Interested in learning archery? Well, that’s great news, because in this short guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the basics of archery, and where to go from there. Like any sport or hobby, the hardest stage of learning is understanding where to start. While you may be tempted to purchase an expensive archery set complete with high-end components and a quiver of real arrows, that’s usually not the best idea. Instead, don’t be afraid to go to your local Walmart or sporting goods store in search of a cheaper, more beginner friendly archery set. Additionally, look online or in-store for a soft target specially designed for use with a bow and arrow. It’s important to use a foam/soft surface target so as to not damage your arrow tips.

Once you’ve found a beginner-friendly bow that works for you, what’s next? Well, that’s where Kyle Rosser, a proficient archer since 2011 comes in to share his advice. The first step in becoming an archer is to have enough confidence to miss a thousand shots, yet still be willing to miss a thousand more. As Rosser says, “To become a master Archer, one must confide in his own misdoings. Only then, can they truly improve themselves.” 

With your bow in hand, it’s time to begin your archery journey. To begin practicing, search for an empty park, or backyard, and set up your target about 15-30 yards away from where you’ll be standing. Next, it’s time for what Mr. Rosser calls, ‘The Process.’ The first step of the process is your footwork: Stand position with your feet shoulder length apart, perpendicular to the target. Next, ready your arrow and place it in front of your bow, sliding it against the string and into position. Now, hold the bow string between your middle and index finger, and with your other hand, hold the bow between your hand and your thumb, with your fingers outstretched like a handshake. Now, align the sights of the bow with your target, and begin to pull back the bow string using your back muscles. Finally, take a deep breath, and release. Whether or not the arrow landed squarely on the bullseye, or it somehow ended up 30 feet in the opposite direction, the hardest part of archery, or any hobby, is already behind you: just getting started.