Smart Start's System
A few words from Larry
A closer look at our equipment and instructional techniques will help you to understand just how advanced and unique our system is, and how we can provide your students with a fun, safe, and successful introduction to archery.
In the twenty years that I have been involved in coaching, I have come to realize that there are a number of limitations with the equipment and instructional techniques used, particularly at the beginner level. I have talked to a number of students over the years who have received archery lessons either through school, a local archery range, or from a friend or parent. Many of these people talked about how they hit their arm, it was a painful and frustrating experience, or they were just not able to hit what they were aiming at. As an archery coach that was frustrating to hear but I knew that there must be a better way to introduce archery to young people that would ensure a positive experience for all students. With this in mind, Paul and I decided to break down all of the challenging aspects of archery for beginners, then find a way to overcome each challenge from a beginner�s point of view. The result is the Smart Start Archery system.
The following content will detail many of the new developments that you can look forward to seeing in your gymnasium.
You'll Start Smart with our equipment
The Smart Start Bow has a number of unique features, it is designed with a colour coding system that helps us to explain what all the parts are used for and assists new archers in learning to shoot quickly, with success.
Customised equipment for better functionality!
The angled grip has been designed so that when held properly, it assists in ensuring that the bow hand and arm is in the correct position.The angled handle makes the bow easier to shoot, is very comfortable, and greatly reduces the chance of the string rubbing against the bow arm.
The grip and the low friction Teflon tube are white in color, these are the parts of the bow that you touch while shooting. The tube eliminates the need for a finger tab but does not impede the shooting characteristics of the bow and is easy on the fingers.
To prevent new archers from causing the arrow to fall off the rest, we instruct our students to place three fingers under the arrow. The blue point where the arrow snaps on the string and the blue stripe that indicates where the arrow shaft sits on the arrow rest makes is fast and easy to place the arrow correctly every time.
Equipment with a lot of adjustability!
The Smart Start Bow is draw weight adjustable and is set at 16 lb. At this weight even the smallest grade 7 students can use this bow with success. The bows can be adjusted to as high as 20 lb. All of our arrows are hand built using high quality components. We use a four fletch system so it doesn�t matter which way the arrow is placed on the string.
The Smart Start Bow incorporates a lever style sight with a numbered scale on the belly of the bow. The scale makes it easy for the student to adjust the sight and go for the gold right away. The large gold sight pin is color matched to the color of the target center. The black disc next to the pin is color matched to the black bow string. This helps the student line up the front and back sighting reference that is so important to consistency in archery.
The shooting line and SAFETY!
At the shooting line you will find a carpeted line with integrated arrow quivers that are also used as a bow rack. One of the more important safety aspects in archery is to ensure that all archers stand with one foot on either side of the shooting line. It is also important to place your feet in the correct position in order to be able to shoot with proper form. We have attached foot prints that are carefully placed at each shooting station to ensure that every archer can place their feet in just the right position simply by stepping on the marks.
Our target system is nearly 50 feet long and is 9 feet high. Our students shoot from a distance of 10 meters for their first introductory class and may move back to as far as 18 meters depending on the age and abilities of the students. With only one half hour required for setup, Paul and I will be ready to introduce your students to the timeless sport of archery in your own gym.
Our arm guards have been custom built. They are easy to put on and offer maximum protection. We use a PA system to ensure that everyone in the class can hear all of the instructions.
Archery Range Safety Rules
Archery is one of the safest sports. Using the following range rules ensure a safe archery experience. A bow must not be loaded with an arrow unless standing on the 'Shooting Line' and the signal to start shooting has been given. (one blast of whistle.) A loaded bow must only be pointed at the assigned target. Only when each student has finished shooting should the signal to move foward to collect the arros be given.(two blasts.) If an arrow is dropped in front of a shooting line, it can only be picked up after the shooting has stopped. Walk foward to collect arrows, never run. Always pull arrows straight out of the target so as not to bend arrows. One person at a time should withdraw their arrows from the target. When withdrawing arrows from the target, make sure no-one is standing in front of the target or in the way of the withdrawn arrows. Withdrawing the arrows may require some force and the arrow may dislodge suddenly from the target butt, and the rear of the arrow could hit someone standing in front of the target. When carrying arrows, always hold them to the side and never run. If any person enters the safety zone while shooting is in progress, the emergency signal must be given (3 or more blasts of a whistle) and all shooting must stop immediately. Even if the bow is held at full draw and the signal is given, the arrow must not be released. The bow should be pointed at the ground and the bowstring let slowly foward. The arrow should be removed from the bow until the range is clear. Any student failing to abide by the safety rules, endangering themselves or others, will be required to leave the archery range.
ARCHERY TIME MOTION INTENSITY STUDY
This study shows that archery is an activity that promotes strength, focus, and good health for a lifetime. Indoor competition consists of two rounds of 60 arrows each at a distance of 18 meters, plus practice arrows. The total distance walked is 1.5 kilometers.
Male
40 lbs. average draw per arrow = 5,600 lbs. total weight pulled
Female
32 lbs. average draw per arrow = 4,480 lbs. total weight pulled
Outdoor competition consists of one round of 144 arrows shot at four distances; usually in one day. Total distance walked on average is 4.25 kilometers.
Male
44 lbs. average draw per arrow = 7,040 lbs. total weight pulled
Female
33 lbs. average draw per arrow = 5,520 lbs. total weight pulled
Potential age levels for competitive archers, 10 years or less, to 90 + years.
Informative
At the end of the class we offer information about our local archery club and we also attempt to identify students with special talent. Capital Region Archery Club offers a place for every interested student to continue to pursue the unlimited possibilities in the sport. Students can join the club and shoot as a hobbyist or join our competitive training program and look forward to competitions from local events right up to World Championships and even Olympic Games.
