Getting the little one started

[ks_stickbow]

I have been waiting for almost 2 years now and I just can’t wait anymore. I feel my oldest (2 years old) daughter is ready to start flinging sticks in the backyard with her dad. Looking for some tips and tricks. I feel I can handle the safety part pretty well, and my daughter is super bright and listens and follows instruction very well. So what say ye experienced fathers; how did you get your little girls hooked?

I’m hoping maybe next year she can come with me to Denton Hill. There was a guy there that made bows especially for children and as the kid grew you could trade the bow in for a larger size. We will take full advantage of that but I feel she is still a tad little for a “real” bow.

[Caughtandhobble]

I have bought several of the cheap fiberglass bows over the years for my boys and nephews. The kids just need to learn how to put the arrow on right in the beginning, then they're hooked for life. I made very slow changes in there form and simply kept it fun for the kids. Have fun, they grow up fast!!!

[rraming]

I don't know how to get them hooked but if you turn it into something serious they get un-hooked fast. My oldest won't shoot but my younger one loves shooting arrows, mainly because I just let him do what he wants (he is 9). Honestly I am too afraid to give him pointers or tips thinking he may just quit like his brother. The older one (12) said he was going to shoot this year and I bought him another bow, he has not shot it yet (Samick Sage) maybe soon.
Let the kid shoot balloons or something, they like that. Mine gets discouraged if he is not shooting well and see's me hitting stuff, that is when I try to give a little help.
As long as he is having fun, that's good enough for me right now. If it's not fun, why do it? - only thing you need to keep in mind.

[Scott E]

Balloons! Keep it easy and fun.

I

[mjh]

Just got back from the range with my son, he is on bow # 3,  all from Elk Ridge Archery. Kept the first one but traded in the second.  Started him off at a little past 3.5 with a pilgrim squirt with no glove, arrows and quiver.  Used the jogging stoller, ride or walk his choice, shot when he wanted to or not, snacks, drinks, Green tire puncture stuff in the tire tubes, worked great, make it fun, make it simple, one problem early on and even into his last bow was the arrow actually sticking into the target, I always used pointy tips but with the power of a 8 or 12 pound bow the arrows just don't always stick, that can be discouraging for young ones.  Work on simple steps only a few at a time.  I would stand right next to him, tell him toes towards me, he is a right hand shooter, arrow at target, elbow up, pull back to smile, let go when ready.  Once mastered then move to other and finer points of form and shooting.  Above all have fun, keep it safe,  praise the good stuff, other stuff don't worry about it

[lablover]

Now working on grand kids can't stress enough fun fun fun praise and when they miss try man nice short it was close. If it's fun they shoot if they shoot they improve then one day they are hooked. Good luck have fun and remember the two year old today is the sixteen year old when you blink enjoy her now.

[knappinman]

I started mine out with some cheap chinese bamboo bows with rubber tipped arrows that I picked up at a Mountain man rendezvous.  i let them use a primary, or pinch pull till their fingers are strong enough, both my girls are small for their age but they both like to shoot.  They just like to see how far they can shoot and I dont even set up a target for now, and I let them shoot canted to the left (they are right handed).  it helps them keep the arrow against their bow. i also dont shoot with them.  I get too into my own shooting and lose focus which should be on them, I will later but i like to teach them safely and be a good cheerleader for now.   My oldest just turned six and she is starting to learn the three finger now but still struggles with it a little, she will be getting a Maddog bow soon as I won the very generous 4th of July giveaway.  she will learn faster with a real bow.  just start them off with a toy that is realistic and shoots right (not those damn nerf things) they need a string and a flexible limb.  And  let them just play, disney's classic Ribbin Hood or the new Brave movie were all it took for mine to show an interest and then when I came home with the bows from Rendezvous they were soooooo excited.  Been hooked ever since.  They only shoot a couple of times a month but I got an extra bow for company and sometimes neighbor kids or cousins join them and my girls will teach them the safety rules and how to shoot.  its pretty cute to just watch them frankly.  hope that helps, good luck, I will be posting pictures when my girl gets her bow for the givaway so I will post pictures of the old toy bamboo bow too.