Interested in archery and want to learn more? Join our Beginners’ Course and take your first steps into the sport.

Before joining a club, most people complete a beginners’ course to learn the basics and understand how to shoot safely. Our course is designed to do exactly that, and you don’t need any previous experience.

We welcome people of all ages, although children under 9 can sometimes find it difficult due to the strength needed to handle a bow. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult at all sessions. (It’s quite common for parents to end up wanting to join in too, so it’s worth signing up from the start if you’re interested, as we can’t always add people later.)

Archery is a very accessible sport, and equipment and technique can often be adapted where needed. If you have any injuries, health concerns, or specific requirements, feel free to get in touch and we can talk it through.

We currently have high demand for the course, and the waiting list is around 12 months.

The course runs over four consecutive weeks and is very hands-on. All equipment is provided, you just need to turn up!

Course fees and location

The cost of the course is:

• £60 for an individual
• £60 for the first family member, then £40 for each additional family member

If you’d like to join a course, you can fill in the online booking form below or download a paper form and send it back to us.

We’ll be in touch when a course becomes available and offer you a place.

Your place is confirmed once payment has been received.


Payment can be made by bank
transfer to:
Brixham Archers CIC
Sort code: 30-88-04
Account number: 24113768

If you are unable to pay by bank transfer, please email beginners.brixhamarchers@gmail.com and alternative arrangements can be discussed.

Please only send payment once dates and times have been agreed with you.

Junior beginners online application

Junior beginners application form download

Senior beginners online application

Senior beginners application form download

You’ll find more information in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Course Content

Our four-week course combines expert coaching, practical shooting, and a friendly, supportive environment to help you get started with confidence, and is delivered over four sessions:

Session 1 – Introduction, Safety & First Shooting

Your first session focuses on safety, equipment, and getting your first arrows on the target.

You will learn:

• Range safety rules, including shooting line protocol and range commands (whistles, “FAST”, and “COME DOWN”).
• Important safety considerations such as appropriate clothing and footwear.
• How to identify your own eye dominance.
• How to correctly use and wear protective equipment such as an arm guard.
• The basic parts of the bow and arrows.

You will also be introduced to:

• Correct shooting stance and posture.
• Safe arrow handling and loading.
• The basic shooting process.

The session includes a full demonstration followed by one-to-one coaching.

Session 2 – Developing Technique & Introduction to Sighted Archery

In the second session, you will build on your existing knowledge and begin refining your technique. Focus is on grouping rather than accuracy at this stage.

You will:

• Review key safety rules and range commands.
• Learn how to safely string and de-string a recurve bow using a bow stringer.
• Be introduced to sighted archery, including how to aim using a bow sight.
• Learn the Mediterranean draw technique and correct anchor position.

You will also:

• Practice shooting with a sight attached to the bow.
• Learn how to adjust the sight based on where your arrows land.
• Continue developing consistency and arrow grouping.

Session 3 – Scoring, Styles of Archery & Independence

By session three, you will begin working more independently and expanding your knowledge of archery.

You will:

• Set up your own equipment, including stringing your bow
• Choose whether to shoot with or without a sight
• Be introduced to metric target scoring, including how to correctly score and record your arrows
• Learn scoring rules such as line cutters and how to call scores correctly

In addition, you will:

• Learn about different types of bows and shooting styles
• Be introduced to the concept of “archer’s paradox”
• See demonstrations of barebow shooting

This session also includes an introduction to the structure of target archery in the UK and how the sport is organised.

Session 4 – Field Archery, Advanced Shooting & Next Steps

The final session brings everything together while introducing additional styles of archery and opportunities for progression.

You will be introduced to:

• Field archery, including how it differs from target archery
• Shooting at varied distances and target types
• Additional bow styles, including a compound bow demonstration

You will:

• Shoot at 2D targets and be introduced to alternative scoring systems
• Learn about scoring zones and other practical scenarios such as bounce-outs

We will also explain:

• Opportunities to continue archery after the course
• How to progress within the club
• What to expect from club shooting sessions

At the end of the course, successful participants will receive a certificate confirming they have completed a recognised beginners’ course.

After the Course

Brixham Archers offers a supportive and welcoming environment for new archers. As a volunteer-run club, we pride ourselves on being friendly, inclusive, and community-focused.

Once you have completed the beginners’ course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Apply to join the club as a full member
• Continue developing your skills with support from experienced archers and coaches
• Explore different disciplines, including target and field archery

Frequently Asked Questions about your Beginners’ Courses

Who will be teaching me?

All of our coaches are members of Brixham Archers who volunteer their time to help run the course and support new archers..

How long is the course?
The course runs over four consecutive weeks, with one session per week. Each session lasts around two hours. We recommend attending all sessions, as each one builds on the last.

Where do the lessons take place?
Beginner courses are currently held at our Indoor Range at Brixham Community College.

Are the lessons indoors or outdoors?
All lessons take place indoors.

What should I wear?
Clothing should be well-fitting, with no loose sleeves or baggy jumpers. There is minimal heating, so several thin layers is advised. Comfortable flat shoes or trainers (no open-toed footwear please).  Long hair should be tied back away from the face.

Is there an age limit?
The recommended minimum age is about 9 years due to the physical demands of archery and no maximum age limit.  Any juniors under the age of 14 must be supervised on the shooting line by a parent or guardian.  We ask that any parents who are not staying with juniors aged 14 to 18 make sure that they know what time they should collect their children, and leave a contact number in case of emergency.

Will I need to bring any archery equipment of my own?
No, it is all provided by Brixham Archers.

What sort of bow will I be shooting?
Beginners on the course will use a recurve bow to learn the fundamentals.
During the course, you will also be introduced to other styles, including barebow and compound, through demonstrations.

Is it strenuous?
It can be more physical than people expect, but the training bows are lightweight. If you feel any discomfort, just let the coach know. If you have any concerns before the course, feel free to get in touch. If you have a disability which you think may affect your training, please inform the course organiser when you book onto the course.

How big a group will I be trained in?
We usually have around 12 people on a course. We try to give as much individual coaching as possible, although sometimes one coach may be working with two people.

What happens at the end of the course?
You’ll receive a certificate showing you’ve completed a beginners’ course, which you can use to join a club. We’ll also explain how to join Brixham Archers if you’d like to continue.