How would one go about learning archery?

2 Responses to How would one go about learning archery?

1. Roy says:

   August 24, 2006 at 12:39 am

   go to 3riversarchery.com and look at there learn how to videos and tht will help u
2. archerdude says:

   August 24, 2006 at 8:06 pm

   There are many types of “archery” — Olympic Style, Field, Hunting, etc, but I will concentrate on only two of them. There is an organization called “US Archery”; they tend to concentrate on the Olympic style archery, but they are a good starting place the new archer. There is also the Society for Creative Anachronisms, Inc., an International not-for-profit Mediaeval Education/Re-enactment organization which “just happens’ to include archery in its activities.

   US Archery has branches in every state, most in or near the larger towns/cities.
   All you would have to do is find the nearest one and get out there, ask questions, etc. Be warned, though, there is often (but not always) a fee to pay for their coaching services, and not all groups have equipment for loan. They can also be a bit strict in how to do things (drawing, releasing, etc), or so I have heard. I am not personally big on Olympic style archery, so whe compared to others such as “targetbutt” here on Y! Answers, I really don’t know a lot about it or the US Archery affiliate groups….

   My personal preference is Traditional Archery with wood-shafted arrows and no sights.

   The SCA has branches around the world. If you live in Europe, Britain or the U.S.A., there should be one within 60 miles of where you live. (yes, I know, high-school student and all…but I used to ride a 10-speed more than 60 miles, easy, when I was your age!)
   Just go through the list and find the group representing your area….. Look for “Archery Marshal”, or “Knights Marshal”, or such titles which are similar (if in doubt, ask the “Senechal” of the group…). Again, ask questions, attend their practices. Most SCA groups that include archery in their activities will have equipment available for loan, to help you find out if you actually want to continue archery before spending huge amounts of money on it. And there will almost always be someone willing to help you learn, without you having to pay for the instruction.

   For help in teaching yourself (for those times when there just isn’t any other choice), there is a 10-step method of self-instruction.
   The “aim” (no pun intended) is to do each step, no matter how you personally end up doing them, the same way ***every time***. If you decide to draw to the tip of your nose, do it ***every*** time; if you decide to hold the bow at a 20-degree angle from vertical, do it ***every*** time. If something isn’t working, change it a little bit — and then give the change time to “sink in” before deciding it is right or wrong. Consistency is one of the keys to accuracy; practice is another.

   And the question of which kind/type/style bow is “better” is really up to personal preference. Only you can answer that one — after trying some bows.