How to Shoot a Compound Bow

February 12th, 2010

In the past, archery was mainly used for hunting.  Today it has become quite a sport, ranging from 3D shooting, range shooting, an Olympic event and of course, archery is still used for hunting!  It is important to find the correct bow suited to you, your strengths can determine the type of bow you purchase as well as your weaknesses, and price plays into the formula as well.  Be sure to do your homework and purchase the best bow for YOU.

If you are a novice in Archery and want to learn How to shoot a compound bow then here are a few simple steps you can follow:-

#1. Open your stance slightly for good clearance. There are two diffrent types of stance. Square Stance where your both feet are in a line and other one is Open Stance Where your right leg will be slightly forwarded then the left leg. Choose your comfortable position.

#2. Prepare for the shot. Nock the arrow.

#3. Attach the release to the string under the nocking point or to the loop if you have one.

#4. Set the hand in the grip. The pressure point should be on the thick part of the thumb muscle, the force from the bow should go straight into your bow arm.

#5. Lift the bow and draw arm. Point the bow roughly at the target - you are not allowed to raise the bow over the target as many recurve archers do to get some extra leverage when they draw the string. An eventual misfire when you draw the string must stay within the shooting field.

#6. In one smooth motion draw the string to your anchor. Use your back muscles as much as you can when you draw the string. Your draw length should be determined with help from an experienced archer or coach.

#8. The anchor point is an individual preference. Try to get the string to your nose tip, and then you will have an extra reference point to keep your head in the same position every shot.

#9. Your brain will automatically try to focus in the middle of the target. Don't worry if you aren't perfectly still. This will improve with practice.

#10. Fire your release in a very gentle manner, a feeling of a surprising release is desired. A very successful method to accomplish this is to apply some more backtension with the draw arm shoulder blade and use that force to fire the release.

#11. At release, keep your focus on the target and if you have the right pressure against the target your bow arm will be still in the release moment and then move right forward.

#12. After the shot, relax and go thru it in your mind.