ASA 3D archery—sanctioned by the Archery Shooters Association (ASA), headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia—is a competitive field archery discipline that uses foam animal targets positioned at unmarked distances on outdoor courses. Archers walk a course, face foam silhouettes of wildlife (deer, elk, boar, and other animals), and shoot from varied terrain and angles. Unlike indoor target archery, 3D events test judgment, fieldcraft, and adaptability in real-world shooting conditions.
ASA stands for Archery Shooters Association. ASA 3D archery is an outdoor discipline where archers shoot at life-size foam animal targets at unmarked distances on wooded courses. Scoring is by ring (5/8/10/12/14) per target.
ASA 3D archery—sanctioned by the Archery Shooters Association (ASA), headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia—is a competitive field archery discipline that uses foam animal targets positioned at unmarked distances on outdoor courses. Archers walk a course, face foam silhouettes of wildlife (deer, elk, boar, and other animals), and shoot from varied terrain and angles. Unlike indoor target archery, 3D events test judgment, fieldcraft, and adaptability in real-world shooting conditions.
The ASA is a national organization with regional circuits. Florida’s ASA 3D community is active and competitive, hosting multiple qualifier events throughout the season that feed into the Florida ASA State Championship. The format appeals to hunters transitioning into competitive sport, youth archers seeking an outdoor challenge, and any archer who wants to move beyond the predictability of marked-distance target ranges. For a deeper primer on the discipline itself, see our guide: what is 3D archery?
The defining feature of ASA 3D is that target distances are not marked. Archers must estimate yardage visually—a skill that mirrors hunting conditions and creates legitimate competitive variation. A shot at an animal 25 yards away is fundamentally different from a 35-yard shot. This yardage judgment separates 3D archery from USA Archery target competitions, where distances are known and constant.
Scoring in ASA uses a 12-ring system (10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, and a 12-ring “dot” in the center of the vital zone). The highest-scoring zone—the 12-ring—is narrow and demands precision. Hitting the 12-ring consistently is the aspiration of every serious 3D archer, which is why Sarasota Archery Academy named its competitive program the “Upper 12’s.”
The ASA operates a Pro/Am tournament series. Throughout the competition season, local and regional “qualifier” events are held where archers compete, earn points, and build standings toward Shooter of the Year rankings. The top archers from these qualifiers advance to major championship events. In Florida, this culminates in the Florida ASA State Championship—typically held in Palatka—where the state’s best 3D archers compete for state-level titles in their respective divisions (youth, young adult, adult).
Top competitors at the state level can qualify for national ASA events, such as the ASA Pro/Am Championships held in Foley, Alabama. This structure gives athletes a clear pathway: train locally, compete in state qualifiers, pursue Shooter of the Year recognition, and aim for the state championship.
Florida hosts multiple ASA 3D qualifier events each year, feeding into the Florida State Championship. Here’s how the competitive season is structured.
Multiple events are held around Florida each season, including the Ocala, Lakeland, Tampa area, and other southwest Florida locations. Archers earn points and build their Shooter of the Year rankings through these qualifier events. Each tournament is an opportunity to score points toward the year-end standings and earn qualification to state-level competition.
The Florida ASA State Championship is held annually in Palatka, Florida—the premier event on the Florida ASA calendar. Athletes who accumulate points through the circuit compete for state-level titles in their respective divisions. The State Championship represents the culmination of the Florida season and is the benchmark event every serious Florida 3D archer targets.
The ASA Pro/Am series includes national-level events where top Florida archers can compete against the best in the country. The annual ASA Pro/Am Championship in Foley, Alabama is the pinnacle of ASA competition. Athletes who excel at the state level have the pathway to qualify for and compete at national events, representing Florida against elite archers nationwide.
Named for the pursuit of the 12-ring — ASA 3D’s highest-scoring zone — the Upper 12’s program is built for archers who want to compete seriously in Florida’s 3D archery circuit.
What Is the Upper 12’s Program?The Upper 12’s is Sarasota Archery Academy’s competitive ASA 3D archery program. We train archers 8 and up who are serious about competing in the Florida ASA circuit. Athletes attend twice-weekly structured practice sessions (Mondays and Thursdays, 5–8 PM in Sarasota) where they develop the skills, judgment, and consistency that ASA 3D demands.
