How to Shoot a Bow Correctly – Proper Archery Technique

Archery is a fantastic hobby to devote your time to. It is a skill you can enjoy using your entire life, whether in your backyard or a professional tournament. It is important for you to learn the basics and get started on the right track.Start by picking up your bow, a good 20 yards from your target. Several beginners tend to want to hold the bow with their good hand, and use their off hand to pull back the string. That is not correct. Assuming you are right handed, use your left hand to hold the bow and your right to pull back the string.Before you notch an arrow, you need to get into a proper shooting stance. Place your feet about shoulder width apart, your front foot should face the target. Make your back foot perpendicular to the target, and then turn it forward slightly so it ends up at about a 70 degree angle (almost facing sideways, but a little bit forward). Your stance should be similar to the stance of a batter in baseball, except your body will be facing slightly more forward. Finally, make small little tweaks so that you are comfortable and relaxed.Now pick up the arrow, and get ready to fire. Your bow probably has a small bead or mark somewhere close to the center of the string. If so, use it by notching the arrow on top of it. If you don’t see anything on your string, just notch the arrow at the center. Moving on, your bow probably also has a nice spot on the bow to rest the shaft of your arrow. Once again, use this if you have it.Afterward, it is time to begin pulling the string of the bow back. Remember, use your strong hand to pull the string, off hand to hold the bow. Put two fingers beneath the arrow (ring and middle finger) and put your index finger above the arrow. Slightly squeeze your fingers on the arrow to keep it steady, and simultaneously pull back the string. Pull back as far as you can, and prepare to aim.I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but if you look at your arrow you will see that it has three feathers. One of these will be a different color than the other two, and this different one should be on top. With the string pulled pack, hold the bow up to your face, and look right down the arrow. First, make your line of sight go right to the center of the target. Then, raise the bow just a little so you are aiming just above the bulls-eye.Finally, the climax moment, releasing the arrow. Slowly relieve your fingers of your string hand, and allow them to let the string slip out. Congratulations! You just took a well fired shot, with proper form. Repeat this process for all your arrows.Tips: I recommend you wear a forearm band, because when you release the string it might hit the forearm of the hand holding the bow. Also, you may want to put a few haystacks behind your target so you don’t end up retrieving arrows a mile away. Finally, just remember to keep practicing. You will get better!