Correct bow shooting technique (cont.)

Step 3: Drawing the bow

Contrary to popular belief, drawing a bow incorporates all the muscles used in keeping your form correct and mainly uses the back muscles.

When drawing the bow, start by keeping your elbow high and in line with your jaw. Begin drawing the bow by pulling straight back, using your back muscles and not your bicep muscle.

The hand that is gripping the bow should be directly in line with your shoulder at full draw. Also your drawing hand and elbow should be at level with each other.

Some archers feel more comfortable if the elbow is slightly higher than the shoulder and the forearm is level with the arrow at full draw.

Step 4: Anchor point

An anchor point is a spot that is touched by the draw hand or string when the bow is fully drawn and ready to shoot, usually a point on the archer’s mouth, chin, jaw or nose.

By continuously using the same anchor point or points, the archer has a better chance of reproducing the same shot each and every time.

Step 5: Follow through

Follow through is vital for accurate shooting. It requires the archer to hold the bow arm in the same position as just prior to the shot, until the arrow reaches its target. It takes the arrow a split second from release to clearing the arrow rest. Any movement of the bow arm or body during this time will greatly affect the impact point of the arrow.