Dynamic Archery Speed Trials (DASTs)
Dynamic Archery Speed Trials (aka DASTs) are the foundational performance-testing system of DAMAI. They provide a standardized method for measuring an archer's ability to deliver accurate arrows rapidly under time pressure, combining speed, accuracy, rhythm, awareness, and composure into a single practical test.
Each DAST challenges the archer to score as many points as possible within a series of timed shooting rounds. The objective is not merely to shoot quickly, but to maintain meaningful accuracy while performing under pressure. In this way, the DAST serves as both a training tool and a performance standard, allowing archers to measure progress over time and compare results within a common international framework.
HOW TO COMPLETE A DAST
ONE DISTANCE ATA TIME. THREE SHOOTING POSITIONS. NINE ROUNDS TOTAL PER DAST.
A Dynamic Archery Speed Trial (DAST) is conducted at a single distance using the standard 90 cm three-zone target. The target consists of concentric scoring zones worth 4, 3, and 2 points respectively.
Each DAST consists of nine separate scoring rounds, with three rounds performed from each of the three shooting positions: forward, side, and backward.
Every round lasts 20 seconds. During each round, the number of arrows shot is limited only by the archer's ability to draw, shoot, and score within the allotted time.
THE NINE-ROUND STRUCTURE OF A DAST
ROUNDS 1, 2 & 3 — FORWARD POSITION
Three separate rounds of 20 seconds each.
ROUNDS 4, 5 & 6 — SIDE POSITION
Three separate rounds of 20 seconds each.
ROUNDS 7, 8 & 9 — BACKWARD POSITION
Three separate rounds of 20 seconds each.
3 FORWARD + 3 SIDE + 3 BACKWARD = 9 ROUNDS
This progression requires the archer to adapt to changing positions of the lower body while maintaining consistent upper-body form throughout the trial.
IMPORTANT: A DAST is not three rounds in total. Each shooting position is performed three times, for a total of nine separate 20-second rounds at the same distance.
TIMING AND SHOOTING RULES
The first arrow may be nocked before the start of each round, but no arrow may be released before the official start command.
A five-second countdown precedes each round of shooting. The timer is therefore set to count down from 25 seconds, providing five seconds of preparation followed by 20 seconds of shooting.
An arrow released at the exact end of the shooting period may be counted, but an arrow released after the time expires may not.
An archer incurs a three-point penalty for each arrow released early or late, regardless of whether or where that arrow strikes the target. The penalty is deducted from the score for that round.
The spirit of the DAST is one of disciplined urgency, with archers expected to respect both the time limit and the standards of safe and professional conduct.
SCORING A DAST
A DAST score is the total number of points accumulated across all nine rounds.
The resulting score represents the archer's DAST result for that distance.
OFFICIAL DAST DISTANCES
Dynamic Archers may complete DASTs at any of the five official distances:
9 m | 18 m | 27 m | 36 m | 45 m
Each distance requires its own complete nine-round DAST.
Together, these trials form the core performance pathway of Dynamic Archery and may contribute to training goals, grading qualifications, rankings, and competition participation.
Global DAST Rankings
The Global DAST Ranking is open to all archers worldwide. Results may be submitted by any registered website member through the DAST Result Submission Form located within the Members Area.
Archers need only register once. Thereafter, new DAST results may be submitted whenever additional trials are completed.
To encourage participation and long-term development, the Global DAST Ranking automatically displays each archer's Personal Best (PB) at every official distance. As new results are submitted, higher scores replace previous PBs in the ranking tables while preserving the archer's history of participation.
The Global DAST Ranking serves as a celebration of improvement, dedication, and international connection. It allows Dynamic Archers around the world to measure their progress, pursue new personal bests, and contribute to a growing international community.