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For years I racked my brain to come up with a moving target system. Sure you can kick around a ball, or have your buddy roll a tire, but those methods were dependent on the weather and the availability of a buddy. Both methods resulted in lots of lost arrows. I wanted something indoors that I could use often, something that was cheap and durable, and something safe. So I came up with this system which for me is absolutely perfect.
The Backstop The backstop I built was 10' by 7' your backstop can be whatever size you choose.
Backstop Materials Needed:
Plywood
2x4x8
2x4x10
Pressure board for sides
Old Carpet
Paper Insulation Bales
Duct TapeGo to your local Home Depot or building supply store and purchase several bales of Paper Insulation. The kind we used is called NatureGuard and sells for about $3 a bale.
Make sure to measure your frame correctly so that the bales will squeeze into the frame with medium effort. On the wall, tack up a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood to the back wall. The plywood is there in case an arrow does slip through - it will only stick in the plywood and you should be able to pull it out. On the back of the frame, take a piece of rug, carpet, or heavy rubber mat to cushion the shot.
SIDE VIEW Wrap each bale tightly in Duct Tape. Once all the bales have been taped, squeeze them into the frame (the key is to get them to compress within the frame).
This bale is pretty shot up, so I simply slide it out of the backstop and slide a new one in its place. Be careful - this happened at a party with someone who was much better at telling jokes than shooting a bow.
That's all there is to it. You now have an inexpensive backstop using common household materials and ordinary lumber - which you can size to your basement space.
Part II - The moving target system
