Tips and tricks are needed for teaching archery

[DayTripper]

I just got "volunteered" by my son to be the Archery Instructor for our Boy Scout troop. Do you guys have any tips and techniques to keep the sessions productive, instructional and fun.

[LB_hntr]

Use ballons, apples, etc for targets to make it fun and keep distances close. make it really easy for them to get hits

[Bladepeek]

That would be my suggestion too. If kids aren't having fun, they're not listening. If they have some early success and see how satisfying it can be, you will have most of the hooked. Once they start developing, you can also vary the games a bit. Put up three balloons and they only get points if they hit the middle balloon. They are "out" if they hit either of the outside balloons.

I'd also make sure they are not over-bowed. If you can get some light arrows, even 25 - 30# bows will zip an arrow pretty good and it won't have the medicine ball trajectory that they would find silly. They can then be working on good form without struggling with a heavy pull.

[FerretWYO]

I find in teaching that basics are all you need. Let them develope a style of there own that is comfortable to them. Dont over teach.

[Pete McMiller]

Make it very, very simple to shoot.  "this finger goes here and those two go there" kind of thing.  Make sure they have bow arm protection, even if it is a long sleeved shirt - something.  Shoot at fun stuff as was suggested even paper targets are fun if they are paper 'animal' targets.  

This last April I manned the kid's archery booth at the local Deer/turkey classic and the joy they have for just 'flinging' an arrow is really fun to watch.  The other guy that was helping was a successful compounder and he tried to teach them the 'proper' way to shoot - you could see the excitement drain away from the little faces the more he talked - don't be that guy.  

They're kids so let them be kids for awhile and just fling arrows at least the first time.  If any want to continue you can inject additional form instruction as your classes proceed.  Above all, have fun - the kids AND you.

[amicus]

I read/heard somewhere that it was easier to teach children to shoot 3 under and look down the arrow and aim with the point. This way at least they are hitting the target and not getting discouraged. I have done this a few times and it seems to work better than trying to teach them focus on a spot/instinctive.

One of things that my son and his cousins like to do is what they call sky shooting. If you got the room and its safe, let them shoot the arrows into the air, away from them not straight up. They get a big kick out watching the arrow fly and how far it will go.

good luck

Gilbert

[Chester Thompson]

Pretty sure that you will have to have a certification to be allowed by the Scout to run a range. It is pretty easy though, a one day class from US Olympic Archery. It will teach you the basics of running a range, and the basic of shooting.

[Fletcher]

We teach 3-under as well.  It is much easier for the younger kids to work with.  Keep the draw weights light.

[ChuckC]

First rules, make it safe and make it fun.

Once you get going, consider starting with stupidly light bows, just to show them how to draw, hold, and release.  Where to and how to draw is weird, and a super light bow allows them to experiment very easily.  I think a three under hold is better for learners.  Point and shoot.

For ME. . . I learned that if I draw to an anchor point on my face, it could mean 26" or 29" depending upon my lean at the moment.  I started drawing with my back until I lock my back (not to an anchor point), then settle in.  This way I always get to the same spot and I can concentrate on the rest.  

Using that easy bow allows them to do this.  Once they know WHAT to do, a heavier bow is in order.

ChuckC

[akbowbender]

I  always start new archers off with three under. Simplifies things for all involved.

[Roadkill]

contact 4H.  They have an instuctor's manual that seems to be be pretty good.  They do like 3 under and gunbarreling..  Covers safety and techniques and some terminology.

fill balloons with corn starch and they explode.  I also used a plastic golf ball after one day of instruction on basics and form.  They asked "you expect us to hit that?"  yep and they did, it made them focus more than a big gold bull.  Start close so they get some hits and do not get frustrated, then move them back.  It is so much fun.
A young man will learn faster from another adult other that his dad!

[STUMP THUMPER]

We have an archery in schools program here in our area. They may have one in Texas as well.
They have a complete program with safety an a way to teach, without touch and critiziam, may keep you out of trouble with a parent! Isn't it amasing you can't tap a kid on the head for doing well without getting into trouble.
They have you teach 3 under.

[DayTripper]

Originally posted by Chester Thompson:
Pretty sure that you will have to have a certification to be allowed by the Scout to run a range. It is pretty easy though, a one day class from US Olympic Archery. It will teach you the basics of running a range, and the basic of shooting.

Chester,
You are correct. I'll have to go through a certification program with BSA.

[r-man]

I am teaching my 4 younglings now.  each has diff needs, and its not easy, got to start with grip of bow and safty issues first, and equipment check, for damage, and once they can repeat your answers to these types of ? than take out the bow.