Before you begin: select a tie that fits you well. It is best to get an experienced archer to help you select your first bow. No matter what type of bow you choose, you’ll want one that’s the right length and weight for you.
I like that people start with recurve bows. If you can shoot a recurve bow, you can shoot a compound bow, but not necessarily the other way around. It’s like learning to ride a motorcycle. It helps if you already know how to ride a bike.
Here are 8 tips for shooting better:
1. Grip (bow hand): The main thing here is that you want a loose grip. If you are right-handed, you will hold the bow with your left hand and vice versa. Form a V with your thumb and forefinger. Now allow the bow handle to rest deeply in the V and lightly wrap your thumb and fingers around the handle. Curve your fingers so they don’t stick out in the path of the arrow. You need a slight bend in the elbow of your gripping hand. Don’t lock your elbow.
2. Grip (String Hand): There is more than one grip that works, but I teach two fingers on the string below the arrow nock and one finger on the string above the strike. This is of course if you are shooting without the aid of a trigger. I do not recommend a version for beginners. Learn the basics first. Make sure your little finger is out of the way. You can use your thumb to hold it down. Watch your fingers… You’ll want the string to cross your fingers halfway between the tips and the first joint. Many people use their finger too much on the string, which prevents a smooth release. As you begin to draw the bow, you’ll want to keep your fingers in the same position on the string. A common problem is that people curl their fingers while pulling the bowstring. This causes the arrow to detach from the rest.
3. Pulling the Bow: As you pull the bowstring, the elbow of the string hand should point directly away from your body and parallel to the ground. I always take a breath while drawing.
4. Anchor Point – As you reach full draw, there will be a point on your face where the string naturally lands. I place my finger against the corner of my mouth. Every time I draw, I go to this same place. This ensures consistency in the length of my drawing. Find an anchor point that works for you. Once at my anchor point, I hold my breath momentarily.
5. Relax – Try to relax as much as possible. The more tense you are, the more likely you are to jerk when you let go. A smooth release is essential for accuracy.
6. Objective: Again, there are different methods that work for different people. I close one eye and look at the arrow towards my target. Some people shoot with both eyes open. Either way, you need to really focus on your target, mentally visualizing where you want the arrow to go. Pick a specific spot and look at a hole through it. Once you are in the full draw, do not hold your arrow for more than 3 seconds. The longer you hold the bow at max, the more it will jerk and the less accurate it will be. A second or two is a long time to aim. In the same way, don’t rush your shot.
7. Release – Allow your string fingers to relax. Sudden release is not required. As you release, let the breath out. Chill out.
8. Follow Up – This is very important as in most sports. DO NOT drop your hand. It is a common tendency for archers to drop their bow hand in an effort to look over or around the bow to see how the arrow hits the target. Focus on the target and where you want the arrow to hit, not so much on the flight of the arrow. Only after your arrow hits the target should you drop your bow hand. If you drop your bow hand even slightly in an effort to look at your arrow, your arrow will miss the low target.
If you’re shooting at a shooting range or with other people, make sure everything is clear before you go looking for your arrows. Have fun and stay safe!