PRA Archery Instruction Programs

Basic Archery Instruction Program (BAIP)
Saturday mornings 9:00AM to 11:00AM (be at the range by 8:30 AM to sign in and pick up equipment)

The Basic Archery Instruction Program is designed for archers who have participated in the PRA archery program for at least three Saturday morning general sessions and who wish to develop their archery skills through small group instruction. This six week, sequential program is limited to a maximum of eight students per class and will focus on developing archery form and skills. Because this is a sequential program, student archers will be asked to make a commitment to attend all six weekly meetings. The cost of the BAIP program is $60 for 6 weeks.

The course content is structured to help archers work progressively through the Nine Steps to the Ten Ring. The steps will be introduced, demonstrated and explained as part of a complete shot sequence. The instructor will work with each student to clarify their understanding and refine their technique. There will be ample opportunity for questions and individual coaching. The class topics by week are:

First week

Review Basic shooting form and safety rules from beginner session
Introduce the Nine Steps to the 10-Ring and work on steps 1, 2 & 3 (Stance, Nock and Set)
Archers will receive a printed guide of the Nine Steps to the Ten Ring.

Second week

Review Basic shooting form – steps of Week One, adding steps 4 & 5 (Predraw, and Draw)

Third Week

Review Steps from Week Two – steps 4 & 5, adding Step 6 (Anchor)

Fourth Week

Review Steps from Week Three – steps 4, 5 & 6, adding Step 7 (Aiming)
Introduce the bow sight
Shoot longer distances

Fifth Week (with sight added to bow)

Review Steps from Week Four – steps 6 & 7, adding Steps 8 & 9 Release and Follow-Through
Shoot longer distances
An explanation of the relationship between arrow weight and stiffness (spine) to bow draw weight (a very basic introduction to tuning) and their influence on arrow flight, especially over longer distances.

Sixth week (with sight added to bow)

Review all the Steps and shoot a 10-target match, with each target at different distances including a very short one.
Take a written quiz on archery techniques and terminology
Receive information on buying their own archery equipment
Receive information on the Advanced Archery Instruction and Junior Olympic Archery Development programs available Saturday mornings and during the weekdays.

• Know and follow basic safety guidelines as proper handling of equipment, shooting line conduct, target conduct, and equipment condition.
• Know the basic procedure for proper posture, natural stance, nocking arrow, proper bow hand placement, string-hand finger placement, pre-draw, good drawing motion, consistent anchor position, aiming, release execution and follow-through.
• Know the parts of the bow and arrow.
• Understand draw length and draw weight concepts.
• Be familiar with the purpose and proper use of such accessories as finger tabs, sights and stabilizers.
• Be aware of some basic bow-tuning concepts.

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