Archery lessons for Youth?
BySituation: A father wants to take his 3 year old son to Archery lessons stating he wants to learn
Aside from him being a three year old with a limited attention span like most three year old.
1.) Do they create equipment that a three year old can use?
2.) Is a three year old strong enough to even draw back the string far enough to shoot effectively of childen’s bows.
3.) What is the general consensus or laws about age of children and teaching them archery.
What should I look for or ask for that teaches archery? (certifications, affiliations, etc., etc.)
These questions pertain to a three year old learning archery
1.) Do they create equipment that a three year old can use?
2.) Is a three year old strong enough to even draw back the string far enough to shoot effectively of childen’s bows.
3.) What is the general consensus or laws about age of children and teaching them archery.
What should I look for or ask for that teaches archery? (certifications, affiliations, etc., etc.)
1 Comments
February 8th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Most range I know of will only start kids at 8, 6 is pushing it. I’m a coach, when dealing with 6 year olds, it’s hard enough, I can’t imagine a 3 year old.
Most youth bows made today aren’t made for kids that small, there’s a new one from Martin, it’s ambidextrous and a very short bow. But even then the weight is about 15 pounds, more than most 3 year olds can pull. Hoyt used to make the K-Bow, great little bows, but also the weight is around 15-20 pounds.
The worst case scenario, the kid will try it out, won’t be able to hit the target and gets frustrated, I’ve had a situation like that with a 6 year old a few years back. Had the parents waited 2 years, the kid would probably still be shooting now.
My suggestion is to wait. Later on when the boy is old enough, take him to an archery range and take a lesson. If you’re in the US, some places offer the lesson for free. Alternatively the boy can join a JOAD, short for Junior Olympic Archery Development. JOAD is geared for competition. It has a ranking system and such.
Later on, if you do decide to get the boy a private coach, or JOAD also actually, then you need to do your homework. Looking at certification alone doesn’t guarantee that you get a good coach. To top it off a good coach for me might be bad for you. Coach and athlete relationship depends a lot on the personalities involved. Some athletes need stern hand while others need a softer approach. A very good coach can accomodate both types, but that is quite rare.
Edit
to answer it directly
1. No, most manufacturers aim their youth bows at kids aged 8 and above.
2. Most 3 year olds will not have the strength to go to full draw, even on children bows.
3. There are no laws really, at least not in the US.