archery coaches have it easy

[geoffretired]

At least archery coaches don't need to discuss tactics or watch the opposition to discover weaknesses. Do we over complicate things?
I think I do at times. Explaining a problem or reaching a solution can take time and some well chosen words, but shooting arrows can be done by six year olds so how difficult is it really?
I would like some help, please, with making a list of the things that the archer needs to get right. I don't think the list will be all that long. Some parts of the list will be important, yet simple things.
Here's a couple to get things started;
select a stance (open/closed or in between)
keep the bow shoulder low and well located

[Bald Eagle]

"Tie your hair up, take out your piercings!" there's a couple more that may be apt!

[Marcus26]

guess it depends on how good you want them to be.
As a coach I develop their techniques down to the finest muscle movement and start on that process from day one. My kids (11-17yo) spend the first half of the session doing setup drills (no shooting, just drawing)
Posture is also high on the list of things to get right first.
Setup is vital to getting the shot working correctly.
Clicker use is next on the list of things to get spot on.
And from there we refine and develop.
I think it can take 5+ years to develop a part time archer correctly.

I also use to coach grid iron and archery was far more complex in it's systems, but then we do archery at a higher level here.

[geoffretired]

That's an interesting list, Marcus.
Does that apply to students who are expecting to shoot to a high level or would that apply to all, no matter what their expectations are?

[Marcus26]

All students. I don't think anyone is really capable of deciding how good they wannt to be when they start. When I started I didn't want to shoot in competitions, untill I got dragged to one.
I believe that everyone wants to shoot well. Some will work harder towards itthan others, but the technque is identical.

[wingate_52]

Keep beard and moustache shorter.
Don't wear a watch on your bow wrist.

[geoffretired]

Marcus, I asked the wrong questions in my reply to you.
I should have asked if the list was for a group of students who had already reached a high standard, or was it for those at the beginning of their archery?
However, the answer you gave has answered that one,too.
Thanks for that. I agree with all you said there. I feel coaching should get off to a good start so there is less to correct later.

[Marcus26]

Totally.
I have a 15yo girl student who I coached from day one (recurve). She spent the first 4 weeks on a theraband learning structure, then the next 4 weeks on blank target. etc etc.
6 months later she shot in and won the state indoor titles, would have finished 4th in open womens.
She's not shooting mid-260 Vegas rounds (530 FITA). Not bad considering she only shoots a few times a week at best.

We got it right from the start and have been able to cut back her development time greatly. She doesn't have plans to go to the olympics, just enjoys shooting with her friends at the club and competitions, but is really enjoying how well she is shooting.

[geoffretired]

Nice story Marcus. Get it right at the start. I find I use up so much time correcting problems that could have been avoided.

[cliveanne]

Originally Posted by wingate_52

Keep beard and moustache shorter.
Don't wear a watch on your bow wrist.

I see where you are going with this, but I keep my watch on. I've never hit it yet. I have also taught a Muslim to shoot, & his beard was a good'un, he never got it tangled...but if he did