By the way, where is the Olympic training centre? is it out your way?

The Olympic Training Center is right in the middle of our town. I figured it would take a lot of nerve for me to ask anybody from that place for help. After all I'm just your ordinary backyard shooter/hunter. I suppose the worst they could do is laugh and tell me where to get off!

It could be cool just to watch a little if that was possible, you could learn all kinds of stuff like the pace they shoot at, demeaner, you see them stretch when they warm up, all sorts of lightbulbs go off just being there.

Maybe it is totaly cut off from the comunity, but there may be some outreach, or secondary order folks who could be helpful. Also don't they conduct "camps", is there anyone left when that isn't happening.

There may be people who where involved at one time, but stayed in town, they might be semi-retired coaches. There could be local college level people who also train there, who might coach.

Just do your homework first, and once you know what you need to do next, you become an interesting person archery wise. "Hey is there someone who could comment on my follow through" sounds more impresive than "I wish someone would save me from my bad archery". (Neither of these is you, just an example of how too needy is something that might scare these people, but a focused person is always a pleasure).

There should be some way of making use of the greattest concentration of archery talent on earth.

Ossage: I just wanted to let you know that I found out the Air Force Academy has an archery "hut" and they graciously offered to help me with form or equipment problems that they might notice. If after two free trouble shooting sessions I still want to learn more the price is $25 for a six hour class. Sounded pretty reasonable to me. I never would have thought of the AFA having anything to do with archery. Thank you to everyone who replied to my post! I will also see if I can get my hands on some good books and videos.

Sounds like a great deal. Good luck!

LadyArwin:
I wouldn't rule out approaching the Olympic Training Center in your town! Archers are Archers everywhere,and are some of the best people around>You may be surprised to find out that they will go out of their way to steer you in the right direction.Wouldn't it be sweet if they offered you to come talk and shoot in front of one of the Olyimpic coaches.Ide give it a whirl,what can they say,except no?

Have you tried you local university. They may offer a course in the evenings that would give you help and a place to shoot.

The guys at the AFA were great! I was finally shown the proper stance for shooting and they gave me some other things to practice for the next two weeks. It feels pretty weird to stand the right way, but I'm going to keep working with it until I get it right. I will check out the University idea and may not give up on the Olympic Centre either.

<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>Glad to hear that you were able to find some good people to help you out.