USA Archery
Junior Olympic Archery Development
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USA Archery Junior Olympic Archery Development |
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 JOAD equipment can be as simple as a shared program bow and arrows, or as complex as an individualized tuned rig. Recurve and compound bows can used for training and competing. Beginning equipment is generally quite inexpensive compared to other sports. Here are some tips from JOAD co-chairman Bob Pian: "For competition there are two basic types of bows, the recurve or Olympic bow and the compound bow. Many JOAD start with one type of bow and then switch to another. Your JOAD instructor can sometimes suggest the bow type based on the physical makeup of the JOAD. I often hear that a JOAD or parent wants to become a recurve archer so they can go to the Olympics someday. Remember that the Olympics only take place once every four years. But, every year the USA selects teams (junior and/or senior world teams) for international competitions. I would not hold your breath for the Olympics to include compound bows, but the Olympics is not the end all by any means. Again, look to the advanced JOADs and their parents for an opinion. They have gone through what you are just about to. Ask them, most are eager to share their story. And before you purchase, check the JOADs eye dominance one more time just to be sure." Recurve Bows  "If you are not quite sure about the commitment and want to keep the purchase within reason, then purchase a wood (Internature, Bullseye) or polymer (Rolan Dakota and Suprise) or an entry level metal riser (PSE Optima) bow with removable and changeable limbs the Evolution II which uses the International Limb Fitting System (ILF). Most JOADs will want to start with 15, 20 or 25lb limbs. I have seen many a JOAD start with too heavy limbs and then give up because of the difficulty. It just isn’t fun to struggle or tire prematurely. The relatively light 20 to 25 lb limbs work just fine indoors and can and have won National and World Championships. Some of the accessories to look for are Cavalier or Beiter arrow rests, plungers, clickers and Sureloc or Toxonics sights that “click”. These accessories can often be transferred to a move-up bow later on. There are charts to size a bow to at JOAD. JOAD typically should consider a 62” bow for the smaller person and 66” for the larger youth. Bigger is not better. Bigger is often just heavier, clumsier and awkward. or I must be truthful here. We went right from using the JOAD club bow to an International limb system high performance recurve bow. The bow was a bit large and heavy and we upgraded the riser and limbs after a year. We purchased accessories like the sight, plunger, and finger tab that we continue to use. Let your pocket book be your guide and borrow to try things out whenever you can. (FYI a high performance bow setup can easily cost between $1000 and $2000 plus arrows)." Compound Bow  Compound bows and arrows can be often purchased quite successfully from local archery shops. Target compound bow archers typically use “long” stabilizers, light arrow rests, movable sight with extension, scopes and special pressure releases. Most JOADs can start out with what is essentially a basic package. The decision to just get shooting or to purchase a target archery bow and accessories depends on your circumstances. JOADs should look for a compound bow that has a large range in draw length and poundage adjustment to allow the JOAD to grow. Arrows A wide variety of arrows exists. A good place to begin matching arrows to the particular bow is to review the Easton Arrow Guide that is linked on the right column. Accessories A new JOAD archer need not be too concerned about buying many accessories right away. Experience and tournament rules usually dictate what accessories may be used and what may not. To begin, a new archer should have a armguard that fits correctly and a chest protecter, if needed. Recurve archers may start with an inexpensive finger tab, and compound archers should be fit with a mechanical release aid by a qualified coach or pro-shop staff member. Once the archer gains experience in the correct shooting techniques, then accessories may be added under the supervision of the JOAD leader or coach. Typical recurve bow accessories may include clicker, front sight, stabilizer, finger sling, and arrow rest. A compound bow may add a rear peep sight. |
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 Equipment Selection Aids Easton Arrow Guide |
