Archery and baby
At what age can you start learning?
Many parents are interested in at what age a child can engage in archery, whether it will harm his health. By and large, there are no age restrictions. You just need to take into account some of the nuances.
Most often, children are admitted to children's sections, starting from about 10 years of age. However, a bow and arrow may well be given to a smaller child. For example, Dave Kuzins, 25-time US champion, World Champion and multiple record holder, started shooting at age 3. However, for very young children, it's best to stick with a regular toy bow.
It is better to buy a children's sports bow for a child no earlier than seven years of age. Mainly because it takes a certain amount of physical strength to pull the string. Also, the child should already understand the safety requirements and take them seriously.
How to choose a bow for a child?
Choosing the right first bow is very important. When choosing a children's bow, you need to ask what is its tension force on the bowstring. It is traditionally measured in British pounds and denoted "lbs". 1 lbs (lbf) is equal to 0.454 kgf (kilogram of force).
The pulling force on the bow should not be too much for the child. Otherwise, instead of benefit, classes can only bring harm. In addition, shooting from such a bow is difficult, inconvenient and quickly boring. You should also not take a bow that is too weak. The child will not be interested in him.
It is possible to calculate the optimal tension of the bow, for example, based on the weight of the future shooter. But this value is very conditional, since it is also necessary to take into account the body mass index and the physical fitness of a particular child. For a small child weighing up to 32 kg, the optimal effort can be considered 10-15 lbs, for older children weighing from 32 to 45 kg - 15-25 lbs, for adolescents from 45 kg - 25-35 lbs.
The main selection criterion is that it should be comfortable to pull the bow. The optimal effort is considered to be ¾ of the maximum. In other words, someone who has a hard time pulling a 60-pound bow will be comfortable with a 45-pound bow. However, it is not always possible to try a product before buying.
Sometimes in the characteristics of a bow, the pulling force is indicated by two values, as, for example, in the description of this bow. This means that the tension can be adjusted within the specified range.
Such a popular 15 lbs bow, which has proven itself well for children of different ages, can be considered quite versatile.
For a beginner, it's best to choose a classic bow over a compound bow. Shooting a compound bow will require more precision from the shooter. It is better to buy a compound bow after the child has confidently mastered the classic one.
A few words about safety
Parents should not forget that the bow is no longer a toy with which you can leave your child alone. It is good if you can use the services of an experienced coach.
But if this is not possible, then all the same, a child can engage in shooting, only under the supervision of an adult.
Under no circumstances should you be allowed to point a drawn bow with an arrow at a person or animal! Do not shoot at poorly visible objects, such as bushes.
It is good if there is, for example, an earthen rampart or a wall behind the target. You can also install a special arrow-catching backing net. It can be found in specialized stores.In this case, you will not have to go far for arrows, and most importantly, it will be easier to control so that no one unexpectedly appears in the danger zone.
Why should a child shoot a bow?
It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of archery sports for the health of a modern child, loaded with school curriculum and regular work at the computer. However, you shouldn't do it for more than one and a half to two hours a day. The young shooter also benefits from other physical activities, such as running and push-ups. In archery sports sections, enough attention is paid to general physical development.
Archery has a very beneficial effect on vision. Since ancient times, arrows have been particularly vigilant, and this is not surprising. Training the lens and eye muscles while shooting is a good prevention of myopia.
During shooting, not only the muscles of the arms are maximally involved, but, first of all, the back. Also, when the shot is fired, the press and pectoral muscles are actively working. In general, archery is very good for posture.
Archery is useful not only for boys, but also for girls. Going in for archery sports, the child will become stronger and slimmer. Archery helps a child develop self-confidence, determination, discipline, and endurance.
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