For those new to archery, the process of firing a bow can seem daunting. However, with a little practice and patience, anyone can master the basics of this centuries-old sport. Below, we’ll walk you through the six steps necessary to fire a bow correctly.
1. While holding onto the bow with your non-dominant hand Stand on the Line in Position: The first step is to ensure that you are standing in the correct position. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your body should be perpendicular to the target.
2. Nock the Arrow: The second step is to nock the arrow. This simply means attaching the arrow to the bowstring. To do so, rest the shaft of the arrow on the arrow rest, and attach the nock to the string. The indicator/off color vane or fletching of the arrow should face away from the bow side of the arrow. Then, using your dominant hand, hook three fingers around the string the string, holding the string in the first knuckle. The arrow knock should rest between your forefinger and middle finger. Be sure not to pinch the arrow.
3. Pull the Bow: The third step is to pull the bow. Start by holding the bow in your non-dominant hand with your arm extended fully. Then, using your dominant pull the string back until your hand reaches your face. use a consistent anchor point on your face for where to hold the string and aim. Be sure to keep your elbow level with or slightly higher than your shoulder throughout this motion.
4. Aim: The fourth step is to aim. First, take a deep breath and exhale slowly to steady yourself. Then, align the arrow with the target and focus on a spot just below it, or line up your target in your mounted sight.
5. Release: The fifth step is to release the arrow by allowing your fingers to slide off of the string without plucking the string like a guitar. As you do so, maintain focus on that spot you aimed at.
6 .Follow Through: Finally, once you have released your arrow, follow through by keeping your arms in their raised position for a few seconds while continuing to focus on your spot. The idea behind this is to not anticipate changing positions after shooting, which could affect your release position.
Continue practicing these steps until they become second nature and you’re ready to take your archery game to the next level!
Photo by Magda Ehlers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/123456-wall-decor-1329293/