Archery, like any other sport, requires a lot of time and dedication to get it right. There is so much skill involved, and a lot to learn. You will have to master how to aim and shoot in a calm and measured way. There are also many specific sport-related terms, jargonise, and measurements to go with it. And that doesn’t even begin to cover the equipment aspect. What with the different types of bows and other specific tools and devices that you’ll need to learn about to perfect the art of archery. But there is no time like the present.

So here are some tips to get you started:

Join a local club

Archery is becoming more and more popular, and that means there will be a club nearby that you can attend. Alternatively, there may be some scope to find an instructor who can help you on an individual basis. This way, you can learn the basics, and borrow equipment while you get your feet. 

Research

Go online and read webpages, watch videos, and purchase books about archery. A good book will have a glossary of terms, and you will be able to double check things that you learn as you go along, reinforcing that new knowledge into your memory banks. You cannot know too much about something you want to get into. 

The two main types of bow

Understanding the equipment is something you will pick up along the way. But, as a beginner, at the very basic level, you will be dealing with these two main types of bow.

• Recurve bow – this is the more traditional sort of bow. They are long and sleek and are used by archers in the Olympics.
• Compound bow – these are a favorite with hunters, and you can pick the best beginner bow here. It is a much more modern design, and they are far more powerful than the recurve bow. The frame is in a rough sideways ‘M’ shape when firing. It has wheels on either end of the bow that allows the string through.

Arrow types

The arrows are made of one of three materials: 

• Aluminum – these are the best for beginners, so you will probably by using this type.
• Carbon – this material is popular with hunters and those who use the compound bow.
• Wood – Robin Hood’s arrow! These are not good with the compound bow.

Get out there and try

There is only one way that you are going to become an excellent archer, and that is to get out there and practice. Everything will fall into place the more time and effort you put into learning it. The more you practice and get, the quicker your body will adapt to the specific skill set required with archery. In addition, the more likely you will be able to do it alone safely.  

Buy a beginners set

Purchase a beginner’s set. This is a great way to learn as you can do it more often. However, you have to be safe. There may be some opportunity for you to pay a local farmer to practice in a field against a haystack. Just ask.