starting kids whats best and any tips?

[adkmountainken]

my boy will be ready to start shooting soon enough and was wondering if I should start him off like me 3 under or would spilt finger be easier for a youngster to hold the arrow on string better? I do not want to get very technical yet only want to keep it fun but do want to start him off with a few proper basic fundamentals so it will be a little easier for him as he learns. what are some small things I should be doing with him now that will help him learn and not discourage him and keep it fun? he is 1 1/2 years old, my boy Ari.

[ron w]

Most important is that he has a good time. Basic safety comes first and then just let him enjoy. You want him to want to go with you and enjoy the time.....they go up to fast and then it's girls, sports and all the other things that come along.

[damascusdave]

I find kids have an easier time with 3 under...just make sure the arrows are a good snap fit...and teach him early that the nock end of an arrow can do just as much damage as the point...kids are not always careful about how they pull arrows...beyond that let him have the pure joy of flinging arrows without worrying about results...that way results will come when needed

DDave

[Lefty]

Most young kids seem to want to wrap the string with all their fingers.  I don't think either 3 under or split will be a problem.  Kids pick up on that instruction pretty quick in my experience, especially if they are copying you, but I would suggest installing a set of "no gloves" on the string set up split or 3 under, which ever method you use yourself.  Then they will know exactly where to put their fingers.  As they get older and develop their form, you can then look into a glove or tab.

[Sixgun]

Basic safety was priority #1 for me. After that, reactive targets!! My son loved to pop balloons with his little longbow.

I'd blow one up real big for him and a much smaller one for me. Then the match was on....He always got a kick out of "beating" Dad. Now that he is almost a teenager, it's much harder to keep up with him. (We have a local municipal archery class, it's taught by a USAA Level 4 coach. His form and consistency are rapidly improving....)

These are good times, they just go by so quickly. Savor them.

Ray

[Sawpilot 75]

I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Both boys. I started them both at 2 with a recurve and they love it. They adapted well to split finger. My 4 year old can basically do it by himself now with supervision. We have a deer and a turkey 3D target at home and we make it fun. I pop up a ground blind in the yard and pretend we are on a hunt. Keep it fun and let them use their imagination. The rest will fall into place.

[bunyan]

My 4 year old daughter loves her suction cup bow and arrow set. It has the hole in the center of the bow (center shot! For the arrow and an elastic string. It came with a tripod target with target faces on one side, a deer on another, and a mountain with various animals on the third side. It's really alot of fun for everyone when we shoot down the hall! But she's 4 now and wants a real bow like daddy. I'm curious on ideas to get her set up as well. I gave an old red plastic bear recurve to my nephew when he was little and the arrows bounced of 3d targets! So I want one strong enough, but that she can still shoot and use for a few years. Oh, and no pink. She likes blue!!

[woodchucker]

Bunyan... The ticket with kids arrows is, cut them down to size, then tapper & glue on regular 5/16" field points... They fly like darts & stick right into 3-D targets!!!  

My youngest son Tyler used to blow a gasket, when he hit the target & the arrow fell out!!!!!   :mad:  Cut the arrows down & added field points... Problem solved!!!!!  

[woodchucker]

Kenny, Any questions Brother, give me a call!!!

[bunyan]

Thanks for the tip!! Literally! If I recall, they were the crimped on tips which definitely weren't very sharp for penetrating a target.

[3arrows]

Spend your money on the best arrows not bow.Check his eye dominance.

[gregg dudley]

I find two of the suggestions above worth repeating.

First, set up the bow with rubber no-glove or similar product.  It will keep you from hunting all over for misplaced tabs or gloves which are generally poor fitting anyway and it will provide some training on finger placement.

Second, use real field points.  They will actually stick in the target, which is safer than bullet points or other similar points that tend to bounce off of the target or back at you!

[mj seratt]

I read all the responses looking for what experience has taught me, then found the most important issues in Gregg Dudley's post.  My wife and I have helped run archery clinics for kids that sometimes numbered in the thousands.  Our club did one youth day show that had over 3,000 kids in attendance.  We've done others with almost as many.   Anyway, the no-glove is the best money you can spend.  Real points are better for everyone.  Those are my most important points.  Also, write the name of a prize on a slip of paper and slip it into a balloon.  Whatever the child shoots, he wins.  Everybody loves these affairs.

[woodchucker]

I may also add... Many seem concerned about "spine" for kids bows... I have found that length, is more critical than spine. Most "kids" arrows are spined about 35-40# really to stiff for small bows, but that's ok!!! Kids seem to be more "flexible" than adults... If they hit left, they aim right!! They just seem to naturally correct... Cutting the arrows down to thier size, makes the "aiming" process easier for them!!!

[Fletcher]

Another vote for the no-gloves.  Kids see them and it seems to help guide them where to put their fingers.  4H and NASP all teach 3 under and without the no gloves it works pretty good and is easier for the child.  With the no gloves and depending on the kid, I'll teach them split if I can.  Biggest thing is making sure they get the string in the first groove and not grabbing the string with a fist.

[Oregon Okie]

The biggest break through I had when my son was little and starting was just using a cardboard box for a target. The arrows stick out all over the place and it was funner than bouncers. Also, balloons. Still have to haul balloons all over and he's 11 now.

[Bldtrailer]

Keep it FUN       and at first short.  Have targets that do something when hit (balloons w & without glitter/baby powder) falling down targets (stuffed animals)  
build on success       & always praise , never negative     make it a joy not a chore
You have to make them want to join you in archery first, then you can work on safety, form, and accuracy.
If you start them out right you will have an activity that the entire family can enjoy, giving you a comin ground even when they reach high school !  

For best instinctive archery start with a blank target with just a spot on it,  you can make that spot something  silly  and/or give an incentive (ice cream) for hits & good groups