What is a backstop used for in an archery range?

A backstop in an archery range serves an important safety function by preventing arrows from exiting the range area. When archers shoot, there is always a risk that an arrow might miss the target or overshoot it, particularly if the archer is inexperienced or the conditions are less than ideal. The backstop acts as a barrier that captures these stray arrows, reducing the risk of injury to people outside of the designated shooting area and preventing property damage. This is critical for maintaining a safe environment for both archers and bystanders.

While other options might pertain to different aspects of an archery range, the primary and most critical purpose of a backstop is safety, which is why this answer focuses on preventing arrows from leaving the range. Targets and aiming aids are important for practice efficiency, and maintenance is essential for the upkeep of the range, but these functions do not address the immediate safety implications that a backstop provides.