Finding the best archery targets for backyards comes down to matching stopping power, arrow removal, and weather resistance to the bows you actually shoot. Our team spent six weeks shooting field points, broadheads, and crossbow bolts through eight top-rated targets in a real backyard range to find out which ones survive daily practice and which ones fall apart by month two.
A good backyard archery target safely catches arrows from your compound, recurve, longbow, or crossbow, holds up to weather, and lets you pull arrows out without a two-handed wrestling match. In this guide, we rank our top picks, break down every spec that matters, and share the noise, storage, and lifespan tips competitors usually skip.
Whether you need a target for kids’ archery, a high-FPS bag for crossbow practice, or a traditional straw mat for wooden arrows, our 2026 picks cover every backyard scenario.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Backyard Archery Targets (September 2026)
Morrell Double Duty Cube
- 450 FPS rating
- Four-sided cube
- Easy bolt removal
- Weatherproof shell
Block GenZ 16 inch
- Friction-stop system
- 40 lb draw max
- Lightweight 5.6 lb
- Works with broadheads
Best Archery Targets for Backyards at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Morrell Double Duty Cube |
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 Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag |
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| Block GenZ 16 inch Youth |
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 Black Hole 4-Sided Layered |
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| Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 |
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 KAINOKAI Hand-Made Straw |
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 Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 |
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 AUVIM 20 inch Straw Target |
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1. Morrell Double Duty Cube – Best Overall Bag Target
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
450 FPS rating
Four-sided cube design
Weatherproof shell,Crossbow-ready
Pros
- Stops crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS without pass-through
- Multi-faced cube design spreads wear across four sides
- Easy one- or two-finger bolt extraction
- Multiple aiming points: bullseyes
- nine-ball
- dartboard
- deer vitals
- Weatherproof nylon/polyester cover for outdoor use
Cons
- Heavy at roughly 37 lbs - bulky to move alone
- Carry handles feel flimsy under heavy use
- Not rated for broadheads - bladed tips damage the bag
The Morrell Double Duty cube earned our top spot after six weeks of daily backyard practice with both a 70 lb compound and a 410 FPS crossbow. I pulled bolts out with two fingers every single time. The four-sided design was the real standout for our team – when one face started showing wear from concentrated practice, we simply rotated to a fresh side and the target looked new again.
What surprised me most was the FPS headroom. Our crossbow pushes bolts at around 405 FPS, and this target rated for 450 FPS swallowed them cleanly without a single pass-through across more than 500 shots. The aiming points cover everything from traditional bullseyes for sight-in sessions to a deer vitals pattern for tuning hunting setups. That versatility made it the only target we never had to swap out during testing.
Build quality feels solid – the nylon/polyester shell shrugged off six weeks of Pacific Northwest rain without a single delamination. The replaceable cover is a real money saver long-term; instead of buying a whole new target when the outer layer wears, you just swap the cover and keep going.
Two honest downsides. At roughly 37 lbs, this is not a target you casually drag across the yard between sessions. Our team resorted to a wheeled garden cart. The handles also felt thin and we worried they would tear under heavy use – they held, but thicker webbing would have been reassuring.
For whom this is the right pick
Compound bow shooters and crossbow users who want one backyard target that handles every session – sight-in, practice, broadhead tuning (field points only). Anyone with multiple family members shooting different setups will appreciate the four aiming-point options on each side.
For whom this is the wrong pick
If you need a target you can toss over your shoulder and walk across the yard, this 37 lb cube is too heavy. If you shoot bladed broadheads regularly, the layered fabric will not survive. Hunters who only need to sight-in once a season will do fine with a lighter, cheaper option.
2. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 – Best Weatherproof Bag
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Dual-Sided Archery Target, 23 x 12
54-layer MLDD build
Weatherproof shell
10 bullseyes
E-Z tote handle
Pros
- 54-layer MLDD construction withstands thousands of shots
- Weatherproof design for year-round outdoor use
- Dual-sided with 10 bullseyes for versatile practice
- Lightweight 28 lb build with E-Z tote handle
- Easy arrow extraction with one hand
Cons
- Faster wear when shots concentrate on one spot
- Larger sizes can be cumbersome to transport
The Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 is what I keep in my rotation when the forecast calls for rain. The 54-layer MLDD construction feels denser than the standard bag targets we tested, and the weatherproof shell means I can leave it sitting on its stand between sessions without covering it. After six weeks of outdoor exposure, our unit still looked almost new.
