What to expect at your first archery lesson
If you’ve ever imagined drawing back a bowstring and sending an arrow sailing toward a target — but weren’t sure where to start — welcome. I’m Eleanor, a professional archer and USA Archery Level 4 coach, and I’ve been teaching at Paseo Vista Archery Range in Chandler, Arizona, for over 15 years. My mission is simple: to make your first archery experience both approachable and unforgettable.
The Flow of Your First Lesson
Every lesson is one hour — which might surprise people, because it feels like so much more. Archery uses muscles you didn’t know you had, and you’ll be learning a lot in that first hour. Almost everyone walks away saying, “Wow, that was the perfect amount of time.”
We start with a friendly introduction and a full walk-through of the shooting form we’ll be using. I answer any initial questions you have before we cover a few essential safety points — because safety always comes first. Then it’s time to gear up: arm guards go on, and I size you to the perfect bow for your build and strength.
One at a time, I guide each person through shooting their very first arrow. Once you feel comfortable, you’ll continue shooting the rest of your arrows for that round. We begin with a few warm-up rounds, and once you’ve found your rhythm, I explain how scoring works. If the group is ready, we’ll do a little scoring practice, and sometimes we wrap up with a fun game — whether that’s a friendly competition or something lighthearted, depending on the group dynamic.
The Vibe
The atmosphere shifts depending on the lesson type. A party or adult group class? Expect a super relaxed, fun environment with plenty of laughs. A one-on-one coaching session? We can go as deep into technical form, tuning, and advanced concepts as you like — I love talking shop with students who want to learn the finer details of the sport.
Gear: Yours or Mine
I provide everything you need to shoot — no need to invest in gear before your first lesson. If you already own equipment, you’re welcome to bring it, as long as it’s properly fitted. Many beginners who order online end up with ill-fitting gear or counterfeit products (especially from sites like Amazon) that can be unsafe. That’s why I recommend ordering from trusted suppliers like Lancaster Archery Supply. For intermediate and advanced students, shooting your own setup is encouraged, and lessons take on a more private, performance-focused style.
What to Wear
Arizona weather changes quickly, so dress accordingly. Avoid overly loose clothing that can catch the bowstring, tie long hair back, and always wear closed-toe shoes. Bring water and wear sunscreen — we’re outdoors year-round.
Your Takeaway from Lesson One
Many people arrive feeling a little nervous — unsure if they’ll even be able to hit the target. By the end, you’ll understand the fundamentals of proper form, how scoring works, and, most importantly, you’ll have the confidence to step up to the line and shoot.
About the Range
Paseo Vista Archery Range is part of a public park, but I coach from the private section my team and I train on. These targets are the same style used at the Olympic level, with high-quality bales that make shooting more enjoyable. The range has shaded shooting areas for hot summer months, benches for your gear, bathrooms close by, and convenient parking right next to the range.
Whether your goal is to try something new, challenge yourself, or take the first step toward a lifelong hobby, your first archery lesson in Chandler is an experience you’ll never forget.