How to Shoot a Bow

Develop control and consistency by using proper technique as you learn to shoot your bow.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Archery Sites
• Archery Arm Guard
• Archery Arrows
• Archery Bows
• Archery Gloves
• Archery Quivers
• Archery Targets

1. Forget the fact that you're probably a direct descendent of Robin Hood and realize that, while fundamentally simple, a good archery shot takes practice and strict adherence to a set of rules.

2. Visualize a line from you to the target. This is your shooting line. Take an arrow and lay it on the ground along your shooting line.

3. Stand with your toes to the arrow shaft, shoulder width apart. Now step your front foot back about 5 to 10 inches. This is your shooting stance. You may adjust it to what feels comfortable to you.

4. Nock an arrow in the center of your bowstring and let the shaft of the arrow rest on the bow, just above your hand grip. Make sure the odd fletching (feather) points at a right angle to the string, and the other two angle toward it. (There are only two ways to nock the arrow, so if the single fletching points in toward the bow, reverse it.)

5. Hold the bowstring with your first three fingers. The string should settle in the crease of your last joint, with the nock of the arrow between your middle and index fingers. Use your thumb to help stabilize the arrow.

6. Hold the bow in the "V" formed by your index finger and thumb. Keep your arm locked straight, with your elbow rolled slightly out.

7. Lift your head and face the target.

8. Raise your bow arm, keeping it locked, and draw the string back until your thumb is against your jawbone and your index finger is almost touching the corner of your mouth. Use your shoulder and back muscles to pull the string.

9. Aim.

10. Take a breath and hold it until you release your arrow.

11. Relax your string fingers from the wrist forward, letting the string slide from your fingers (this works a lot better if you're wearing a glove or finger tab).

12. Hold your shooting position until you hear the arrow hit the target.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a positive attitude and remain calm; practice often.

• Know your equipment.

• Watch other archers' techniques, and adjust your own as you feel necessary.

• Shoot your bow only on a safe archery range, and make sure no one is near or behind the target before you shoot.

• Archery is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.