The Marker – Your Launch Pad

In field archery the peg (marker) is your designated shooting position. In competition it’s not a suggestion — it’s where your feet must be.

• One foot must be within roughly six inches behind the marker (and you may stand to the side within the allowed area).
• You cannot stand in front of the marker — that’s cheating and will earn you at least one disapproving Scottish tut.

Scottish tip: if the peg is in a puddle you can usually stand to the side — just don’t drift so far you’re practically in the next county.

Common Shooting Layouts

1) Straight Shots

One marker. All arrows from the same spot. Simple… unless the spot is on a slope that feels like Ben Nevis.

2) Fan Shots

Multiple pegs side-by-side at the same distance. You shoot one arrow from each peg moving along after each shot. On multi-target fans left pegs shoot left targets and right pegs shoot right targets.

3) Walk-Ups

Multiple pegs at different distances. You start at the furthest peg then step forward for each next arrow. Common in Animal and 3D rounds — and great for redemption after a miss.

Coloured Pegs

Peg colours typically relate to round type and/or division. Commonly you’ll see:

• White/Red/Yellow for adult distances depending on round
• Blue for juniors
• Black for cubs

Pro tip: if you shoot from the wrong peg you may get gentle teasing — or a rules conversation. Possibly both.

Footwork – Staying Upright

• Check your footing before you draw
• Wet leaves and mud are nature’s banana skins
• If you slip mid-shot it still counts (unless you’re hurt — safety first)