Archery: History, NASP and Health Benefits

Background on Archery: History, NASP and Health Benefits

            Archery has been dated back to nearly 50,000 B.C. when its primary purpose was to hunt game and defend territory. Ancient civilizations relied on the bow and arrow for protection and to conquer areas (Dicker, 2005). However, many athletes learned the skill and many Olympians adopted archery as a sport, but it was the Egyptians who first designed the equipment that we recognize today (NHS, 2011).  Despite its popularity as  pass time and competition, archery continued to be a  decisive factor in many battles as is evident in a battle between 2,000 English archers and 500 knights against 22,000 Scottish cavalrymen (Dicker, 2005).  This is just one of many historical examples.

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) teaches students in 4^th-12^th grade an international style target as part of their physical education curriculum. NASP consists of archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration, core strengthening and self-improvement. In order to be a certified NASP teacher, a person must take the National Archery in the Schools Program Basic Archery Instructor Training Program, which is an eight-hour course (National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), 2012).

The archery course used in the schools is designed to be a two weeklong program. Targets are 80 cm bulls-eye targets that stand in front of an arrow curtain in the school gym (NASP, 2012).

NASP is subsidized by the archery industry, which allows it to offer the equipment and materials to schools for about half of the actual cost. Each kit has a value of about $6,000, but schools may purchase them for $3,100 - $3,5000 depending on the selected bows and targets. NASP follows National Physical Education Standards. It was formed in Kentucky in 2002 and has since spread very quickly throughout the United States (NASP, 2012).

Unbeknownst to much of the general public, archery has many physical health benefits. This sport extensively utilizes the upper body as well as the core. It improves balance and coordination. Not only is it vigorous during competition and practice, but simply transporting the equipment from site to site is also taxing. Due to its demand for adequate upper body strength most beginners are encouraged to develop these muscles prior to starting an archery program. This pre-conditioning will prevent injuries and make the sport more enjoyable (NHS, 2011).