Our program philosophy centers on athlete development and real competitive opportunity. You’re not just practicing—you’re training for Florida qualifier events, pursuing Shooter of the Year rankings, and targeting the Florida ASA State Championship in Palatka. Our coaching staff includes Level 3 and Level 2 USA Archery certified coaches with deep field archery experience. Rob Gilbert serves as head coach (Level 3 NTS), supported by Chad Henderson, Scott Reed, and Tristan Towers (all Level 2 certified).
Sarasota Archery Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with an all-volunteer coaching staff. That structure means more resources flow directly to athlete development, better facilities utilization, and genuine community focus. You’re joining a team, not just signing up for a service.
The Upper 12’s monthly investment is $300, which covers coaching, team affiliation, and access to our practice facility. Athletes compete through the Florida ASA circuit at their own expense (entry fees and travel), but the training foundation we provide ensures you’re ready to succeed at every event. For a full breakdown of program fees, equipment, tournament travel, and how Upper 12’s compares to other youth archery paths, see our competitive archery cost guide. For help choosing the right bow and arrows to start, our archery equipment consultation walks you through it.
If you want to learn ASA 3D archery, build competitive confidence, earn points in the Shooter of the Year rankings, and potentially earn a spot on our team at the Florida State Championship, the Upper 12’s is the program for you. We’re located in Sarasota and draw athletes from across southwest Florida, including Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, and North Port.
Sarasota Archery Academy serves archers from Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, and throughout southwest Florida. Our practice facility is located in Sarasota, and we welcome competitive archers of all backgrounds who want to train for ASA 3D competition in Florida.
If you are looking for ASA 3D archery coaching, expert field archery training, or a competitive 3D archery team in the Sarasota or Bradenton area, we invite you to reach out. Contact us to learn about the Upper 12’s program and how to join.
ASA 3D archery is a competitive field archery discipline sanctioned by the Archery Shooters Association (ASA). Competitors shoot foam animal targets positioned at unmarked distances on outdoor courses. Unlike target archery with marked yardages, ASA 3D requires archers to estimate distance visually, test their shooting skills in varied terrain, and adapt to real-world field conditions. The ASA uses a 12-ring scoring system, with the highest-value zone being the 12-ring (dot) in the vital area of each animal target. ASA 3D appeals to hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and competitive archers seeking a challenge beyond the indoor range.
Shooter of the Year is a ranking system in the ASA circuit based on points accumulated through qualifier events. Throughout the competition season, archers compete in multiple ASA 3D qualifier tournaments. Each event awards points based on placement and performance. The archers who accumulate the most points across the season earn Shooter of the Year recognition in their division. This ranking system creates a competitive pathway, encouraging archers to compete consistently across the circuit and rewards dedication to the sport throughout the season.
The Florida ASA State Championship is held annually in Palatka, Florida. This is the premier event on the Florida ASA calendar and represents the culmination of the Florida competition season. Archers who earn qualification through the circuit compete for state-level titles in their respective divisions (youth, young adult, adult, and bow classes). The Florida State Championship is the benchmark event for every serious 3D archer competing in Florida.
ASA 3D and USA Archery are two different competitive archery disciplines. USA Archery focuses on target archery—shooting at known distances at flat-range targets indoors or outdoors. Distances are marked, targets are consistent, and the environment is controlled. ASA 3D, by contrast, uses animal targets at unmarked distances on outdoor courses with varied terrain. In 3D, archers must judge yardage, adapt to field conditions, and test instinctive shooting skills. Sarasota Archery Academy offers both: our X-Ring Program focuses on USA Archery target archery ($200/month), while our Upper 12’s Program specializes in ASA 3D archery ($300/month). Both are valid competitive paths; athletes choose based on their interests and goals.
ASA offers youth divisions for young archers. The specific age categories vary, but the ASA generally includes youth classes for archers ages 8–12 and young adult divisions for ages 13–17. Each division has its own scoring and competitive standings, allowing youth archers to compete fairly against peers of similar age and experience. Adult divisions are also available for archers 18 and older. The Upper 12’s program at Sarasota Archery Academy accepts archers age 6 and up, and we help place athletes in the appropriate ASA divisions for competition.
To join the Upper 12’s program, visit our Join page to apply for a tryout. We welcome archers age 6 and up with interest in ASA 3D archery. During the tryout, our coaching staff will assess your skill level, discuss your competitive goals, and determine the best fit. Once accepted, you’ll join our practice sessions (Mondays and Thursdays, 5–8 PM in Sarasota) and become part of our competitive team. The program costs $300/month. You can also contact us directly at info@sarasotaarcheryacademy.com or visit our Contact page if you have questions before applying.
