By John Tredrea, Special Writer
Archery. It’s been around for thousands of years and its attraction still endures.
"It’s a lifetime sport," said Jon Bach, owner of X-Ring Archers in Lambertville.
Mr. Bach, who won a national championship in 1999 after an injury forced him to switch to shooting left-handed, opened X-Ring Archers, at 287 South Main St. 14 years ago. X-Ring offers instruction in all styles of archery, from beginner to advanced, with private and semi-private lesson available.
"Anyone can do it," Mr. Bach said. "I have students from age seven to 78. It’s also a family sport. Families can do it together, and when you think about it, there aren’t a lot of sports you can say that about. I have four children, all under 12 years old. We do archery together, all five of us, on a regular basis."
Mr. Bach’s own history with the sport is a compelling one.
"My dad was a bow hunter and tournament archer, and he got me started when I was a boy," he said. "I was right-handed. When I was 17, I lost the sight in my right eye in a car accident."
In the fall of 1996, he returned to archery when a friend interested in the sport asked Mr. Bach to teach him. Mr. Bach soon began shooting competitively again, right-handed with his head cocked awkwardly over the bowstring to see with his left eye. Many of his fellow archers asked why he simply didn’t shoot lefty, but being right-handed, Jon didn’t want to completely relearn how to shoot.
Eventually he came across a left-handed archer. In 1997, he placed first at the Atlantic City Archery Classic and also became the 1997 NJAA indoor state champion. In 1998 and 1999, he took Barebow first place titles in Atlantic City and went on to win other titles as well.
At X-Ring Archers, a nine-week curriculum introduces beginner students to safety, form, shot sequence and focus. Upon completion, all students should be able to execute the correct shot sequence, from stance to follow-through. School bows are available to all students.
Intermediate and advanced classes are available for those who successfully graduate from the beginner level. The emphasis is on refining form and concentrating on proper aiming. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain their own equipment, and advanced students must have their own equipment, which must be approved by the director.
Also available is the Junior Olympic Archery Development program.
"It’s an opportunity for promising young archers to work intensively on the skills necessary to excel in a competitive environment," Mr. Bach said. "JOAD students attend two classes per week and are required to participate in the weekly X-Ring Archery League. Students also travel to local, regional, and national competitions."

