory: dedicated filters help you spot clubs offering senior time slots or PMR access. Do not hesitate to contact the club for specific information about their welcome.
Browse Île-de-France clubs →

The benefits: toned body and mind

Practicing archery at 60 and older provides concrete benefits:

  • Improved posture and core abdominal strength.
  • Gentle strengthening of the back, shoulder, and arm muscles.
  • Maintenance of concentration and hand-eye coordination.
  • Development of social links, crucial for active aging.