Have you just recently tried archery? Are you longing for more? Then it’s time to attend a good archery class. Participating in a beginner archery class helps you meet new people, improve your archery skills and log quality time with a bow and arrow. But how do you know you’re signing up for a quality class that’s worth your time and money? Just make sure it offers the following four criteria of a good archery class.

1. Qualified Instructors

A good archery instructor has an archery certification, which means they’re capable and qualified, and have the skills and knowledge to teach archery safely. Being taught by a certified instructor ensures you learn good form and proper shooting technique. Instructors should also be enthusiastic about helping you improve and succeed.

2. Positive Reviews

Do you know a friend or family member who has taken a nearby archery class? Ask them for their honest opinion. Also, read reviews online on Facebook, Yelp or Google. These testimonials are a great way to get specific feedback from an unbiased source.

3. Well-Maintained Equipment

Professional archery classes should have quality equipment available to rent or shoot for free. All of the equipment should be in good working condition, free of damage or defects. Bows should have waxed strings, functional sights and arrow rests, and well-lubricated friction points. Arrows should be free of cracks, broken knocks and missing fletches.

4. A Focus on Fun and Safety

Well-designed archery classes should be fun, safe and promote hands-on learning. The instructor should review equipment, range rules and proper shooting steps before engaging participants in fun, safe shooting activities or games.

Safety lines, such as a shooting line or a waiting line, should be properly marked to prevent bumping, injuries and equipment damage. The instructor should also use verbal or whistle commands to control the archers’ movements and the safety of others on the range.

Explore Your Options

Stop by your local archery shop to ask about class offerings and verify the class meets your standards. If it does, sign up! Classes are an enjoyable way to improve your archery game.

When one class won’t suffice, try an archery league or join an archery club. You can also register for a program like Explore Archery (be sure the instructor offers a progressive class structure).