Historically, archery was used for fighting and hunting. In modern times it has become a precision sport, with the aim of shooting an arrow at a target. Since 1972, archery has reverted to being an Olympic sport, and has remained popular to this day. If you are interested in competitive play, knowing how to shoot with precision for personal satisfaction or if you simply enjoy archery, you can read this guide to improve and learn how to hit the bull's-eye in no time!
Steps
Step 1. Determine which is your dominant eye
Your dominant eye is more accurate in aiming and judging distances. In archery, the dominant eye is more important than the dominant hand.
Step 2. Use equipment suited to your dominant eye
Most archery equipment is for "right-handed" or "left-handed" (referring to the hand with which the string is stretched) probably because for many people, the dominant eye is on the same side as the dominant hand (having a dominant right eye is more common, as is being right-handed). If, on the other hand, your dominant eye is on the opposite side of your dominant hand, you should consider purchasing equipment to shoot with your weak hand. This will allow you to use the dominant eye to aim.
- Dominant right eye: Use a right-handed bow, hold the bow with your left, and pull the string with your right.
- Dominant left eye: Use a left-handed bow, hold the bow with your right hand, and pull the string with your left.
Step 3. Get the right equipment
Some items are indispensable to ensure you have a safe and more fun experience when shooting archery. The following items are recommended:
- A protection for the arm that holds the bow, to avoid hitting it with the string (if you do not use one, you will risk skinning the forearm).
- You can get chest protectors, especially if you are a woman, to protect your chest from rope burns, and to keep your clothes from getting in your way. They are often constructed of flexible plastic.
- Get finger guards on the hand that stretches the string. They are small objects of leather or heavy fabric that protect the fingers that pull the string when you release it.
- You can wear a glove to help your hand grip the grip, and to keep your hand open against the grip, which allows the bow to move more freely during release.
- You will need to wear a quiver on your back or around your waist to hold the arrows.
Step 4. Assume the correct shooting position
Your body should be perpendicular to the target and the line of fire, and if you drew an imaginary line from the target towards you, this line would run through your feet. If you have a dominant right eye, hold the bow with your left hand, point your left shoulder towards the target, and hold the arrow and string with your right hand. If you have a dominant left eye, follow these instructions by reversing your hands.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart so that they form a straight line pointing towards the target.
- Stand on your feet without being tense. You should keep a comfortable but steady posture. In the right position, an archer is straight, and forms a "T". The archer uses the school muscles to shoot the arrow to the anchor point.
Step 5. Nock the arrow
Point the bow towards the ground and place the shaft of the arrow in the space provided on the bow. Hook the bottom of the arrow to the string with the nock - the small plastic component that serves this purpose. If the arrow has three flaps, orient the arrow so that only one flap is in the opposite direction to the bow. Place the arrow under the nock space or between the two nocks. If you've never done this before, try to have an expert show you.
Step 6. Use three fingers to gently hold the arrow on the string
Most commonly, the index finger is held above the arrow and the middle and ring fingers below. This technique is called Mediterranea or "split finger" and is currently the most used technique. In the Eastern tradition, the rope is held with the thumb, which is often protected by a metal or bone ring. Another type of grip that is used is to place all three fingers under the arrow, to pull the arrow closest to the eye.
Step 7. Raise the bow and draw it
These actions are often performed with a single fluid movement, and with practice, you will be able to perfectly control your movements, being able to concentrate fully on the target and not get distracted by fatigue. When holding the bow, you should do it as relaxed as possible, without applying force to the center section of the bow.
- 1 Keep the arm holding the bow in the direction of the target. Your elbow should be parallel to the ground and your arch should be in a vertical position. You should be able to see along the axis of the arrow.
- 2. Pull the rope towards your face to the "anchor point". Anchoring is performed at the chin, cheek, ear or corner of the mouth. This will be your benchmark, and it must be the same for every shot. Be careful not to relax too much and not to keep stretching the string past the anchor point or your power and accuracy will suffer.
Step 8. Aim
Choose instinctive shooting or crosshair shooting.
- Instinctive shooting requires coordination between the eye and the arm that holds the bow, letting experience and the subconscious guide your movements. It takes a lot of concentration and practice. Just focus on the center of the target.
- Shooting with a crosshair means adjusting your composite bow, to reach different distances. This makes it much easier to learn how to shoot, making it the most suitable shot for a beginner.
Step 9. Release the arrow by relaxing the fingers of the hand holding the string
While it may seem simple to you, the way you release your fingers from the string can affect the flight of the arrow. Your goal will be to learn as clean a release as possible and if you are a beginner, it will take time. Some of the problems you may encounter in releasing the arrow include hesitation, trembling, or too anticipating the shot. Anything that causes the string to deflect can alter the arrow's trajectory.
Step 10. When the arrow is out, withdraw the hand that was pulling the string and complete the shoulder rotation
Keep the bow still until the arrow has reached its destination. Watch the arrow fly.
Step 11. Shoot all arrows into your quiver
Generally a set consists of 6 arrows. By repeating the movements, you will improve. To be able to shoot an arrow effectively, you will need to learn how to perform the sequence of movements described above in a fluid way, managing not to be distracted by the thought of each movement. It won't be easy at first, but with practice you will be more fluid and comfortable.
Step 12. Count the points you have made if you wish
There are ten rings of the same size on a standard FITA target. The two innermost yellow circles are worth ten points. The value decreases by one for each outer circle. If an arrow touches a dividing line, only the highest score is considered. Try to hit the center!
There are several disciplines recognized by the FITA, which provide for different distances, number of arrows, type of targets and equipment; you will need to take these variables into account when counting the points you have made. You can also set a time limit, like in the Olympic Games
Advice
- An archer should pay attention to recoil or if the body follows the movement, as these are signs of problems with shooting technique.
- If you are a beginner, do situps, raises, or other exercises to strengthen your arms before starting. They will help you keep your arm from shaking when aiming.
- Avoid "whipping" your forearm with the rope by turning your arm inward. It is a more stable position and your forearm will be away from the path of the rope.
- Quivers are very useful, and widely used in polygons. They can be kept on the ground or on the waist.
- When an archer improves, they develop a different posture. Each archer has his own personal preference, but generally experienced archers keep their legs slightly offset and not parallel to the firing line.
Warnings
- Always wear arm protection that holds the bow to avoid burns and cuts. Most of these protectors go from the wrist to the elbow, but depending on your shooting style, you may need more extensive protection. Don't worry if you will still feel pain on your first few pitches, this is normal for a beginner.
- Do not stretch and release the string without an arrow. Shooting empty can cause micro-fractures in the arc due to tension.
- Always aim the bow in the direction of the target or towards the ground. Make sure that no animals or people are on the shooting range. Always pay attention.
