How to Hold a Bow for Archery

Knowing how to hold the bow correctly increases your skill level.

Archery is a sport in which an arrow is shot through the air using a bow. Tension is built from pulling back the bow string and releasing it to propel the arrow at the target. In the past, bows and arrows were commonly used in combat and competition. While still being used in competition, archery is for the most part a recreational sport. Knowing how to hold the bow correctly increases your aim and consistency.

Instructions

1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-length apart facing forward. Place your nondominant foot slightly ahead of the other foot.

2. Nock the arrow. The nock is a groove cut into the back of the arrow to grip the bow string. Hold the bow with your nondominant hand and use your dominant hand to place the bow string into the nock of the arrow. Sit the arrow shaft on the arrow rest located next to the handle grip of the bow. Sit your index finger above the nock, and your middle and ring fingers below the nock.

3. Extend the arm that is holding the bow, setting the bow into position. Raise your elbow to sit even with your drawing hand and pull back, drawing the bow string.

4. Position your drawing hand and the bow string so it touches your chin. This allows you to use your vision to aim the arrow.

5. Release the bow string and propel the arrow. Remain steady and allow the bow string to slide off of your fingers. The string must be released from all three fingers at the same time. Hold your form until the arrow has hit the target.

References

• The Farm: The Beginning Bowhunter