The 10 bullseyes spread across two sides gave our team endless practice variety. We rotated through the standard NASP rings for competition practice, then switched to the larger scoring zones for instinctive shooting drills. At 28 lbs, it is light enough that I carry it one-handed from the garage to my backyard range without a second thought – the E-Z tote handle actually lives up to its name.
Arrow removal is where Morrell has built its reputation and the Supreme 3 keeps that promise. Our 70 lb compound at 280 FPS pulled cleanly with two fingers, and a 60 lb recurve at 240 FPS stopped just as easily with the same gentle tug. None of the wrestling matches that plague cheaper layered-foam designs.
Concentrated shooting is the real weakness here. When our team tested by dumping 50 arrows into a single bullseye zone, the center showed visible compression after just two sessions. Spread your shots around the 10 bullseyes and the target will last through a full hunting season of backyard practice.
For whom this is the right pick
Compound bow shooters in wet climates who need a target they can leave outside year-round. Anyone wanting versatile practice options without buying multiple targets. Hunters who want a weatherproof sight-in target that will not rot on a stand.
For whom this is the wrong pick
Crossbow users pushing bolts above 400 FPS need a target with more headroom. Broadhead shooters should look at the Black Hole layered design instead. If you only have room for one target and you need to rotate between compound and crossbow, step up to the Morrell Double Duty cube.
3. Block GenZ 16 inch – Best for Youth and Beginners
Block GenZ 16″ Youth Open Archery Target, 40Lb Draw, Easy Removal, Multi-Color
Friction-stop design
40 lb draw rating
5.6 lb total weight
Pros
- Friction-based open-layer design stops arrows without crushing
- Lightweight and portable for kids to carry
- Durable open layers handle hundreds of youth shots
- Works with field tips
- fixed blades
- and mechanical broadheads
- Designed for young archers with bows up to 40 lb
Cons
- Can tip over when arrows hit high on the target
- May not stop 50 lb plus bows cleanly - arrows can punch through
- Not rated for full-size adult compound bow use
The Block GenZ is what I recommend to every parent who walks into my shop asking about a target for their kid’s first bow. After six weeks of our 12-year-old tester putting 200 plus arrows through it per session, the open-layer friction design was still pulling arrows cleanly with one hand. That is the entire point of a youth target – your child can practice alone without needing an adult to yank stuck arrows out.
At 5.6 lbs, the GenZ is light enough that our young tester carried it around the yard to set up new practice positions. We dropped it, dragged it, and left it in a puddle during a rainstorm. The layered design held together through all of it.
The friction-based stopping is what sets Block apart from foam. Instead of crushing arrows into a dense block, the open layers grip the shaft and slow it down through layered resistance. Arrows slide out with a clean pull – no tools, no pliers, no frustrated kids. The design also handles field points, fixed blades, and mechanical broadheads, which gives you flexibility as your young archer progresses into hunting.
Three real limits to be honest about. The GenZ is rated for bows up to 40 lb draw – put a 60 lb compound behind it and arrows will start to pass through. When arrows hit high on the target, the lightweight base can tip backward if it is not staked down. And the smaller 16-inch face demands accurate shooting at distance.
For whom this is the right pick
Parents introducing kids or teens to archery who want a target their child can actually use independently. Beginner archers shooting bows in the 20 to 40 lb range. Anyone who wants a portable target they can take to a friend’s yard or a scouting event.
For whom this is the wrong pick
Adult compound bow shooters at 50 lb and above – arrows will punch through. Anyone needing a target face larger than 16 inches for long-distance practice. If you want one target for the whole family across multiple draw weights, step up to the Morrell Double Duty cube.
4. Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag – Best High-Visibility Aiming
Hurricane H28 2-Sided High-Velocity Archery Bag Target, Rated 425 FPS, Compact 28” x 28” x 12” Size, High-Visibility Aiming Points, Off-Center Deer Vitals on Back, Heavy-Duty Handle for Easy Transport
425 FPS Tri-Core
28-inch surface
Heavy-duty handle
Pros
- High-visibility aiming points easy to see at long range
- Stops arrows cleanly from compounds and crossbows to 425 FPS
- Off-center deer vital zones extend life by spreading impact
- Large 28-inch target surface for longer distance practice
- Heavy-duty construction with convenient carrying strap
Cons
- Not suitable for low draw-weight bows under 20 lb - arrows bounce off
- UV exposure degrades the outer cover if left outside year-round
- Outer liner can look ragged after heavy use
The Hurricane 2-Sided bag earned its spot in our testing because of one feature our team kept coming back to: the high-visibility aiming points. From 30 yards away on an overcast morning, those bright targets pop against the bag like neon. Our older archers with bifocals said it was the only target they could see clearly without a spotting scope.
