Setting a Routine for Archery Practice

Kraft-Heinz sponsored this post, but the opinions are my own.

My son has been dabbling in archery for years now. His dad shared his love for his bow with him when he was in pre-school. Over the past couple of years he has started to take it a little more seriously. Now this year he has moved up a skill level and was gifted a new competition-grade bow. Archery is a little different than a team sport that has set practice times and game days. There are no other team members holding him accountable. That is why it is important for us to set a routine for archery practice.

Setting a Routine for Archery Practice

Create a Schedule

With his new bow, comes a new challenge. This bow is a lot heavier to carry and shoot. Although he is now 11, it takes quite a bit of strength to hold it up for an extended period of time. He cannot practice one week and then skip a month and expect he can do as well. By creating a schedule together, it is easier to uphold. We sat down and made realistic goals of how often he should practice after school each week and which days are best.

The schedule can hang on the refrigerator so all family members can help hold him accountable. With each practice, he will get closer to his competition goal.

Exercise

Staying active is natural exercise. Anything that gets him away from video games and outdoors is a win. What really comes in handy for archery is building up some strength in his arms. By carrying his bow case he will slowly build up endurance, making it easier to hold the bow for multiple shots before getting tired and feeling weak.

Fuel

Texas heat can be draining. Being outside for archery practice can run you down quick. I love finding beverages and snacks that are easy for Noah to grab after school and toss in his bag before archery practice, keeping him full and refreshed with electrolytes.

While shopping at Walmart I was happy to find the perfect beverage/snack combo. With 25% fewer calories than regular sports drinks, Capri Sun Sport was my go-to option. These P3 packs have 13g of protein, which makes me happy with this convenient option. I found the portable protein packs in the nut/seed aisle near the other Planters products.

Take a Break

By carrying a quick and easy protein snack and flavored water beverage for hydration, Noah doesn’t feel the need to rush through practice and head inside. He can stop to give his arms a rest, enjoy his snack and Capri Sun Sport, then get back to it.

He loves his beef jerky and I snuck several of the sunflower seeds without him realizing. These protein packs are perfect for after-school snacks. I tossed several packages in our car bag for our upcoming road-trip!

Evaluate Goals

After setting a schedule, holding him accountable, and building endurance, we set a time to evaluate his goals. Every two weeks his dad sets up new targets and has him move back to shoot from a longer distance. Before we know it, he will be ready for his first competition!