Shooting Form Basics

Like all archers we all want to be a better shot on the next game animal of choice or the next target session that we partake in. The sport of archery is allows more rewarding when you are hitting where you want more often and in all situations. Not just ideal situations. How do we bring this accuracy from the practice range to these high-pressure situations? 

We can only obtain that kind of consistent having a shooting routine. The reason I use the word “routine” of shooting form is that by having a step by step program to obtain and keep that perfect shooting form it makes it easy to practice it, execute it and diagnose a problem with it through out practice all the way to that pressured shot. We need that step-by-step procedure so we can work on each individual part of the shot and not look at the shot as being one action. If it is looked at as one action it is almost impossible to learn perfect shooting form and overwhelming to diagnose a problem that is accruing in a shot sequence to steer it back on track before it becomes a bigger problem.

A good shooting routine consists of 6 parts that are worked on separately in the following order-

1-Grip

2-bow arm and bow shoulder

3-Properly drawing bow

4-Check anchors

5-Start actual shooting sequence (pulling through) and aim

6-Follow through of shot

Setting up the grip for the shot is a simple but often over looked part of the shot. Having variation in grips will produce different torques on your grip and resulting in different points of impact on the target. There is more then one way to set up your grip but most professionals in the archery industry will agree that setting your grip up for a low wrist style grip on the bow will produce the most solid feel for you and produce the least amount of torque. To do this you position the middle of the bow grip right down the lifeline of your hand. This point of your hand is where the two bones from your arm come into contact with your hand and will require the least amount of muscles in your hand being used. By not engaging these muscles it allows for a relaxed grip and produces the least amount of torque while giving great transfer of bow weight to your bow arm.

Step two of my routine involves getting my bow shoulder set low and aligning my bow arm properly. You want your shoulder to be low and your bow arm to be straight well having your elbow rotated out to give clearance for bowstring. By having your shoulder low and a straight arm this allows you to use your bones in your arm to hold bow weight and transfers that load to your larger muscles in your back. This is probably one of the trickiest things to learn in good shooting form but will also probably make the biggest difference. By not using as many arm and shoulder muscles it allows you to hold steadier and easily repeat your shot the same time after time.

Drawing your bow back properly is the next step in your shooting routine. Drawing back properly lets you put the draw weight in your back not your arms letting you be steadier and setting you up for proper shot execution. To draw your bow back properly you are trying to put as much weight as you can in your back while trying to use your arm muscles as little as possible. On your arm that is pulling your bow pack go ahead and try to push your elbow back to draw your bow instead of using your arm muscles to pull you bow back. To start out you most people will have to drop their draw weight a little and start out your pull at about eye level. When hooked on the string with your release or your fingers lean forward a bit and as you push your elbow back in a circle motion your bow will come back and you will fell the bulk of the weight in your back muscle. This will set you up to be able to have good back tension and help you pull through your shot strongly.

            Once you get drawn back now it is time to make sure that you are at your established anchors.  The general rule of thumb is the more anchors the better. Anchors would include your peep, where your hand touches your face, where your nose touches the string, a kisser button, and how your sight lines up in your peep. The more anchors you have established the better chance you will have same anchor each time giving yourself more shot constituency.   These anchors come especially handy if you find yourself in an odd situation in the field where your are bent over weird, at a weird angle or just in a low light situation where it is harder to see your sights. Solid anchors are a vital part to a good bow setup and will take time to establish them to have them be comfortable.

            After you are done checking your anchor now it is time to aim and start executing your shot.   First acquire your target and put your pin on the target. Nobody can hold there pin dead still on the target so you must become comfortable with just letting the pin float around over your targeted spot. After target is acquired start by putting a slight pressure on your release trigger. Start pulling back on your arm that drew your bow while pushing your bow arm gently towards the target. When your bow goes off it should surprise you if done properly. By having it surprise you it will help you not flinch or get target panic that is caused by the anticipation of the shot.

             Once shot has gone off there is one final step left, that is the follow through of the shot. When your bow goes off push your bow directly towards the target and hold it there until you hear your arrow hit the target. A lot of times people will miss shots low because they are dropping there bow or are pushing there bow out of the way to see where their arrow is going to impact. You must keep bow up and on target to maintain your consistency.

            A great way to practice your new shooting routine is through blank bale shooting sessions. Just get up close to a backstop at like 5 meters away, shut your eyes and concentrate on each part of the routine. Feel your way through your shot routine and feel what the perfect shot feels like. The more you do this you will program your subconscious to almost do it on its own making the shot go off the same every time while all you do it aim. When you are shooting always go through each step. This is what will help you put those shots where you need them in that high-pressure situation when you need it.