Ascham Oaks Archery

The Advantages Of Archery For Kids

There are many benefits for children who participate in archery, whether as part of a structured program or in their own backyard. To me, the biggest benefit is simply life lessons. There is no better metaphor for achieving goals than having a target in front of you and learning the effort it takes to hit it. Your child’s first shots will be lucky to leave the bow in the direction of the target, and that should be celebrated as a step, literally, in the right direction. With further effort and instruction, they will begin to hit the target and eventually, the bullseye!

Physical Benefits

Archery can help kids develop upper body and core strength, stamina, balance, and coordination. The process of shooting an arrow can also improve hand-eye coordination and accuracy. Some archery programs are outdoors based, and what kid wouldn’t benefit from some fresh air and sunshine.

Mental Benefits

Archery can help kids develop focus, patience, discipline, self-control and self-motivation. It will help them learn to regulate their emotions, as they learn to perfect their shot. The systematic repetitiveness of shooting an arrow can be especially beneficial for children who have trouble focusing in other areas of their lives.

Social Benefits

This is where being part of an Archery program really comes into play. The physical and mental benefits can be experienced shooting in your own backyard. When kids participate with peers and instructors they develop social skills, discover camaraderie, practice sportsmanship, learn teamwork, build confidence and make friends. Some of my best friends I have met on an archery range. Emily, my granddaughter, has made many new friends since attending archery programs and tournaments.

What Is A Good Age To Begin Archery For Kids

There is no proper age to start a child in archery. Most archery programs and private instruction will accept children at eight years of age. But with patience and the proper bow, children can start at a younger age. I have found that at around 5 years old most children are strong enough to pull the some of lighter draw-weight bows that are available and have enough attention span to take the basic instruction to safely shoot a bow and arrow. Still, constant supervision is a must. Even the lightest bow requires the same respect and adherence to safety guidelines as an adult bow.

What Gear Does Your Child Need To Get Started In Archery

Some gear is required to participate in the sport of archery, obviously a bow and some arrows. But what type of bow. If you haven’t determined your child’s dominant eye, do so now, it is the first and most important step. Look here for guidance on the many other factors involving on making a good gear choices.

Bows and Bow Kits

Arrows

Not all arrows are suited to all bows. Arrows too heavy or too stiff for a specific bow will perform poorly. Arrows too light or too flexible can be unsafe in heavier draw weight bows. Use the examples below to guide your choices.

Often archery clubs, ranges and programs have equipment to loan for archers just starting in the sport. Taking advantage of this equipment will aid you in making good choices when it comes time to purchase your own.

What To Look For In Quality Archery Lessons

There are many possibilities to find help learning the sport of archery. Look below for some great starting places, often in your own neighborhood.

Try A Google Search

Finding a beginners course in archery for your kids can be as easy a google search. This is a great place to start. It might surprise you to find out there is a club or range nearby that you never knew about. Search “archery lessons near me” and take note of clubs, ranges and pro shops in your area. Your are looking for not only instruction on how to shoot but also a place to shoot.

Archery Shops

Archery shops are great resources. Most shops have a range of some sort, indoors usually, for the use of their customers. They may offer private instruction for a fee. If you purchase archery gear from them they generally will offer free basic instruction. An archery shop will definitely have knowledge of local clubs and ranges. The archery community is the most giving and helpful group people I have ever encountered. There will be plenty of advice and information offered.

Archery Clubs

Archery clubs are a community of persons who enjoy and participate in the sport you are looking to become part of. Archery clubs almost always offer a beginner’s class or introduction to archery course and equipment to use. These courses are usually free but brief, just enough to give you a taste of the sport. It is in their best interest to foster new interest in the sport and their club. Clubs offer a fun and safe environment to learn and shoot in exchange for a membership fee. Should you join, your fellow members will help you advance your archery skills.

Archery Ranges

Archery ranges can be public or private, indoors or outdoor. Ranges are great places to practice, and they almost always offer a youth, beginners, or introductory courses. Private ranges will generally charge for their instruction, as is expected of any business. Public ranges are sponsored by municipalities; mostly state funded and located in state parks or forests. Some counties offer facilities as well and are usually well run. These ranges almost always offer introductory courses and are usually run by that state’s wildlife agency. Again, fellow archers at these ranges will gladly offer advice and assistance.

Private Coaching

Private lessons with a certified archery coach are usually charged by the hour and not cheap. They can be worth every penny. Just starting out they can offer you a rock solid set of basic skills on which to build. If you are more advanced, private coaching can take you to the next level or get you past roadblocks in your advancement. Look for a coach that has USA Archery certifications. Certifications range from Level 1 ( basic archery instruction) to Level 5 ( the highest level, capable of coaching top level archers). Most coaches teach Olympic style archery and while that may or may not be your preferred discipline, the techniques and skills are the basically the same.

Archery Programs

There are many amazing archery programs for kids to choose from. A few of the top ones are the National Archery in School Program, 4-H Archery, Olympic Archery in Schools, Junior Olympic Archery Development, and Scholastic 3-D Archery. Look here for more information on each program.

Archery Instruction Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

If you live in an “archery desert”, there are a multitude of online resources to help you get started, you are reading one now. These resources are free and available to anyone. Treat online resources just like you would treat advice from fellow archers at the range or club, temper it with some research and common sense. I suggest reading enough from each source that you get a “feel” for the person offering the information, before you put any of it to use. In the AI rich environment of the internet, it is important to get genuine guidance and not some regurgitated collection of tidbits designed to generate clicks.

More Archery Basics

• Archery Lessons: How To Find The Best Instruction
• Why Archery is the Best Sport for Kids
• Where To Start When Buying Your First Archery Bow
• 3 Ways To Determine Eye Dominance in Archery And Why It’s Important
• 3 Ways To Determine Your Archery Bow Draw Length
• Archery Basics: How to Determine What Draw Weight Is Right For You
• Beginners Guide To The Four Basic Types Of Archery Bows