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This Beginner Archery Program is designed for beginners who are just getting into the sport or want to improve their skills. It will guide you through the basics of archery, including proper stance, form, and technique, to help you build a solid foundation. By the end of this 5-week starter program, your kid should feel more comfortable with the basic techniques of archery: proper stance, form, drawing the bow, and releasing arrows with accuracy.  


Instructor: Roman O'Brienhalla & Dylan Lamarre

Grade: 4th - 6th 

Cost: $85/participant 
     
Time: 6pm - 7pm
      
Where: Standish Memorial Park
695 Ossipee Trl W, Standish, ME 04084

When: Friday's 5/9/25 - 6/5/25      (5 Week Program)

Week 1: Introduction to Archery and Basic Skills
- Introduction to Archery Equipment and Safety
  • Objective: Familiarize yourself with the equipment and basic safety rules.
    • Bow: Learn the different types of bows (Long, Recurve, Compound) and basic parts of the bow (limbs, riser, string, sight).
    • Arrows: Understand arrow types and components (shaft, Fletching, point).
    • Safety Gear: Learn how to properly wear the bow release, and an arm guard.
    • Always point the bow in a safe direction.
    • Don’t dry-fire the bow (shoot without an arrow).
    • Follow all range rules and listen to instructors.
    • Equipment Overview:
    • Safety:
       Practice:
    • Practice nocking an arrow (placing the arrow on the string) and learning the correct grip on the bow.
Week 2: Stance, Form, and Shooting Basics
  • Objective: Focus on establishing a solid stance and form for consistent shooting.
    • Feet shoulder-width apart, facing sideways to the target.
    • Proper Stance:
     Slight bend in your knees for balance.
      • Relax your body; avoid tension in your shoulders or arms.
    • Grip and Draw:
      • Hold the bow with a relaxed grip — don’t squeeze too tight.
      • Practice drawing the bowstring back using your back muscles, not your arms.
    • Anchor Point:
      • Establish a consistent anchor point (where your drawing hand touches your face, corner of your mouth or chin).
      Practice:
    • Practice shooting 3-5 arrows at a target from 10 yards, focusing on form and relaxation.
Week 3: Aiming and Focus
  • Objective: Learn basic aiming techniques and mental focus.
    • Focus on the tip of your arrow or use a sight (if applicable) to aim.
    • Learn the difference between open sight aiming (no sight) and sighted shooting (using a bow sight).
    • Practice focusing on your shot process, not the target.
    • Breathing techniques to relax before drawing the bow.
    • Aiming:
    • Mental Focus:
         Practice:
    • Shoot 3-5 arrows, aiming at a target from 10 yards. Focus on aiming and smooth release.
    • Record your shots (where they land) to track progress.
Week 4: Building Consistency and Strength
Day 1: Review and Practice Shooting
  • Objective: Strengthen your shooting form and consistency.
    • Check your stance and form before every shot.
    • Focus on consistent bow hand placement and smooth drawing.
    • Smooth release of the string (don’t jerk the bow).
    • Focus on follow-through: Keep the bow arm extended after the shot and relax your fingers.
    • Review Stance and Form:
    • Shot Execution:
         Practice:
    • Shoot 5 arrows at 10 yards. Aim for consistent grouping (keeping the arrows in a small area of the target).
    • Take note of any adjustments you need to make (form, aiming).
Week 5: Mental Focus and Accuracy Drills
  • Objective: Improve mental clarity and accuracy.
    • Use visualization: Imagine hitting the bullseye before shooting.
    • Focus on controlling your breath and staying calm.
    • Shoot at 5-10 yards, aiming for a specific spot on the target.
    • Practice shooting 3 arrows, then reset your form and aim again.
    • Mental Focus:
    • Accuracy Drill:
       Practice:
    • Shoot 3-5 arrows at a target, aiming for tight groupings.
    • Focus on a smooth release and clean follow-through.

For more information and to register visit www.standishrec.com 
Additional questions? Email: robrienhalla@standish.org

Register Activity Ages Grades Days Date/Time Fees
 
   Log In
Grades 4-6 
2210 		N/A 4 - 6 F  05/09/2025 - 06/06/2025
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Standish Memorial Park (Municipal) 		$85.00 R, $85.00 NR
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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