doelpijlen

Doelpijlen is a Dutch term that refers to arrows used for aiming and scoring in archery practice and competition. The word translates roughly as "goal arrows" or "target arrows" and is commonly used to distinguish sporting arrows from hunting arrows (jachtpijlen).

Most doelpijlen have a shaft made of wood, aluminum, or carbon, a nock at the rear, and a fletching set of two or three vanes or feathers for stabilization. The tip type varies by use: target points are small and conical for scoring on paper targets, while field points are designed for outdoor, multi-target courses. Indoor practice may also employ blunt points or foam cores for safety.

Doelpijlen are used with bows such as recurves, compounds, and traditional longbows. In competition and training, arrows are selected for length, spine stiffness, and weight to suit the bow and the archer's draw. National and international archery rules regulate equipment, including permissible point types and safety standards.

The term reflects archery's long history in the Netherlands and Europe, where arrows have served both sport and military contexts. Today's doelpijlen are primarily associated with sport archery and recreational shooting, emphasizing accuracy, consistency, and safety. Proper handling includes regular inspection for cracks or damage, matching arrows to the bow's draw weight, and using appropriate backstops to prevent damage or injury.