Sarasota Archery Academy trains ASA 3D archers from Sarasota, Bradenton, and throughout southwest Florida. We provide expert coaching, structured practice, and a pathway to Florida’s competitive archery circuit. Whether you’re new to 3D archery or an experienced field archer, the Upper 12’s program is built to help you compete at your best.
ASA stands for Archery Shooters Association. ASA 3D archery is an outdoor discipline where archers shoot at life-size foam animal targets at unmarked distances on wooded courses. Scoring is by ring (5/8/10/12/14) per target.
Upper 12 is SAAs ASA 3D training program. Athletes train year-round in 3D field archery, compete in the Florida ASA state circuit, and pursue Shooter of the Year ranking nationally. $300/month.
SAA accepts archers ages 6 and up. ASA itself has age divisions starting at Cub (12 and under) and progressing through young adult and open classes.
Yes. ASA state qualifiers are held at venues across Florida, and the ASA Pro/Am circuit takes athletes to Georgia, Alabama, and other states. Travel is a meaningful part of the commitment.
USA Archery is target archery at marked distances on flat ranges. ASA 3D is field archery at unmarked distances on wooded courses with foam animal targets. Different formats, different skills, different tournament circuits.
ASA 3D archery is a competitive field archery discipline sanctioned by the Archery Shooters Association (ASA). Competitors shoot foam animal targets positioned at unmarked distances on outdoor courses. Unlike target archery with marked yardages, ASA 3D requires archers to estimate distance visually, test their shooting skills in varied terrain, and adapt to real-world field conditions. The ASA uses a 12-ring scoring system, with the highest-value zone being the 12-ring (dot) in the vital area of each animal target. ASA 3D appeals to hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and competitive archers seeking a challenge beyond the indoor range.
Shooter of the Year is a ranking system in the ASA circuit based on points accumulated through qualifier events. Throughout the competition season, archers compete in multiple ASA 3D qualifier tournaments. Each event awards points based on placement and performance. The archers who accumulate the most points across the season earn Shooter of the Year recognition in their division. This ranking system creates a competitive pathway, encouraging archers to compete consistently across the circuit and rewards dedication to the sport throughout the season.
The Florida ASA State Championship is held annually in Palatka, Florida. This is the premier event on the Florida ASA calendar and represents the culmination of the Florida competition season. Archers who earn qualification through the circuit compete for state-level titles in their respective divisions (youth, young adult, adult, and bow classes). The Florida State Championship is the benchmark event for every serious 3D archer competing in Florida.
ASA 3D and USA Archery are two different competitive archery disciplines. USA Archery focuses on target archery—shooting at known distances at flat-range targets indoors or outdoors. Distances are marked, targets are consistent, and the environment is controlled. ASA 3D, by contrast, uses animal targets at unmarked distances on outdoor courses with varied terrain. In 3D, archers must judge yardage, adapt to field conditions, and test instinctive shooting skills. Sarasota Archery Academy offers both: our X-Ring Program focuses on USA Archery target archery ($200/month), while our Upper 12's Program specializes in ASA 3D archery ($300/month). Both are valid competitive paths; athletes choose based on their interests and goals.
ASA offers youth divisions for young archers. The specific age categories vary, but the ASA generally includes youth classes for archers ages 8–12 and young adult divisions for ages 13–17. Each division has its own scoring and competitive standings, allowing youth archers to compete fairly against peers of similar age and experience. Adult divisions are also available for archers 18 and older. The Upper 12's program at Sarasota Archery Academy accepts archers age 6 and up, and we help place athletes in the appropriate ASA divisions for competition.
To join the Upper 12's program, visit our Join page to apply for a tryout. We welcome archers age 6 and up with interest in ASA 3D archery. During the tryout, our coaching staff will assess your skill level, discuss your competitive goals, and determine the best fit. Once accepted, you'll join our practice sessions (Mondays and Thursdays, 5–8 PM in Sarasota) and become part of our competitive team. The program costs $300/month. You can also contact us directly at info@sarasotaarcheryacademy.com or visit our Contact page if you have questions before applying.
Year-round training. Tryout-based admission. All skill levels welcome.