At Orion’s Archers we run the full 6-week beginner’s course. A one-time fee includes the six sessions, insurance, and all equipment needed.
The sessions will vary depending on the needs and interests of the particular students on the course, but in general it is structured as follows.
Weeks 1 & 2: barebow shooting
Weeks 3 & 4: freestyle (sights and long rods)
Weeks 5 & 6: personal choice
Week 1. the students are given the safety rules and introduced to an overview of the shot cycle. Basics of the square stance. We then shoot at a close target (about 10m). Demonstrate the 1-2-3 drill.
Week 2. Introduce setting up and taking down a recurve bow. Bow the target to a greater distance. Go into more detail on the draw and the barebow anchor. Discuss Point-of-Aim, string-walking, and face-walking, for shooting at different distances with barebow.
Week 3. By now the students are setting up the bow by themselves and shooting at the full indoor distance. Show the anchor used with a sight. How to use and adjust a sight. Release drill.
Week 4. This week we concentrate on the hook, bow hand and arm, set up, and raise. Probably this week we would also measure your draw length and make suggestions for your first bow and arrows.
Week 5. Putting the weight of the bow on the back muscles. Teach the follow-through, and setting the elbow along the Draw Force Line.
Week 6. Visualization and breathing. Work on whatever the weakest aspects of the form are. Introduction to tournament scoring.
The above is just a rough outline. The details often change according to what people need.