| RE: Coaching
I agree with Dave in that the vast majority of us are in this for the fun, not winning competitions - we basically compete against ourselves. If it's your desire to become recognized on a state (U.S.) or national/international level, then obviously you'll need a coach to help you keep your form and focus. For me, personally, it's something I do as a diversion/hobby, a way to unwind after work, or to spend more time outdoors.
A year ago I took a 1-day "Level 1" coaching course so that I could participate in Scouting with my two sons, as a summer-camp archery instructor. This, for $80, included range safety, proper form, and how to coach a kid who is new to the sport. Actual shooting was approx 1.5 hours - that's all I've ever gotten in terms of "formal" instruction.
Since then, I have practiced in my back yard, read some books, and watched maybe a short video here and there, and read/reviewed some more when I feel that I'm forgetting to do something correctly.
Basically, the way I look at it - the instructors who taught me did their job - they "grew" the sport (no small achievement in the U.S., where target archery is a niche within the niche of bow-hunting) - 2 years ago this was never even a consideration for me, now it's something that I actively participate in.
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