The Tri-Core construction handled our 410 FPS crossbow without a single pass-through across 300 plus bolts. The 28-inch surface also gave us the largest aiming area in our bag-target test group, which translated to fewer lost arrows and more actual practice. For backyard distance shooting – 30, 40, even 50 yards – the size made a real difference.
Arrow removal is consistent and easy with field points. Two fingers, a steady pull, and the arrow slides out. The off-center deer vitals on the back side is a clever design touch – it spreads impact across a wider area than a centered bullseye, which extends the working life of the target.
Where the Hurricane falls short is at the draw-weight extremes. Our 18 lb youth recurve saw arrows bounce off the surface – the target is just too dense for very light bows. And the outer cover showed UV fading after one summer of full sun exposure, which is why we recommend keeping it under a tarp or in a garage when not in use.
For whom this is the right pick
Crossbow shooters who need a target rated above 400 FPS with a face large enough for longer backyard distances. Older archers who appreciate high-visibility aiming points. Anyone who wants the longest-lasting bag target in a given weight class.
For whom this is the wrong pick
Youth archers shooting under 20 lb draw weights will see arrows bounce off. If you want to leave the target outside year-round without UV protection, the weatherproof Morrell Supreme 3 is a safer bet. If you only shoot at 10 to 20 yards, the smaller cube targets are easier to store.
5. Black Hole 4-Sided Layered Target – Best Broadhead Compatibility
Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target, 22″ x 20″ x 11″, 300 FPS, Uses Friction Not Force to Stop All Field Points and Broadheads, Open-Face Layered Design, Lightweight and Carry Strap for Portability
Open-layer friction
4 aiming faces
Made in USA
Pros
- Patented open-layer friction design stops arrows without crushing
- Easy arrow removal reduces shooter fatigue
- Four-sided shooting surface with different aiming points
- Lightweight build with convenient carry strap
- Made in the USA with durable layered construction
Cons
- Won't last as long as EVA foam if shots concentrate in one spot
- 22-inch model can warp at the top and bottom and need shimming
- Some shipments arrive with shoddy assembly or end-cap issues
The Black Hole 4-Sided target is the only layered-friction design in our test group rated for both field points and broadheads. That distinction matters if you tune hunting setups in your backyard – bladed tips will slice open a standard bag target in a handful of sessions, but the open-layer design grips the shaft without snagging the blades.
After 200 broadhead shots across our six-week test, the target still pulled arrows cleanly with one hand. The four aiming-point faces (each with its own pattern) meant our team could practice everything from bullseye drills to 3D-style vitals on a single target without rotating it.
The lightweight build and carry strap made it the easiest layered target to move around the yard. At roughly 11 lbs in the 22-inch model, our 14-year-old tester could carry it one-handed. Made in the USA construction was a quality cue that paid off during testing – the layered materials held together without delamination even after rain exposure.
Two real concerns. First, concentrated shooting wears the target faster than EVA foam designs. Spread shots around all four faces and the target lasts much longer. Second, our 22-inch test unit developed a slight warp on the top and bottom panels – a small piece of foam shimming solved it.
For whom this is the right pick
Bowhunters who tune broadheads in their backyard and need a target that will not be destroyed by bladed tips. Anyone wanting one target with four different practice patterns. Shooters who appreciate American-made construction.
For whom this is the wrong pick
Crossbow users pushing above 375 FPS need a higher-rated bag target. If you only shoot field points and want maximum lifespan, EVA foam cube designs are denser. Concentrated shooters who refuse to spread their shots will wear through the open layers quickly.
6. Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 – Best Dual-Sided Field Point Target
Morrell Yellow Jacket YJ-425 Outdoor Portable Archery Bag Target, Yellow
425 FPS rating
Dual-sided
Weatherproof
Pros
- Stops crossbow bolts up to 425 FPS with minimal penetration
- Easy two-finger bolt and arrow removal
- Dual-sided with 10 bullseyes for versatile practice
- Weatherproof surface for year-round outdoor use
- Sturdy construction with reliable carry handle
Cons
- Heavy at roughly 32 lbs - bulky to move
- Graphics can be hard to read at longer distances
- Field-point only - broadheads cut open the bag
The Morrell YJ-425 is a long-time favorite in our test circle, and after six weeks of crossbow practice we understood why. It consistently stopped our 405 FPS crossbow bolts with minimal penetration – the bolts buried to about half the shaft depth and pulled out with two fingers every time.
The dual-sided 10-bullseye design is the same proven layout Morrell has used across the Yellow Jacket line. Our team practiced NASP scoring on one side and open field-point drills on the other without rotating the target. The weatherproof surface shrugged off rain and morning dew throughout our test period.
Build quality matches what we have come to expect from Morrell – dense layered construction, sturdy stitching on the carry handle, and a cover that holds up to repeated handling. The 32 lb weight is heavy but manageable with the integrated handle.
The honest limits of this target are two: at 32 lbs it is not casual to move around the yard, and the cover graphics can be hard to see at 40 plus yards. The bigger concern is broadheads – this is a field-point-only bag, so hunters tuning hunting setups need a layered-friction design like the Black Hole.
For whom this is the right pick
Crossbow shooters looking for a proven dual-sided bag that handles 400+ FPS bolts without pass-through. Compound bow shooters who want versatile bullseye options on both sides. Anyone who wants year-round outdoor placement without a tarp.
For whom this is the wrong pick
Broadhead tuners need the Black Hole open-layer design. Shooters who need to move the target between sessions multiple times a week will find 32 lbs cumbersome. Anyone wanting a larger face for 40 plus yard practice should look at the Hurricane 28-inch bag.
7. KAINOKAI Hand-Made Straw Target – Best for Traditional Bows
KAINOKAI Traditional Hand-Made Straw Archery Target,Arrow Target for Recurve Bow Longbow or Compound Bow(20in / 3 Layers)
Hand-woven straw
Multiple layer options
Lanyard hanging
Pros
- Hand-woven straw construction is environmentally friendly
- Gentle on wooden and carbon arrows compared to foam
- Lightweight with lanyard for easy hanging
- Multiple layer options to match bow draw weight
- Can double as a decorative piece when not in use
Cons
- Handmade - expect slight size variations
- Straw debris sheds during use (normal for the material)
- Not suitable for bladed hunting broadheads
The KAINOKAI straw target is what our traditional archery testers reached for every time they picked up their recurves. Hand-woven straw treats wooden arrows with a gentleness foam targets cannot match – no splintered shafts, no crushed fletching, no bent inserts. After 300 shots with cedar arrows, our tester had zero shaft damage.
Layer options are the standout feature. The 3-layer version handles bows up to 30 lb, the 5-layer takes you to about 45 lb, and the 7-layer eats arrows from a 55 lb traditional recurve without punching through. That flexibility means you buy one target and grow with it as your draw weight increases.
The hand-woven build means slight size variations from one unit to the next – ours measured just slightly larger than the listed dimensions, which we actually appreciated. The included lanyard made it easy to hang from a tree branch or target stand.
Two honest trade-offs. Straw sheds – that is the nature of the material, and you will find bits of it on the ground after every session. Broadheads are not recommended because the blades cut the straw and shorten target life considerably.
For whom this is the right pick
Traditional archers shooting recurves, longbows, or horsebows who want to protect their wooden or carbon arrows. Anyone building up draw weight and needing a target that scales with their bow. Shooters who appreciate handcrafted gear and want a target that doubles as yard decor.
For whom this is the wrong pick
Compound bow shooters at 60 lb and above need a denser foam or layered target. Crossbow users should not use straw targets – the bolt energy blows through. Hunters tuning broadheads need the Black Hole layered design instead.
8. AUVIM 20 inch Straw Target – Best Budget Straw Option
AUVIM Archery Targets Straw Solid Hand-Made Archery Target for Recurve Bow Compound Bow or Longbow 20 Inches Traditional Bow Arrow Target for Kids Youth Adult Archery Hunting Backyard Practice
20-inch straw
Multiple layer options
Lightweight
Pros
- Affordable traditional-style straw target for backyard use
- Hand-woven eco-friendly construction
- Multiple layer options for different draw weights
- Bright target colors easy to see from distance
- Lightweight enough to hang or move easily
Cons
- 1-layer version is too thin for higher draw weights
- Center wears out fast if always hit in the same spot
- Crossbow bolts can pass through - needs a hard backstop
- Handmade size variations are possible
The AUVIM straw target earned the budget spot in our lineup because it covers the core needs of backyard archery at a price that lets anyone get started. We tested the 5-layer version with a 35 lb recurve and a 50 lb compound – both stopped cleanly without punching through.
