These days, sports fans old and new are more used to fast-paced team sports and constant stimulation, rather than the actual “art” of competition that exists in what some would consider archaic forms of sports. Archery, in particular, offers something entirely different than what’s out there in the wide world today. Where football is loud and combative, archery is quiet and focused. Moreover, those who engage with archery often feel that it helps to hone their mind as well as their body, and thus, find it to be far more rewarding of an experience than the rough and tumble sports of the mainstream.
It would be accurate to say that archery is better suited for cerebral children, those who might be uncomfortable with more aggressive team sports. Indeed, for many children, engaging with archery can build up their patience, discipline, and self-confidence, all while enhancing their physical skills, dexterity, strength, and accuracy. Nevertheless, your child need not be of a certain countenance, intellect, or physicality to practice archery. Frankly, with a little training, anyone can do it.
In this article, we will teach parents how to help their children channel their inner Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen. We will walk you through everything you need to know about archery as it pertains to children — from safety and equipment to the mental and physical benefits this ancient sport can impart upon an avid archer. So sling your bow and quiver onto your back, dear reader, and let’s head off to Sherwood Forest!
What Is Archery?
Archery, by its strictest definition, is the sport or practice of using a bow to shoot arrows at a target. Most readers will have at least a cursory understanding of this, whether they watched Disney’s Brave or Lord of the Rings. We use these two specific examples to illustrate the ancient roots that archery has. In the past, it was primarily used for hunting and warfare, but modern archery has become less about sustaining one’s life and more about recreation and competition. Even today, it is activity enjoyed by people of all ages all over the world.
As it turns out, archery is more than just using a bow and arrow. There are different types of archery and they include:
- Target Archery – This is the most common form of modern recreational archery. It involves shooting at stationary targets from a set distance. It also happens to be the most common type of Olympic archery and is the best entry point for kids who are starting out.
- Field Archery – This form involves shooting at targets on varying terrain and is meant to simulate real-life conditions.
- 3D Archery – This type of archery is supposed to be a harmless rendition of hunting archery. As such, it involves shooting at three-dimensional animal-shaped targets in a natural environment.
- Traditional Archery – Traditional archery uses longbows or recurve bows without modern sights or stabilizers.
- Compound Archery – This, more intense form of archery involves using mechanically enhanced bows with pulleys, as well as cams for increased accuracy and power.
Is Archery Safe Enough for Children?
This is a tough question, as any sport that involves the powerful launching of sharp projectiles is bound to raise some safety concerns. This is especially true of a sport that traces its history back to early warfare. The good news is that, yes — when practiced under supervision and with proper gear and instruction, archery is perfectly safe for children. Accidents do happen now and then, but they are mostly the result of people not following the established guidelines.
To keep things safer overall, organized archery programs are designed to follow strict safety protocols. There are designated shooting lines and safety zones meant for play. Coaches and instructors are certified and trained via mandatory safety briefings; briefings which are also mandatory to athletes. Archers utilize various pieces of safety equipment, including arm guards, finger tabs, and only use bows of appropriate size. Ranges also tend to be supervised at all times and have rules and codes of conduct clearly posted for all to see.
What is an Appropriate Archery Age?
In George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones series, one character is quoted as telling another that “Dothraki boys can shoot from horseback at 5 years old…” This may be from a high fantasy setting, but the fact is, even in the real world, children can begin practicing basic archery around the age of 6 or 7. Now, this number is based on a number of different factors, including the child’s maturity, coordination, and attention span, but it is possible! Nevertheless, the majority of youth programs and camps accept kids starting around 8 years old.
If you think your child might be ready to start archery, there are a things to look out for. If your child has reasonable hand-eye-coordination, can focus for between a half hour and an hour, and call follow multi-step instructions with ease, they could be ready to pick up the bow. At the very least, introduce the topic to them, let them see how a bow and arrow works, either through books, movies, video clips, or television shows. Nerf and other toy companies make foam bow-and-arrow sets that kids can practice with safely. This will also help them to develop the muscle memory and kinesthetic motion they need to do it for real.
Benefits of Archery for Kids
Many consider archery to be a holistic sport that nurtures physical, mental, and emotional development in children. Think about it, archery demands stillness, control, and precision; attributes that are often hard-won in children from a young age. By practicing archery, kids might learn to better tune out distractions and become more mindful in all their tasks, including school and the eventual workplace.
Archery is not as cardio-intensive as track, soccer, or even football, but it still builds up muscle strength, especially in the upper body, arms, back, and shoulders. It can also strengthen an athlete’s core, heighten their fine motor skills, and refine their accuracy, balance, and posture.
Kids who play sports are given a chance to build up their confidence and archery provides a great avenue for this. Every arrow shot is a chance to build their self-esteem, to gain a sense of achievement and master a skill that not everyone can do. Archery also helps children to learn how go regulate their emotions, so it can be good for managing stress, anxiety, aggression, or frustration.
Equipment: What Do Kids Need to Get Started?
Once your child has graduated from the Nerf stage, chances are good they are going to need a real bow and arrow. As with any sport, getting the right gear is the key to making certain that archery is as safe and enjoyable for your child as it can be. Note that many programs provide equipment to beginners, but if your child gets serious, it pays for them to have their own bow and other essentials.
Basic Equipment Checklist
Bow – Beginners usually use a recurve bow. Choose based on draw length, weight, and arm span.
Arrows – Must be the correct length and material. They can be made of fiberglass, aluminum, or carbon.
Arm Guard – Protects the inside of the forearm from contact with the bowstring.
Finger Tab or Glove – These are meant to shield the fingers from repeated strain.
Quiver – This is what is used to holds arrows safely. It should be easy to reach, even if it’s worn.
Target – Foam block or bullseye targets for practice at home or in programs are helpful for kids wanting to compete at higher levels.
Choosing the Right Bow
Bows need to be matched to your child’s:
- Draw weight – This is how much force is needed for them to pull back the bowstring. For young kids: 10–20 lbs. is usually sufficient.
- Draw length – This refers to the distance from the nocking point to the full draw point.
- Dominant eye and hand – This determines whether the bow is left- or right-handed. Some kids can fire ambidextrously, but most favor one of the other.
Fear now, most archery shops or programs can help measure and fit a child with the proper gear.
Finding Archery Programs for Kids
There are many ways to introduce your child to archery. Schools and summer camps often provide the basics, but if they want to be more involved, you may want to keep an eye out for organizations with youth programs or those that feature certified instruction. Some examples of trusted archery organizations can be found in the list below:
- USA Archery – The national governing body for the sport; offers Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) programs for kids aged 8–20.
- NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) – Active in many U.S. schools; introduces students to target archery in a PE setting.
- 4-H and Scouts – Many regional chapters of the 4-H club and Boy or Girl Scouts offer archery as part of their youth development curriculum.
- Local recreation departments and camps – These local organizations often provide beginner-level instruction during summer or school breaks for kids in the community.
Cultured Athlete Says…
As you can see, archery might seem like a sport for specialists or LARPers, but thanks to the internet, it’s more accessible than it has ever been. You can start your child as early as age 6 and if they enjoy it, archery could be their chosen form of physical exercise for their entire life! Peaceful yet powerful, individual yet community-driven, archery is a sport best-suited for kids who crave focus, personal growth, and rewarding challenges. In the end, whether your child becomes an Olympic sharpshooter or a backyard archer, they can draw inspiration and build character behind the bow; and that is something that surely every parent can appreciate!
Discover more from CulturedAthlete
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
