Archery Lesson Plan

May 10, 2010

Grades 4th and up

Instructor:  Kimmy Moore

Equipment:

1.)    Open field

2.)    Re-curve bows (number will depend on class size…2-6 bows would be about right)

3.)    Arrows

4.)    Cones

5.)    Archery Targets and stands

6.)    Wrist guards optional

Set Up:

            The shooting line should initially be set 10 yards from the targets. All archers must shoot from the same distance. Archers who are waiting to shoot should remain 5 yards behind the shooting line. These boundaries can be set using cones.  Get out the appropriate number of bows and put them on the stand if you have a stand…if not, they can be set on the ground facing the targets.  Get out six arrows per bow and put them in the cones (or in quivers if attainable), feathers up, or lay them on the ground. The arrows for each archer should be identical, since this simplifies retrieval. Place ground quivers/bow stands right next to the shooting line.

Lesson:

            Students will learn how to identify and safely use basic archery equipment. Students will practice correctly shooting at standard archery targets with a re-curve bow.

Objectives:

            Students will be able to:

A.)   Demonstrate proper stance, knocking, targeting, and release techniques

B.)  Follow basic safety procedures involved in handling and using archery equipment

C.)  Develop the basic skills necessary to enjoy archery as a sport.

Procedure:

1.)    Go over the following safety rules:

· There is zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior.

· Bows and arrows should be pointed down range at all times.

· No one should retrieve their arrows until the teacher gives the proper command.

· Never dryfire the bows (pull back and shoot with no arrow.) This is NOT good for the bow.

· If anyone is shooting, all other people should be sitting or standing behind the firing line

2.)    Divide the students in to three groups, one group per shooting lane. This means that only three people are shooting at a time. Students shoot three arrows before they go and retrieve them for the next person in line. Go through the shooting commands.  While the shooting teams are on the shooting line the following commands should be used:

· “Shooters to the line.” (Come up and get the bow)

· “Shooters nock your first arrow.” (Nock their arrow and wait)

· “Shooters ready.” (Get into the shooting stance & draw)

· “Range open, fire at will.” (Release the arrow) Students should shoot all three arrows at will. Once all 9 arrows have been released, the next command will be given.

· “Range closed. Hand off bows to next shooter.”

· “Retrieve your arrows.” No one should ever step across the firing line until the “range closed” command is given, even if you drop and could reach it within one step. It is important to have patience because everyone takes different amounts of time to shoot.

3.)    To remove your arrow place one hand flat against the target with the arrow coming out between your thumb and pointer finger. Wrap the other hand around the arrow as close to your first hand as possible and pull straight out. Do not wiggle the arrow around to remove it, simply pull as straight as possible. This prevents the arrows from bending and the targets from getting large holes in them.

 *when bows are NOT being used either hang them up or lay them gently on the shooting line.