Mentoring a teen

[Sean B]

Ok Tradgangers, I need a bit of advice here.  A friend asked me if I would teach his 14 year old to shoot a bow.  He had also mentioned to me that he had an interest in hunting. The kid does have some issues with being a bit hyper and high strung.  I agreed to teach him.
I have a 64" 41# @28 Hoyt, which is the lightest bow that I have.  How should I gauge a comfortable bow weight to start him with? He's about 5'7".  I'll figure out his draw length buy using an arrow.

Any and all advice would be appreciated-thanks

[Mudd]

I'd just start with safety 1st, then don't make it so much about the style or stuff like that at the beginning, just have fun and enjoy watching the light come on.

God bless,Mudd

PS I'm proud of you for being willing to try.

[bornagainbowhunter]

Yup, Mudd is right.  Make it fun now.  If there is major problems with form you need to fix it so that he shoots better and becomes more interested, but let the small stuff slide.  Stuff like archery will keep a youngen focused on more positive things.  I know it kept me from a world of trouble when I was younger...

[Chris Shelton]

Mudd nailed it, saftey is key, then I would work with him on form.  But dont make him match your form, make himself feel comforatable with it.  I know when I started, I was not doing things by the book.  But it worked, and it worked REALLY well.  So keep an open mind!  Other than that, I give you credit for working with him, I think everyone needs to get a youngster into the feild.  Dad did it with me, and I got my buddy into it, we need to keep this heritage alive!!!  Good luck

[KentuckyTJ]

What Mudd said. Teach him what not to shoot at not to carry arrow where they could poke someone and then let him have fun. I would suggest not letting him shoot at spots on a target. Don't want him to get frustrated not being able to hit the spot. Tie him on some judo's and let him tear the yard, field and bushes up.

[lpcjon2]

Mudd has it with the safety,then form.But if he is a hyper kid he wont take much talken without some hands on.This is what I learned coaching 6yo old's in t-ball.He may challenge you and your nerves,but you will feel great once he settles in and starts out shooten you...LOL

[Sean B]

Thanks. itsall good advice.   I know his dad has his hands full.  I think that once hes away from Mom and dad, he may settle down.  I've seen that happen as a HS football coach. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes.

[maineac]

Go over basics of form after a safety lecture.  Be encouraging.  Start close at big targets.  Let him shoot a lot, but safely.  He will be able to control the adhd as long as the activity is engaging.  A few arrow, retrieve, shoot again.  If he starts misbehaving, cut the session short and tell him you will start fresh the next day, or whenever he can meet with you.  Adolescents want boundaries, even though they rebel.  Set them and stick to them

[lpcjon2]

maniac- Adolescents want boundaries, even though they rebel. Thats what my wife says about me. I'm still a kid at heart...LOL

[Al Natural]

Sean B
How about suggesting the father and son take a hunter safety course in your area. Both of them need to learn the basics before you accept the responsibilty.
Al

[Sean B]

Thanks Maineac-
Al, I set them up this morning with one.They're both going to take it.

[sore fingers]

I think its great helping this kid get into archery and bowhunting. Maybe his dad will see how much fun the both of you are having and want to join in. I remember me and my friend starting at 13 years old by ourselves. No adult supervision at all. We had alot of fun but learned just about everything the hardway! Stay safe and have fun.