Archery For Children, A Sport With Many Benefits
Archery is a wonderful sport for children, since with it they develop a great amount of skills, both physical, mental and emotional, as well as social skills. In addition, if it is carried out by taking the necessary safety measures, the sport itself is safe enough for children to practice it from a young age.
Many parents fear that archery is dangerous. It is true that it is not without risk, but no sport is 100% safe. In the case of archery, the trickier issue is assuming the danger and abiding by the rules.
In any case, the most experienced children are usually actively involved to get a good observance of the rules. This in itself also offers many benefits from a social, self-discipline, and respectful standpoint.
Previous questions
Archery is one of those sports that requires an expert coach, not only in archery, but in school sports. It may seem obvious, but the truth is that, too often, our children’s coaches have very little – or no – pedagogical or didactic training. In the case of archery, it is essential, given the characteristics of this sport.
Archery is a sport that requires patience, attention, interest, and a high tolerance for frustration. A child with behavior problems or a high need for movement can benefit greatly from archery, as long as the coach is able to empathize with him and guide him appropriately.
On the other hand, the coach needs great assertiveness skills, as well as being able to be respected so that training is safe and productive.
Benefits of archery for children
As a sport, archery has many benefits for children. We are going to see the most outstanding ones.
Improves mental focus and physical strength
To hit the target, or at least drive the arrow into the target, you need to position yourself well. This is something that absolutely involves the entire body throughout the entire process. Therefore, it requires control and body awareness. In addition, drawing the bow and releasing the arrow allows you to develop strength in your upper body.
On the other hand, the process consumes a great deal of energy, both physical and mental, since it is necessary to concentrate on the whole development, which begins when one takes the bow, positions himself and prepares the arrow.
Keep in mind that focusing on the target requires concentration and focus. This is a fundamental life skill that children can easily export as early as childhood.
Develops character and skills in the classroom
Archery can be used to teach social skills that help children develop character. Issues such as respect for the rules, respect for peers who are shooting or tolerance for frustration for not getting it right again and again, among others, will help the child to forge a character based on the valuation of effort, both his own and of others.
In addition, children develop skills related to decision-making, self-discipline, self- esteem, observation, patience, and helping peers.
Archery for kids is fun
Many people believe that a slow sport, practiced apparently stopped and in silence, cannot be fun. Yet it is. The sense of accomplishment from progress, the encouragement of peers and the coach, and the need to focus on something provide children with different stimuli that they find very inspiring.
Development of coordination, concentration and observation skills
Archery requires the development of coordination in an extraordinary way. It is not as simple as look, point and drop. You have to control many aspects and, in addition, take into account the external elements.
Every time a child prepares to shoot, he must focus on what he is doing in order to follow the correct procedure and hit the target. You will need to stay focused and use your brain as well as your muscles to be successful.
When it comes to archery for children …
Your little one may not be very attracted to archery at first. You should not force him to practice any sport that he does not want, but you can try to convince him to try it, with the help of an experienced coach who knows how to bring sport closer to children. It is very likely that you will end up worshiping this discipline and the environment that surrounds it.
