Shooting Basics

This Basic description of the shot sequence will be expanded on as your personal training program is developed

The following describes the shot sequence as it applies to a right handed archer for left handed archers reverse all left right instructions

1. Set your feet to a slightly open stance with 60% to 70% of your weight on the balls of your feet. the stability of your entire shot depends on having a solid stance, it is at this point you must consolidate your form from your head to the ground (anchoring your self in position)

2. Place your bow hand in the grip, in the position you will have it for the shot (use a loose finger or bow sling for security) the top two knuckles should be at around 45 Degrees to the riser, the grip should remain relaxed and open through the entire shot sequence

3. Now allow your body to relax and lower your centre of gravity and lower your shoulders as martial arts competitors would in a ready stance this is easer to maintain through a long tournament than a standing tall type of stance and will aid in your shot stability.

4. Take enough weight on the string so the bow maintains its position in your bow hand (do not draw) lift and extend the bow to the target while maintaining a low bow shoulder (do not draw) your right scapular should rotate forward toward  the bow and your chest should contract (at this point you will still not have drawn the bow) you may lean slightly into the bow but generally maintain an upright posture with low bow shoulder. level to medium high draw elbow for Compound and level elbow for recurve)

Release aid shooters; maintain a medium to high drawing elbow and draw with a rotating or cranking motion contracting your back muscles and expanding your chest to a solid anchor. This should allow for enough rear and downward rotation for the release and follow through (draw to your face do not move your face to your string). At the anchor you should relax from your bow fingers through to your release fingers.When performed correctly this will result in a low bow shoulder and the right scapular will extend further back than the left when viewed from the target or above at full draw. your right scapular should rotate around your spine toward the left scapular through to the completion of the follow through. This follow through should be an extension of the chest expansion and back tension process

The following method can also be used successfully by release aid shooters as with many things in archery it is personal preference

Finger release Shooters compound and recurve  : maintain a low drawing elbow and draw toward the top of your sternum (top of chest) as you aproach your sternum bring your hand up to the transition point (under your chin for sighted or at the corner of your mouth for bare bow) in an upward curving motion (this is not an anchor point as it is just the point that you begin to transfer more of the load to your back) continue with chest expansion and back tension through to the clicker.

When performed correctly this will result in a low bow shoulder and the right scapular will extend further back than the left when viewed from the target or above at full draw. Your right scapular should rotate around your spine toward the left scapular through to the completion of the follow through. This follow through should be an extension of the chest expansion and back tension process

 This process will be expanded on as your lessons progress as archery is an accumulation of many steps in a training program. This is true for the elite athlete or the casual hunter