How to Teach Your Child to Use a Youth Recurve Bow Safely and Effectively

Categorized as Archery Tips
How to Teach Your Child to Use a Youth Recurve Bow Safely and Effectively

Alright, fellow archery parents! Do you want to show your child the fun of archery? You’re in the right place.

I know firsthand that teaching a child how to use a youth recurve bow can be both thrilling and challenging. But fear not, my friends – I’m here to help you through it.

To start, make sure you choose the correct bow. It’s not good if your child has trouble with a bow that is too big or heavy.

Youth recurve bows come in different sizes, so choose one that’s appropriate for their age and height. As a general rule, a youth bow should have a draw weight that is about 10-20% of their body weight.

Now, let’s dive into the five steps to teach your child how to use a youth recurve bow like a pro!

Safety First

Before anything else, teach your child the importance of safety. Make sure they know that a bow is not a toy and they should treat it with respect.

Explain the importance of keeping the arrow pointed downrange and never pointing it at anyone or anything they don’t intend to shoot. Always remember, safety should be the most important thing to consider!

Master the Stance

A solid foundation is key to a great shot. Teach your child the correct stance for shooting a recurve bow. Have them stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the target. Their body should be relaxed, and their weight evenly distributed.

Nailing the Grip

A proper grip on the bow is essential for accuracy. Teach your child to hold the bow with a relaxed hand, letting the handle rest in the groove of their thumb. Remind them not to grip the bow too tightly, as this can cause torque and result in inaccurate shots.

Aiming and Drawing

Once they’ve got the grip down, it’s time to work on aiming and drawing the bow. Show your child how to keep both eyes open and concentrate on the target.

With their bow arm extended, have them draw the string back to the corner of their mouth, using their back muscles. Explain the importance of a smooth, steady draw and maintaining a consistent anchor point.

Releasing the Arrow

Now, it’s time for the moment of truth – releasing the arrow! Encourage your child to take a deep breath, relax their fingers, and let the string slip through their fingers as they release the arrow. Remind them to follow through, keeping their bow arm extended and maintaining their anchor point until the arrow hits the target.

Practice, practice, practice!

The more your child practices, the more they will improve. Be patient and remember that it’s all about having fun and building their confidence.

There you have it! By following these five steps, you will be able to teach your child how to use a youth recurve bow like a pro.

Enjoy the bonding experience and watch as your little archer develops their skills and falls in love with the sport, just like we did. Happy shooting!

Related Article:

Comparing Youth Recurve Bows vs. Compound Bows for Young Archers