Welcome to archery! Whether you've just bought your first bow or are taking your first lessons, this 30-day guide will take you from complete beginner to confident archer with structured, daily practice plans.
🎯 What You'll Achieve in 30 Days
🏹
Safe Shooting
Proper range etiquette
💪
Solid Form
Consistent technique
🎯
Hitting Target
10-20 yard accuracy
🔥
Confidence
Ready for the range
1️⃣ Week 1: Foundation
Days 1-7: Learn the Basics
Day 1-2: Safety & Equipment
- • Learn range safety rules (never dry fire, always check behind target)
- • Understand your bow parts (riser, limbs, string, rest)
- • Practice stringing/unstringing (recurve) or storing (compound)
- • 0 arrows shot—just learning
Day 3-4: Stance & Grip
- • Practice open stance (feet shoulder-width, 45° to target)
- • Learn proper bow grip (pressure on thumb pad, relaxed fingers)
- • 20 arrows at 5 yards (blank bale if possible)
Day 5-7: Draw & Anchor
- • Practice drawing with back muscles (not arms)
- • Find your anchor point (corner of mouth, under jaw)
- • Focus on consistency—same anchor every time
- • 30-40 arrows per session at 5-10 yards
Week 1 Goal: Consistent stance, grip, and anchor point
Proper archery stance: feet shoulder-width apart, body at 45° to target
2️⃣ Week 2: Building Form
Days 8-14: Refine Your Shot
Day 8-10: Release & Follow-Through
- • Practice relaxed finger release (don't pluck the string)
- • Hold follow-through until arrow hits target
- • Work on not dropping bow arm after release
- • 40 arrows at 10 yards
Day 11-12: Back Tension
- • Learn to engage scapula (shoulder blade squeeze)
- • Practice "pulling through" the shot
- • Use resistance band exercises at home
- • 40 arrows focusing on back tension
Day 13-14: Combined Form
- • Put all elements together: stance → draw → anchor → release
- • Develop your basic pre-shot routine
- • Move to 15 yards
- • 50 arrows per session
Week 2 Goal: Smooth shot cycle with proper release
3️⃣ Week 3: Aiming & Accuracy
Days 15-21: Hit the Target
Day 15-16: Gap Shooting / Sights
- • If barebow: learn gap shooting (arrow tip as reference)
- • If using sight: basic sight adjustment
- • Understand point-on distance
- • 50 arrows at 15 yards on a target face
Day 17-19: Grouping
- • Focus on tight groups, not bullseyes
- • Adjust aim AFTER you have consistent groups
- • Practice at 10, 15, and 20 yards
- • 60 arrows per session
Day 20-21: Scoring
- • Shoot your first scored rounds
- • Learn to record and track scores
- • Don't stress about the number—focus on form
- • 60 arrows, scored
Week 3 Goal: Consistent grouping at 15-20 yards
4️⃣ Week 4: Consistency & Confidence
Days 22-30: Solidify Your Skills
Day 22-24: Pre-Shot Routine
- • Develop and practice your full pre-shot routine
- • Same routine, every arrow, no exceptions
- • 60 arrows with deliberate routine practice
Day 25-27: Distance Progression
- • Gradually increase distance (20, 25, 30 yards)
- • Maintain form as distance increases
- • If form breaks down, move closer
- • 60-70 arrows per session
Day 28-30: Assessment
- • Shoot a full scored round at your comfortable distance
- • Record your baseline score for future comparison
- • Use ArcheryBuddy to analyze your form
- • Celebrate your progress! 🎉
Week 4 Goal: Confident, consistent shooting at 20 yards
Your 30-day journey: Foundation → Form → Accuracy → Confidence
🛒 Beginner Equipment Checklist
| Item | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bow (recurve or compound) | Essential | Start with lower draw weight |
| Arrows (6-12) | Essential | Match spine to your bow |
| Arm guard | Essential | Protects from string slap |
| Finger tab or glove | Essential | Protects fingers on draw |
| Quiver | Recommended | Hip or back quiver |
| Sight (compound/olympic) | Optional | Can learn barebow first |
| Bow stand | Optional | Keeps bow safe at range |
⚠️ Common Beginner Mistakes
❌ Starting with too heavy draw weight
Start light (15-25 lbs), build strength over months
❌ Gripping the bow too tight
Relaxed grip allows bow to react naturally
❌ Focusing on accuracy before form
Good form = good accuracy. Not the other way around
❌ Shooting too many arrows
Quality over quantity. Stop when form degrades
Track Your 30-Day Journey
Use ArcheryBuddy to analyze your form, track your progress, and maintain your practice streak throughout your first month and beyond.
✅ Key Takeaways
- ✓Week 1: Master stance, grip, and anchor—the foundation
- ✓Week 2: Build proper release and back tension
- ✓Week 3: Learn aiming and start scoring
- ✓Week 4: Develop consistency and confidence
- ✓Start with low draw weight and increase gradually
Remember: every expert archer started exactly where you are now. Trust the process, enjoy the journey, and welcome to the world of archery! 🎯
