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Have you watched professional archers shoot with a compound bow? They make everything seem smooth and effortless.
When I was getting started, my mentor seemed to merely pick a bow, draw the string, and release the arrow. I was dead wrong to assume it was this simple to make accurate shots.
Luckily for you, I’m here to teach you how to shoot a compound bow for beginners.
Hitting the bulls-eye and creating tight groups feels great, although I strongly advise that you take each shot as a learning opportunity.
Archery is fun, and you’ll get to the skill level you want once you learn how to relax, have a good time, and of course, practice. You may check this guide to buy a budget compound bow.
The Top Benefits of Archery
Archery is a fitness sport that offers both mental and physical benefits. Whether you are interested in recreational or professional archery, here are good reasons to get started today!
Exercise
You need energy to physically draw your bow, not to mention that you have to walk to your target repeatedly to collect your arrows.
According to experts, 10 minutes of archery practice burn the same number of calories as other activities such as vacuuming, dancing, or sweeping.
Strength
Archery requires short bursts of maximum energy from your core muscles. When you draw your bow, a lot of tension goes to your hands, chest, and the large upper muscles on your back.
A correct and consistent repetition of shooting movements strengthens the engaged tissues.
Control
Mastery in using bows and arrows is all about being in control. Archers learn how to remain focused on their shot routine and avoid inconsistencies caused by distractions such as noise, distance, wind, and even pressure from other competitors. This control can set you up for success in other areas of your life.
Coordination
To enhance your overall shooting accuracy, you need to maintain a specific stance and execute a high-precision routine each time you use your compound bow.
With time, these repetitive movements get ingrained in your subconscious and muscle memory.
Whether you are practicing for fun or in an actual competition, so much happens at the same time. Either way, there is no room for errors.
This makes coordinating all the vital movements almost instinctive.
Patience
Learning how to use a compound bow is easy. The challenging part is to perfect your shooting skills for enhanced precision.It takes patience to see any notable growth in your skillset.
Also, a blend of patience and determination is required for you to repeat the exact same technique over and over again.
Trust me, merely learning how to keep breathing even after repeatedly missing your target makes you a better person.
Relaxation
In case you have trouble staying calm and focused under pressure, maybe you should try archery.
To grow in skills and confidence as an archer, you must make it your second nature to manage your focus and breathing even when the universe seems to be conspiring against you in the field.
Archery is a very sociable sport that can be enjoyed with your friends and loved ones. When shooting, however, it’s all about you and your bow. All external pressures are null and void.
Self-Confidence
In this sport, you are your greatest opponent. You have to identify what you need to improve to achieve specific goals. Each progress you make breeds invaluable self-confidence.
Beginner’s Archery 101
Growing into an accomplished archer will not happen overnight. It takes plenty of practice and a whole world of knowledge to master how to shoot a compound bow with unrivaled precision.
If you are ready to reap the perks of archery, here are some tips in a step by step form to make your learning process a breeze.
Stance
• Face your target at a 45-degree angle by placing one foot parallel to the other on the shooting line.
• Depending on your height, make sure you have 17-25 inches of space between your feet and keep your toes facing your target.
• To better your odds of hitting the target dead-on, also maintain a straight and tall posture. Keep the shoulders loose and down and raise your head.
Grip
• Use your bow-holding hand to get a firm yet relaxed grip on your bow.
• Place the area between your thumb and lifeline smack in the middle of the bow grip.
• Point your thumb towards the target. Also, ensure the knuckles of the rest of the fingers are angled at 45 degrees towards your body. Never use an open hand.
Anchor
• Draw the string and lock your string hand against the right side of your face if you are right-handed or the left side if you are left-handed. Professionally, this is known as the anchor position.
• To achieve better shooting precision, also anchor under your chin or at the corner of your mouth.
Draw
• Firmly but smoothly, pull the string with the bow pointing at your target.
• Pull your bowstring as far as you can at a full draw and also extend the bow’s grip to its maximum point.
If you are using a bow suited for your structure, the draw weight should be just right.
Aim
• Aiming is effortless when using a compound bow that has a bow sight. If yours is equipped with a sight, point the laser towards your target.
• If you don’t have a bow sight, aim a few inches above the target, depending on the wind conditions.
Release
• For a smooth release, ensure your fingers are completely relaxed to prevent imparting hand torque
• In case you are using a mechanical release aid, gently tap the trigger to release the arrow
Follow-Through
• Without disrupting your stance, “follow-through” to see if the arrow hits its target.
• Keep your bow steadily in your hand, and don’t lower it.
• Hold your position and stay in formation until you confirm that your arrow hit its target.
Practice
In archery, practice does not necessarily make perfect. Nothing is as vital as upholding the “correct” practices.
Practicing the wrong techniques over and over again will only lead to frustration. You must focus, be patient, and use some math skills along the way.
Conclusion
We have offered you a detailed step by step guide on how to shoot a compound bow for beginners.
Don’t be intimidated by the numerous steps to follow; even expert bowmen have to start from somewhere.
As long as you practice the correct techniques, it will not be long before you get a seat at the table of accomplished archers.