Two teams face each other. Four against four, that Saturday. Everyone has their own strategy. Kyllian, 16, masters his subject and twirls from one side of the field to the other, dodging the arrows. Thibault, 38 years old and a novice in the discipline, seeks the shelter of the inflatable “bunkers”, the time to fix the projectile to his bow. “Bunkers” scattered here and there in the Vannier room, which serve as protection for one and as an obstacle for the adversary. Thomas Hernould, sure of his gesture, unchecks. The president of the Archery tag Verdun association has just hit his target. A moving, living target. Since here, as in paintball, we aim at the other participants, at least those of the rival team. The end of the rod is equipped with a foam ball. Thibault, who has just experienced the thing, assures: “It fries a little but it doesn’t hurt. »
The Archery Tag Verdun club has chosen moving target archery as its specialty. “The association was created in 2019 just before the Covid pandemic. So, we really started our activity only in 2021”, says Thomas, co-founder.
Six regular members make up the base of this club which, every fortnight, welcomes those who wish to try this practice during game sessions in the Vannier room. Free sessions. “It’s for fun. Because this sport is not recognized in France, unlike in the United States where there is a league and championships. So no competition.
Thomas Hernould describes: “It’s a mix between paintball and archery. And according to this follower, it’s a fairly physical sport: “You have to run, dodge, shoot… Which works on agility, reflexes, cardio, coordination. And you get adrenaline rushes when you feel the arrow whistle in your ears. »
Children pretend to be Robin Hood
A discipline that appeals to both children and adults. So Frédéric, 40, came with Théo, 11. “It’s like in video games and we have fun as a family”, appreciate the father and the son. Same observation for Éloïse, Thibault’s wife. “We have a good laugh, we have a good time. It’s an original family outing. Because with the couple is little Elliot, 7 years old. Who does not hide his enthusiasm: “It’s great! “.
Océane Barber, the treasurer of the association, explains: “For children, we take them from 9 years old. But we adapt according to the child, his size, etc. And that day, Océane organized a special children’s battle at the back of the gymnasium with the little ones. Liam, 6, and Lyah, 10, are beginning to master their subject. The two loupiots advise: “You have to do like Robin Hood” The imagination of the minots gallops at the speed of the arrows.
Contact : 06 89 19 45 16 ; ou sur facebook : Archery tag verdun
