The links, downloads and videos on this page are resources for Alabama Archery in the Schools instructors.
What are some tips to help my archers?
During practice work with students one on one as much as possible. Drill into them the importance of consistency. The 11 steps must be done correctly and consistently every shot. Determine dominant eye not hand, start your first several practices at beginner distances and practice with a string bow before every practice even the advanced ones. Some tips for each step are:
- Stance – lock your stance and do not move your feet until all arrows for that end are shot.
- Nock – use proper overhand technique below the vanes to minimize the chance of dropping an arrow or damaging the vanes. Hear the arrow "click" on the string.
- Draw Hand Set – use archers groove of three fingers below the arrow keeping fingers and back of hand flat.
- Bow hand Set – use proper bow placement on lifeline with knuckles rotated at a 45 degree angle to avoid the string hitting the arm and causing an arrow to deflect.
- Pre-draw – hinge arms upward from the shoulders.
- Draw – smooth, steady pull directly to anchor point.
- Anchor – a solid anchor is one of the most important steps and must be done consistently the same way for each shot, the index finger in the corner of the mouth and thumb under the chin provides the most consistent and stable anchor for a new archer
- Aim – the archer must identify and maintain a consistent aim point during the practice round, this should be an actual point downrange the archer can articulate to the coach
- Shot Setup – Back muscle activation with relaxation of draw hand while aiming.
- Release – The result of relaxation of fingers and the back of the hand with activation of the back. Allows the string to be taken from the hand. Essential to a smooth release and follow through.
- Follow through/Reflect – Proper execution will allow the hand to “paint the face” as it slides across the face and the thumb of the draw hand will end up on the shoulder, the bow arm should move down and away as the student reflects on the shot and considers adjustments and corrections for the next shot.
NASP School Curriculums
Endorsed by Alabama's Department of Education, the NASP Curriculums meet or exceed National and Sunshine Standards for physical education classes. Core content covers the history of archery, safety, shooting techniques, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement.
The program complies with the American Disabilities Act with most wheelchair-bound students being able to participate.
Archery curriculum and study guides for various grade levels:
Regional Coordinator Contact Information:
District 1 — Daniel Musselwhite - daniel.musselwhite@dcnr.alabama.gov
- Blount, Colbert, Cullman, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Walker and Winston
District 2 - Scott Kellenberger - scott.kellenberger@dcnr.alabama.gov
- Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dekalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall, Randaolph, St. Clair, Talladega and Tallapoosa
District 3 — Michael Bloxom - michael.bloxom@dcnr.alabama.gov
- Autauge, Bibb, Chilton, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lowndes, Pickens, Perry, Shelby, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa
District 4 — Blair Sistrunk, blair.sistrunk@dcnr.alabama.gov
- Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, and Russell
District 5 — Wes Weaver - wesley.weaver@dcnr.alabama.gov
- Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Washington, Wilcox