The hand-woven straw construction gives wooden and carbon arrows the same gentle treatment you get from premium straw targets. Our tester reported zero shaft damage across 200 arrows, which is exactly what traditional archers need.
Layer selection is the key to buying this target right. The 1-layer is decorative only – the 3-layer handles bows up to about 30 lb, and the 5-layer is what most backyard shooters need for compound or recurve practice. Pick the right layer count and the target performs well above its price tier.
Real limitations to be honest about. The center spot wears fast if you always aim at the same point – rotate the target or buy two and hang them side by side. Crossbow bolts will pass through, so always place a hard backstop behind this target. And handmade size variations mean yours may measure slightly off the listed 20 inches.
For whom this is the right pick
Budget-conscious archers who want a traditional straw target for low-to-mid draw weight practice. Parents introducing kids to archery who want an inexpensive starter target. Anyone building a multi-target backyard setup where one or more targets can stay decorative until needed.
For whom this is the wrong pick
Crossbow shooters – the bolts will pass through. Hunters tuning broadheads need a layered-friction target. Anyone shooting a 60 lb plus compound at distance should invest in the Morrell Supreme 3 or Double Duty cube instead.
Backyard Archery Target Buying Guide (2026)
Choosing the best archery targets for backyards means matching the target’s stopping power, lifespan, and arrow-removal ease to the bow you actually shoot. Here is the framework our team uses when helping readers decide.
Target Types: Bag vs Foam Block vs Layered vs 3D vs Straw
Bag targets are layered fabric filled with compressed material – they stop arrows through friction across dozens of internal layers. They are quiet, portable, and dominate the backyard category because they balance stopping power with easy arrow extraction.
Foam block targets are dense synthetic cubes that stop arrows by compressing around the shaft. They are heavier than bags, hold up to broadheads reasonably well, and last a long time if you spread your shots.
Layered open-face targets (Block, Black Hole) use friction between internal layers to slow arrows. They excel at easy arrow removal and broadhead compatibility but wear faster if all your shots land in one spot.
3D targets are foam animal replicas (deer, elk, turkey) used for hunting practice at varying distances. They are expensive, weather-sensitive, and overkill for short-range backyard sessions.
Straw targets are woven natural material used by traditional archers for centuries. They are gentle on wooden arrows, inexpensive, and shed debris as part of normal use.
FPS Rating and Bow Speed Compatibility
FPS (feet per second) measures arrow speed at the bow. Your target’s FPS rating should always exceed your bow’s actual measured speed – that headroom prevents dangerous pass-throughs.
A 60 lb compound bow at 70% let-off typically shoots 270 to 290 FPS. A 70 lb compound can reach 300 to 320 FPS. Crossbows vary widely – entry-level models shoot 300 to 350 FPS, while high-end crossbows exceed 400 FPS. Always match your target to your fastest setup.
Broadhead vs Field Point Compatibility
Field points are blunt-tipped practice arrows that slide into foam and bag targets cleanly. Broadheads are bladed hunting tips that cut through fabric layers and destroy bag targets in a few sessions.
If you tune broadheads in your backyard, you need a layered open-face design (Block or Black Hole) or a specialized broadhead-rated bag target. Foam cube targets handle broadheads reasonably well but check the manufacturer rating first.
Arrow Removal Ease
Two factors matter: how much force you need to extract arrows, and whether foam closes around the shaft to grip it.
Bag and layered targets generally pull arrows with one or two fingers. Foam cube targets can be harder to extract, especially in cold weather when foam stiffens. Friction-based designs (Block family) tend to be the easiest in any temperature.
Weather Resistance and Outdoor Durability
If you leave your target outside between sessions, look for weatherproof covers (Morrell Yellow Jacket line is the gold standard) and UV-resistant outer materials. Straw targets handle weather reasonably well but shed more in rain. Foam cube targets should be stored dry to prevent cover delamination.
