Victorian archery champion Marcel Verstegen's target is firmly in sight.

He's heading off to Porec in Croatia later this month to compete in the world championships.

Speaking from his club, Aim Archery in Cheltenham last week, the 40-year-old carpenter from Berwick said he took up archery 15 years ago on the urging of his father.

"It runs in the family. I had a cousin in Holland who was European champion. He died in a car crash some years ago when he was on his way to defend his title."

Verstegen won the national title in 2005 and has twice come second in the world masters.

"I'm hoping to go well in Croatia because I want to compete for Australia in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi later this year."

Verstegen uses a Hoyt compound bow with a draw weight of 60 pounds.

When released the arrow travels towards the target at 90 metres a second.

Competitors shoot 36 arrows at 90 metres, then 36 at 70 metres, then 36 at 50 metres and 36 at 30 metres - a total of 144 arrows.

Verstegen trains indoors at Aim Archery, and for outdoor practice he goes to Glen Waverley.

He recommends archery as a sport.

"If everyone took up archery there would be no drug problems, because when you see that arrow go into that little gold circle you get a rush and a natural high," he said.