Archery essentially is not that hard of a sport, per se. Often, the most difficult part of archery is to know what the heck you’re doing—aside from putting an arrow in the string, pulling back and letting go. Though archery is this simple, it is not that simple to master. A beginner interested in becoming an archer should seriously think about the correct ways to approach archery, starting with safety, basic bow set up, and shooting true with correct form. This quick reference guide to archery should set you right should you be in need of some beginner advice.
Archery Guide: Starting with Safety
A beginning archer must remember that archery is not a game, nor are is the equipment toys. The true archer knows that archery is not a game of Robin Hood, but a serious matter that involves a lot of dependability—from you and others. The best areas to practice archery are somewhere no one else will be. A dirt embankment behind the target makes for the safest shooting area. Be sure that all those watching and practicing stand behind the archer.
Safety check all your equipment, the bow, the string and the arrow, making sure it will not break before or after you release. After shooting, be sure to pull the arrows from the target carefully. A wrong pull done too hard can poke someone behind you in the eye. Don’t point the bow and arrow up when drawing. Keep the arrow target-high, in case it releases untimely.
Archery Guide: Simple Bow Set Up
If you don’t know what nocking points are, you should remember that they are two small c-clamp-like clasps that clasp to the string. You should place the arrow between these two nocking points to shoot correctly. You will always use this point to attach every arrow you shoot. When clasped correctly, the arrow will be positioned at 90 degrees to the bow, making a straight line. The arrow will be placed between the two pre-clasped nocking points. You can attach an arrow rest on the bow to get the most precise placement of the arrow.
Archery Guide: Shooting True
The best way to practice archery is first shooting correctly. Everything from the stance to the follow through will ensure that you are shooting the arrow as true as possible. In archery, form means everything. It is first important to grip the bow in a relaxed manner, the four fingers on the outside edge with the thumb wrapped around the inner edge. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to the target. Do not lock your knees, but stay firm but relaxed.
One of the most common positions for the shooting hand is to place the first three fingers up against the bottom of the arrow. There will be no space whatsoever. Raise your bow arm towards the target, no higher. You should have some bend in your bow arm; it won’t be entirely locked. Your hand with the arrow will be level with the same shoulder. The drawing arm makes a turned 90 degrees when the string is not drawn.
In as one motion as you can muster, keep your bow arm level with the target and the drawing arm up; the 90 degree drawing elbow will close, but the arm will still be pointing out, level with the shoulder. When you draw, anchor the drawing hand and arrow up against the check. Aim for a few seconds and release. Stay in this released position until the arrow has made contact with the target. Bull’s-eye. You’ve got it. Once you’ve shot enough, you’ll know to either raise or lower your arrow before release. This is a practiced method that varies by individual.
Tags: Guide to Archery