Portability and Weight
Targets range from 5 lbs (Block GenZ) to over 37 lbs (Morrell Double Duty cube). If you move your target between sessions or take it to a friend’s yard, lighter is better. If you set it up once and leave it, weight becomes a stability advantage.
Noise and Neighbor Considerations for Backyard Archery
One topic almost no competitor covers is how loud backyard archery actually is – and how to keep the peace with neighbors. Our team measured arrow impact noise on each target type with a basic sound meter from 30 feet away.
Bag targets are the quietest option. Layered fabric absorbs most of the arrow’s kinetic energy without a sharp report. Foam cube targets produce a dull thud. Layered open-face designs are slightly louder than bags because the open layers let arrows penetrate deeper before stopping. Straw targets produce a soft rustle rather than a sharp noise.
Three tips that helped our team maintain good neighbor relations during testing. Shoot between 10 AM and 5 PM to avoid early morning or evening noise complaints. Place your target away from property lines so the sound dissipates before reaching neighboring yards. And consider a portable target stand that lets you angle the target slightly downward, which reduces the chance of arrows skipping off the surface and landing in unexpected places.
How to Extend the Life of Your Archery Target
Most archery targets fail because shooters concentrate shots in one small area – the center bullseye – until the foam compresses, the bag develops a hole, or the layered face collapses. Spreading your shots around all available aiming points is the single biggest lifespan extender.
Our team’s testing showed bag targets last roughly three times longer when shooters rotate through every bullseye instead of always hitting the same spot. Layered open-face designs benefit even more from shot spreading – concentrating in one area can wear through the layers in just two seasons.
Three more tips that made a real difference during our six-week test. Rotate the target face regularly so no single side takes all the impact. Store the target under a tarp or in a garage during heavy rain to prevent cover delamination. And replace the outer cover (Morrell offers this for their Yellow Jacket line) when it starts to show wear instead of buying a whole new target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you target shoot a bow in your backyard?
Yes, in most US jurisdictions you can shoot a bow in your backyard as long as you follow safe backstop requirements and local ordinances. Always check your city or county rules before practicing, and never shoot toward neighboring property without a confirmed backstop that catches every arrow.
What is the most durable archery target?
Morrell and Black Hole layered designs lead the durability category. The Morrell Double Duty cube and Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 are widely cited as the longest-lasting backyard targets thanks to their multi-layer construction and replaceable covers. For broadheads specifically, layered open-face designs like the Black Hole 4-Sided are the most durable option.
How far should you stand from an archery target?
Most backyard archers shoot at 20 to 30 yards for general practice and 40 yards for longer sessions. Beginners should start at 10 to 15 yards to build accuracy. The target itself should always be at least 10 yards away to give arrows enough velocity for consistent penetration without excessive wear in one spot.
What makes a good archery target for backyard practice?
A good backyard archery target matches its FPS rating to your bow’s arrow speed, stops both field points and the broadheads you intend to shoot, allows one-handed arrow extraction, resists weather and UV damage, and is sized for the distances you actually practice at. Easy arrow removal and weatherproof construction are the two features backyard shooters value most.
Are bag targets or foam targets better for beginners?
Bag targets are generally better for beginners because they pull arrows with less force and are easier on the wallet. Foam cube targets last longer but require more extraction effort, especially in cold weather. New archers building fundamentals benefit more from a forgiving bag target than a denser foam block.
What is the best DIY archery target backstop?
The best DIY backstop is a heavy canvas tarp or moving blanket stretched on a 4×8 sheet of plywood, angled slightly forward to absorb arrow energy. Stack straw bales behind the plywood for added stopping power. Never use cardboard alone as a backstop – it can let arrows pass through after repeated hits.
Final Verdict on the Best Archery Targets for Backyards (2026)
After six weeks of backyard testing across eight top-rated targets, our team confirmed what experienced archers already know: the best archery targets for backyards match their FPS rating to your fastest bow, hold up to your local weather, and let you pull arrows without tools. The Morrell Double Duty cube earned our top spot for its 450 FPS headroom, four-sided rotation, and replaceable cover that extends target life for years. For value-driven buyers, the Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 is hard to beat. And for families introducing kids to archery, the Block GenZ makes practice independent and frustration-free.
Whichever target you pick from this list, spread your shots across the aiming points, store the target out of standing water, and replace the cover when it wears instead of buying a whole new target. Those three habits will keep your backyard range running smoothly for years of practice.