I’ve been in the sport of archery for several years and there are a few things I would do over again. Here’s a few things that can help you out on your start with archery.
Over-bowing
I’m not sure how avoidable this mistake is since nearly every archer I have met suffers from this. Being over-bowed is to shoot a bow with a poundage that our body isn’t prepared for. Many archers want to be able to hit long distances and quickly jump to the most powerful bow that they can pull. They pull the bow back once or twice, feeling that they can handle. Pulling a bow back once or twice does not equate to being able to shoot that bow well hundreds of shots in a practice session. Many archers suffer injures from poor form that comes with being over-bowed.
Instead, take it slow. Ensure that you’re developing a safe form as you increase your poundage. Increase poundage slowly. Increases to poundage should be barely noticeable. Do not jump from 16 to 30 pounds or 20 to 45 pounds. Let common sense, not your ego, drive your training.
Over-spending
Many archers believe that the gear makes the archer. Equipment makes a difference but not at beginner’s levels. Top quality bows and arrows make an incremental difference but not enough to steer the arrows into the gold if you’re completely missing the target. Instead, spend your resources and efforts on training rather than gear. Never blame your bow for your performance. Instead, learn how to shoot it and understand what it is that you want from your perfect bow before handing over your hard-earned cash.
You can also save cash by tapping into the very active resale market for used gear. Archers usually take care of their equipment so you can pick up great condition equipment for great prices. Many archers also love to experiment with new gear and are always cycling through different products. You don’t have to be a spendthrift but it helps to know who they are to benefit from their latest purges.
Ditching Beginner Gear
This is a related mistake to over-spending. In the rush to acquire the latest or most powerful gear that they can, archers quickly shed their beginner and low-poundage equipment to either make room or recuperate funds. I have done this only to reacquire low-poundage gear again for several reasons.
Low poundage gear is great for practicing form. It’s often easier to work on minute details of your form on low-poundage equipment. The lighter weight allows your focus on various movements that might be difficult if you’re under the pressure of drawing heavier weight. If you’re suffering an injury, a lighter poundage bow might be the solution to keep you in the game until you fully recover.
Beginner friendly gear is also great for introducing non-archery friends or family to the sport. Give someone a great first experience with archery by letting them shoot an easy, low poundage set-up. Make archery accessible and you might draw more people in and have a wider community to share the sport with.
Lastly, budget equipment is just fun. There will be times when you will feel burned out from drawing heavy limbs. Keep lighter options around to keep archery fresh and fun. Budget gear is also great for travel. Instead of taking expensive gear with you for non-archery travel, bring a budget (i.e. easily replaceable) set up and enjoy your trip worry-free.
Poor Range Safety and Etiquette
The most important thing to learn about archery is safety. Before you use the range, make sure you understand the rules of the range in order to keep you or yourself safe. Many ranges often require a safety class before being allowed to use the range but there are ranges that allow anyone to shoot. Read and follow any posted rules. Never shoot if someone is down range. Never enter the range to retrieve arrows when someone is shooting. If you’re in doubt about what to do, just ask. Archers are always happy to explain how the range works but less patient when you endanger the safety of the range. Do not be surprised or offended when someone corrects any unsafe behavior. Safety is first.
A less serious offense is poor range etiquette. If everyone on the line is staring at you, they are waiting for you to stop shooting so they can retrieve their arrows. If you lose an arrow, be mindful of the time you are delaying shooting by searching for lost arrows. Try to limit the number of lost arrows you shoot by using a closer target until you are more proficient. Respect everyone’s limited time to enjoy their hobby or practice their sport. Courtesy goes a long way.
Ignoring Pain
Archery is not supposed to hurt. There are certain pains beyond normal muscle soreness or fatigue that we should not ignore. These are signs that we are setting ourselves up for long-term injury. If you experience pain, stop what you’re doing and consult with a coach and/or physical therapist to find the underlying issue. Set yourself up for a lifetime of success with archery and keep your body healthy.
Exclusively self-teaching
A related mistake is not seeking out professional advice. Depending on your goals and circumstances, working with a coach or physical therapist regularly may not be feasible. If you are on the journey with archery solo, make sure to occasionally check in with a coach or physical therapist to evaluate your form. This will help you avoid injury and ensure that you’re on your way to developing a strong shot process. Coaches and low-cost group classes are widely available in many metro areas and with the internet, no one is out of reach from a coach through online/video coaching services.
Eat Sleep Archery Repeat
Many archers tend to fixate on the sport and obsess over their performance. They schedule their life around archery. They injure themselves for archery. They neglect other aspects of their life for it. For most of us, archery will not be a lucrative activity. Shoot archery as a way to improve the mental and physical aspects of your life. Don’t live your life to shoot archery. Remember that we pursue practice as a pastime and a challenge, not our livelihood, so pursue it accordingly.