#archery lesson

double red | jayroy week - day 1: firsts

“Come on, sir, you can hit every target in the range with your gun. A bow and arrow isn’t that scary.”

They were in Phil’s office, enjoying an impromptu lunch that Clint had brought from a burger place nearby. It was good, but Phil felt a little bitter about the ketchup stain that was painfully obvious on his shirt. He hated stains.

“Clint.” He let out a little huff. “I do just fine with my gun. I’m not sure why you’re itching to make me pick up a bow so badly.”

The archer huffed as well, mocking the senior agent. “Because. Just because,” he said, arms crossing over his chest. They stared at each other for several moments, until Phil’s shoulders sagged.

“Fine,” he raised his hands. “Alright. We’ll give it a try… and no funny business, hm?” All he got was a laugh for a reply.

-

It turned out that he wasn’t half bad. Phil shot the first arrow without any instruction and was pleased to see it soar straight into the target. It was far from a bulls eye, but still not horrible. “Ah. I bet you doubted me,” he said, turning to Clint with a grin, but the man was shaking his head.

“You were wobbly. And your arm isn’t straight enough.”

“But-“

“No buts!”

All business, Clint picked up his own bow for a demonstration. “Arms like this. Pull back… but not too tightly, and make sure you don’t let it snap your arm…” He talked through the steps, showing each one before the arrow went flying right into the center of the target. “See? All about the arms. Course, posture and stance do help, obviously. We’ll work on you.”

Eyebrows raised, Phil picked up his gear again. “Well, Agent Barton. Do show me the proper stance.” He smirked.

Stand straight, legs slightly apart, pick up your bow, ready to aim and shoot! 

Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from "arcus" (Latin). Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity. One who practises archery is typically known as an "archer" or "bowman", and one who is fond of or an expert at archery can be referred to as a "toxophilite" - extracts from Wikipedia 

I'm definitely looking forward to improve my archery skills.  I can't get a license to own a gun, but I sure can own a bow and arrows!