How to Recurve Bows: For Beginners
A recurve bow has ends that curve outward, away from the archer. This type of bow is common among beginning archers. Getting started with your first recurve bow may be a challenge. Outfitting, training, and practice contribute to skillful work with the recurve bow. Whether for fun, or for competition, using a recurve bow can help relieve stress and may turn out to be an engaging hobby for anyone willing to practice.
Instructions
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Select a laminated bow that is suitable for novice archers. This is the bow you will learn on, and practice your stance with. Proper bow selection sets the tone for how you will progress, since expert bows can be too cumbersome for beginners. Look for flexible strings that have plenty of give for your first bow.
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Practice your ready stance with your bow. To do this, set up a target across the room and aim your un-armed bow toward it. Turn your feet so they are nearly parallel to the target. Place the bulk of your weight on the back foot and aim with your neck and back straight and your torso side-on to the target. Get as comfortable as possible within these guidelines since everyone's stance is different.
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Practice gripping the strings of your bow with your dominant hand without turning your torso in any way. This is a method of training that will prevent you from ruining your shot when you start shooting targets. Getting comfortable with your stance may prove difficult for a novice archer, so allow time and practice for your training to sink in.
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Hold your bow with little to no tension in your hands. Gripping the bow too tightly will cause your arrow to flail while in flight and miss your target. Train properly and relax your grip so that you are not forcing the bow to align itself into your hand. The bow must fit between the flesh of your index finger and thumb. Upon firing your arrow, the bow will swing while in hand due to a loose grip, which is your goal.
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References
- Photo Credit archery image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
