*Below are a few sample lesson plans, as well as a few other items that may be useful if you are planning on teaching an archery unit.
 
 

Lesson Plan #1
 

Rules for General Safe Conduct

 Always think about safety first
 Be alert at all times
 Nocked arrows should always be pointed away from others, and should only be shot towards a target
 Always wait for the signal before retrieving your arrows or shooting
 Be considerate and conscious of people around you

Safe Care and Use of Equipment

 Check for frayed strings, loose fletchings, nocks or points that are not secure, bent or splintered shafts, or damage to the bow or its attachments
 Bow strings should only be pulled and released when you are shooting an arrow
 Always walk when carrying arrows

Basic Knowledge to be Introduced to the Students

How to string/unstring the bow
 Body Positioning
 Holding the bow
 Nocking the arrow
 Pre-draw
 The draw
 Anchor point
 Holding and aiming
 Releasing
 Follow through
 

Extension
-Listen and observe the teacher's instructions on how to string the bow, then mimic him. (Using the Step-through method)

Refinement
-Toes pointed ahead
-Hold your bow in your right hand.

Application
Practice stringing your  bow
2 times.
 

Extension
-Observe the teacher as he/she demonstrates the proper body position while shooting with a bow.  Imitate this position emphasizing the key points the teacher mentioned during his/her explanation.

Refinement
-feet shoulder with apart
-Keep your toes aligned at the same level.
-Distribute your weight evenly on both legs
-Relax

Application
-Look forward Take 5 practice shots from close range, and focus on the important elements of proper body positioning
 
 

Extension
-Listen and observe the teacher while he/she demonstrates how to hold the bow correctly. Later, demonstrate to a partner the proper form on how to hold the bow.

Refinement
-Your index and thumb slightly overlap
-The fingers and thumb should exert no pressure on the sides or back of the bow.
-The grip of the bow should rest on your palm.

Application
As you practice shooting, try not to catch the bow right away.  Listen for the arrow hitting the target, and when you hear it make contact grab the bow.
 
 

Extension
-Pay close attention to the teacher's demonstration on how to nock the arrow, then practice several times nocking the arrow.

Refinement
-Keep the bow parallel to the ground.
-Make sure the index feather is up.
-Nock the arrow in the same spot in the string always.

Application
After you have nocked the arrow place your index finger above the nock and your middle and 3rd finger below it, then pull back slightly to see if the arrow stays in place on the string
 
 

Lesson Plan #2

Extension
-As the teacher demonstrates the preparatory steps for the draw (pre-draw), listen for the key phrases and observe the movements that accompany them.  Later, practice the motion of the pre-draw with a partner.

Refinement
-Keep your fingers in the correct position
-Move the bow and arrow up until the bow is perpendicular to the ground, and your non-dominant arm is straight Now pull back and shoot to your target.

Application
See if keeping your fingers in the correct position and your arm straight helps you to be more accurate
 
 

Extension
-Observe the teacher's demonstration of "the draw", and imitate it focusing on the cues given by the teacher.

Refinement
-Try to squeeze your shoulder blades together behind you
-Keep the arm that is pulling back on the string at the same height as the arrow

Application
Draw back without an arrow a couple of times and try to squeeze your shoulder blades together.  This will help you to get a good long pull
 
 

Extension
-Listen to the teacher's explanation about anchor points, and by yourself explore different ones until you find one that feels comfortable to you.

Refinement
-Always pull back to the same anchor point.
-The string should be touching the end of your nose Take 5 practice shots using the same anchor point each time.

Application
Try to hit the target within a foot of the bulls eye with each arrow that you shoot
 

Lesson Plan #3

Extension
-Listen to the teacher's explanation on how to hold and aim to a target.  Later, practice this technique holding the bow and aiming it to a target.

Refinement
-Relax and steady your aim by taking in a full breath, then letting half of it out and holding it
-The string should appear to be right in the middle of face of the bow, and the tip of the arrow should be below the target you want to hit

Application
See what kind of a group you can make with your arrows by aiming at the same place on the target each time you shoot
 
 

Extension
-The teacher will demonstrate an efficient way to release the string. Pay close attention to the instructions, then put them to practice by shooting to the target in front of you.

Refinement
-Simply, easily, and smoothly let your fingers relax
-Let the string of the bow straighten your fingers as you relax them until the arrow makes its get away Practice executing a smooth release.

Application
See if you can place at least 2 arrows within 4 inches of each other
 
 

Extension
-Observe the teacher's motion of the hands and body as he/she demonstrates "the follow through.  Later, practice following through with every shot you make.

Refinement
-Let the arrow hit the target before you change your draw back and release position

Application
Put all of the cues that you have learned together as well as you can.  Focus on follow through, and see if this helps you to make a tighter group than you have up until this point
 
 

Extension
-Following the safety rules, go from one station to the next, read and follow the directions.

Refinement
-Always remember to wait for the signal before moving to another station
-At each station focus on the cues that are posted there

Application
Try popping the balloons for points
Keep track of your points on your scoring sheet
Points will be awarded by the teachers for following the posted cues, so pay attention, do your best, and have fun

Conclusion:

We hope that you have enjoyed our activity, and that you feel better about your archery skills, as a result of being part of our class.  Remember always to be safe, and aware of your surroundings when you are shooting.  Please ask questions if you have any.  Thank you.
 

*Here is a Safety test that may be used towards the begining of an archery unit
 
 

Multiple Choice Questions

Directions: Place the letter of the best answer on the line to the left of the question.

____  1. Which is the proper way to stand at the shooting line?
     a. Place both feet behind the line.
     b. Place both feet on the line.
     c. Straddle the line.
     d. Place the rear foot on the line.

____ 2.  Which of the following is not proper procedure for nocking an arrow?
     a. You may nock an arrow once you are on the shooting line.
     b. You should nock the arrow only at the nock locator.
     c. You should point a nocked arrow only at the ground or target.
     d. You should nock an arrow after the signal to shoot.

____ 3.  Which of the following is the emergency signal to stop shooting?
     a. A verbal “stop” signal.
     b. One blast on a whistle.
     c. Two blasts on a whistle.
     d. Three or more blasts on a whistle.

____ 4.  I your arrow falls off the rest while you are drawing, what should you do?
     a. Start your shot over.
     b. Hold the arrow in place with your forefinger.
     c. Squeeze the nock with your draw hand and swing the arrow back into place.
     d. Release the bowstring.

____ 5.  When is it permissible to shoot an arrow straight up?
     a. After checking to see if the area is clear.
     b. After one whistle blast.
     c. When testing a bow for distance.
     d. Never

____ 6.  What should you do when you are finished shooting your arrows?
     a. Stand on the line until the whistle blows.
     b. Ask the person next to you whether you can move back.
     c. Step back from the shooting line.
     d. Tell the instructor when you are finished.

____ 7.  When should you retrieve an arrows that fall short of the target?
     a. After scoring the arrows in the target.
     b. On the walk to the target after the signal.
     c. On the walk back to the shooting line after retrieving arrows from the target.
     d. At the end of class.

____ 8.  Which of the following is not an appropriate step in pulling arrows from the target?
     a. Check to be sure no one is in the way.
     b. Put one hand flat against the target face near the arrow.
     c. Grab the arrow nock and pull.
     d. Twist the arrow back and forth while pulling.