Archery has been used for sport and hunting for hundreds of years.It is easy to get involved in sports like soccer or basketball, but it requires more than that.The best way to learn is to take lessons from a live person.You can find a bow that fits you if you pick the right safety equipment.When you first get started, you want to try out different angles and target types, master the basics, and practice as often as you can.
Step 1: You can find archery clubs near you.
You shouldn't try to start archery on your own.You can visit an archery club if you search online.If you want to get started with archery, you need to meet the people who work there and tell them you are new to it.You may be able to find an archery class or club in your school.School programs are a great way to start.You can find archery organizations when you are researching.You can find shooting ranges that sell equipment, offer lessons, and have shooting facilities.If you can't find a club near you, there's a good chance someone in your area has archery experience.If you know anyone who would be willing to teach you the basics, ask them to lend you some equipment.
Step 2: Call to find out what services they offer.
Many clubs have meetings for beginners.You can ask if they have equipment you can test.You can ask the club if they sell equipment.It is helpful to let the club know before you show up that you are a beginner and want to learn.They can tell you if they have any fees or if you need to bring an ID.If you're not sure about how invested you want to be, you should look for other archery clubs.
Step 3: You can learn from a live person.
Learning from an experienced archer is more important than watching videos and reading about techniques.They can tell you how to adjust and help you position yourself.If you have a friend or family member who has been shooting for a while, ask if they can give you some beginner lessons.The best way to learn archery is in a beginners class.
Step 4: You should take an introductory course.
An introductory course will be designed for people with no archery knowledge.You will learn about common archery terms, how to stand and hold the bow, and what safety precautions to take when shooting.Specific techniques for archery include how far to pull the string back, and how to aim.Taking a course will teach you these and give you time to focus on them in a supportive setting.If you find a club near you that does not offer courses, look for another one that you can take a course at.You could practice at your local club once you get the basics.
Step 5: The test is for eye dominance.
The dominant eye will affect how you see the shot and therefore affect your aim.The eye dominance test will help you figure out which side of your body to hold the bow on.Put your thumbs and forefingers together to form a triangle.Pick an object that is 15 feet away and place it in the middle of the triangle.If the object stays centered, close your left eye.The test should be done with the right eye.Your dominant eye is the one that keeps the object centered.It is important to know which is best for you because bows are designed to be held with either the right or left hand.
Step 6: When you first start, rent or borrow the equipment.
You don't want to spend a lot of money on archery equipment until you know you'll stick with it.You can borrow or rent equipment from many archery clubs.You can find someone who will let you use their equipment while you learn.If you can't find archery equipment at any of the clubs near you, it's a good idea to check out the return policy at the club.
Step 7: The bow should have the proper poundage.
The draw weight is how much weight it takes to pull the bow string back.The poundage that will serve you best is determined by your size and strength.An expert at an archery club can help you with this.A child starting out would want a draw weight between 10 and 20 lbs.At 35 lbs., a large man would want.Choosing a draw weight that is too high can cause injury to your arms because you will strain at pulling the string back.You don't want it to be easy to pull the back string as this will cause you to over pull it.
Step 8: Use safety equipment.
Even experienced archers use arm guards.A shooting glove/tab will protect your fingers from the strain of pulling the string back.These are good for accuracy and smooth shots.The armguard protects your clothes from catching on the string.A smooth release of the string is aided by the glove.When you first start out, there is no shame in using help and taking extra precautions.If you are comfortable, you can stop using safety equipment.Another piece of safety equipment is a chest guard.It goes across the arm that holds the bow.It flattens your clothes so the string doesn't get on them.It is important to wear bright clothing if you are shooting in the woods or around other people.
Step 9: You can choose the arrows.
They are made of wood, aluminum, carbon, and fiberglass.Getting the proper arrow length is more important than the material.Divide your arm span by 2.5.Choose arrows that are 1–2 inches longer than that.If you stick your arm out straight, you can rest your fist against the wall.Measure from the wall to the corner of your mouth.This is a good length for arrows if you add 1–2 inches.
Step 10: Make sure you master the basics.
There are many options for archery, from hunting to shooting at targets on horseback.Before you get into advanced shooting, you need to perfect your stance, get comfortable with gripping and drawing the bow, and become accurate at aiming.Learning to account for wind is a good skill.Once you have learned the basics, you will probably practice without a teacher most of the time, but it's good to check back in with an instructor after you've been shooting for a while.They can keep an eye on you and make sure you are doing your job.Don't get discouraged if you start hitting bullseyes at the beginning.It can take years to become an expert archer.
Step 11: When you shoot, breathe steadily.
It's a common mistake for beginners to hold their breath during a shot.Reducing oxygen to your brain can affect your vision.Don't cut off your oxygen by taking slow, normal breaths.Keeping even breathing will keep you calm since archery is a calm sport.As you release the string, it's a good idea to exhale so that your breath and arrow are in sync.
Step 12: Where can you practice?
It's fine to practice in your own backyard or the woods if you know how to do it safely.You should warn other people before you start shooting.Shoot away from your house or any area where people are.It's a good idea to find out if your home or life insurance policy has any restrictions about shooting.You can make your own targets from bales of hay or cardboard boxes.Targets can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.
Step 13: You should practice as often as possible.
Don't expect to improve much if you want to start archery as a casual hobby that you pick up once in awhile.It takes consistent practice to become a proficient archer.Set a goal to practice a few times a week if you can't practice everyday.At the beginning, your muscles may get sore from the new strain of archery, so make sure you don't overwork it.Between shooting sessions, give yourself time to rest.You will have a better chance of getting the form down if you practice for at least the first month or so.It could take a little while for your practice to slow down.
Step 14: When you practice, vary your angles and distances.
Setting up a target at the same distance every time is easy to fall into.If you want to increase your skill, you need to shoot from different angles.If you are going to hunt some day, get in a tree stand and shoot downward at the target, as this is likely how you will be hunting.If you want to increase your accuracy from longer range, take shots from 20 to 40 feet.Don't do all of your practice with a single target.If you can, set up some targets in the woods and practice hitting them while standing in one spot.