What is a shoot-off in archery?
I · Intermediate · Scoring and winning · 2 of 6A shoot-off settles a tied match with one arrow each. The higher score wins. If the scores are the same, the arrow closer to the centre wins, and if that cannot separate them they shoot again. Teams shoot one arrow per member and add them up.
How it works
Individuals:
- One arrow each for score.
- Same score: the arrow closest to the centre.
- Same distance: another single arrow, until it is settled.
- Both miss the scoring area: both shoot again.
Teams:
- Three arrows, one by each member; two for a mixed team.
- Tied total: the team with the arrow closest to the centre wins.
- Still tied: the second closest arrow, then the third.
Ranking ties in qualification that do not affect who goes through are split on Xs and 10s, and archers still level are declared equal.
Tricky cases
Both archers shot a 10 in the shoot-off. Who wins?
The one whose arrow is closer to the centre.
Who shoots first in a shoot-off?
In finals, the archer who shot first in the first set shoots first when the match is tied.
Why the rule exists
A single arrow is the quickest fair way to finish a match, and measuring to the centre nearly always gives a winner the first time.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Archery rules | As above | B3 12.5 |
From the rule book
World Archery Rulebook, Book 3, Articles 11.1.4.1, 11.1.4.3 and 12.5. Version of 27 January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook (PDF).