Basic Shooting Technique II

To be an accomplished archer one must be able to recognize what causes specific shooting problems. Each component of an archery system must be assessed one piece at a time. These components include the draw length, the release aid, a consistent grip, an undeviating anchor, correct peep alignment and head position, and finally good practice techniques.

The proper draw length should enable the shooter to stand up right with the bow arm extended to a comfortable position (slightly flexed, but not locked). The bow string should then reach the corner of the shooter’s mouth while at full draw. Finally, while facing to the rear of the shooter, the "point" of the release arm elbow should form a straight line with the bow at full draw. Next, make sure your release aid fits your hand. When using a wrist-strap style with a trigger, adjust the length of the head to enable the first knuckle of the index finger to be bent over the trigger. When using a hand release, place the thumb either on the base of the release or wrapped around the firing pin and then lightly touch the thumb to the index finger. These techniques allow the shooter to fire the release aid, by pushing the bow arm toward the target and pulling against the wall of the bow with the bow arm, thereby lessening the likelihood of "punching" or jerking the trigger.

Hand placement in the grip of the bow is often overlooked. The pressure of the bow’s grip should be felt only on the pad of the thumb. The knuckles of the bow hand should be angled as much to the left of the bow (for a right handed shooter) as feels comfortable. This rolls the forearm under slightly making it less likely for string contact to occur. Then, when drawing the bow, push with the bow arm without any force from the wrist.

Now that we’re at full draw we can discuss anchor points. When using a wrist strap release , a consistent anchor point would be to place a knuckle at the base of the index finger in the indentation found directly behind the ear lobe. When using a hand held release, rotate the hand away from the cheek about 45 degrees, enabling the jaw line to rest between the index and middle fingers. Another potential anchor point would be to lightly touch the tip of the nose to the string at full draw. Once solid anchor points have been established, the elevation of the peep sight can be adjusted. Do this by drawing the bow with your eyes closed. After settling into your anchor points at full draw, move your head into a comfortable upright position and open your eyes. If the peep is not in alignment with your eyes, sight and target, then slide the peep up or down the string until perfect alignment is achieved.

Now I want to talk about the shot itself for a second. The "shot" should be a "process" and not an "action". An action is defined as a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead to a desired result. What this means to the archer is that the release should be fired by the gradual build-up of pressure from pushing the bow arm towards the target and pulling against the wall of the bow with the release arm.

Once full draw is reached the shooter’s total concentration should be on aiming. To achieve the level of concentration needed for precise shot placement, the archers aim needs to be strengthened both physically and mentally. Physically to enable the shooter to hold the pin as steady as possible at full draw and mentally to give the shooter the confidence that he or she can aim for the period of time needed for the shoot "process" to evolve. One way to help strengthen your aim is to draw a circle on a target, small enough to be challenging yet big enough to allow some movement. Start at ten yards and progress backwards as your aim gets stronger. Follow each step of your shot sequence and aim as long a the pin remains inside the circle. When the pin strays outside the circle let the bow down. Do not shoot! Give your muscles enough time to rest between each sequence. Do this at least 30 times before each practice session.

While shooting, a great practice aid that I use is to "call the shot". The instant after the arrow is released I tell myself exactly where the arrow should impact the target. This enhances my focus and forces me to aim throughout the shot.

Utilizing these techniques has helped me build a solid shooting foundation. Incorporate them into your own "archery system" and watch yourself become a fundamentally sound, more consistent archer.

Article courtesy of Michael Braden

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