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| By following these archery tips and tricks you will be able to compete for decades to come. |
Although archery is generally considered to be one of the
safest and most accessible sports to athletes of any age, advanced competitors
may find themselves at a greater risk for over use and over training injuries
in the back, shoulder, and drawing arm. By following these tips, you can
bullet-proof your body against archery training injuries, and make sure you stay in
competition for many years to come.
1. Be Gentle with Your Body
For some people, especially men, there is a tendency to
approach a new sport with an aggressive, competitive attitude. You want to be
great at the sport or skill right away, so what you lack in technique, you make
up for in brute strength and endurance. While this might get you through a day
of training or competition, in the long run this is detrimental to your
performance and will almost certainly cause injury. When getting started, take
it slow, focus on learning proper technique, and be sure to always leave a
little in the tank at the end of the session.
2. Use Appropriate Equipment
Another obstacle that derails beginner archers is using the
wrong size or weight bow. If your bow is too large, too small, or too heavy,
you are almost certain to develop improper technique. Since your body is not
mean to move through this improper range of motion, your chances of muscle
asymmetry and injury increase. Feel free to visit several professional archery
shops to get measured, test out bows, and find one with a weight you can easily
pull 15-20 times.
3. Cross Train
As you know, archery really only works one side of the body.
It is a great exercise for the upper body as well as the mind. However, without
a complete cross training program, archery alone is not a sufficient means of
exercise. Consider field archery or roving to add some walking into your
training and increase interest. Swimming, running, rowing, and weight lifting
are all great additions to your comprehensive archery training program.
