Possessing the skill to shoot well with traditional bows directly translates to the ability to shoot well with modern bows.
If you follow the recommendations in this guide you can expect several outcomes from shooting traditional archery.
What you will need Bow (required) The most basic traditional bow is the longbow, also known as the stick bow. You do not need to buy a hand-crafted wood bow if you do not want to.
Arrows (required) Arrows are the projectile used by the bow. You will need to discuss your draw length (determines arrow length), the poundage of your bow (determines arrow grain), shooting distances you are likely to encounter (determines vein length and tip weight), and what you intend to shoot (determines tip type: target or broad-head). Traditional shooters prefer wood arrows as a generality. Note that arrows break. Bulky finger tabs can severely affect accuracy if excess material catches when the arrow is released.
Target Some targets are specifically designed to handle broad-head arrows. Make a point of checking if a target or bail will work well with your setup.
If the range allows you to use your own targets, print out your own. If you have a take-down bow, use a bow-stringer. It is less stressful on your limbs than bending the bow between your legs to remove the bow string. This helps lubricate the arrow and will make taking the arrow from the target easier. A bow is a weapon, and even if an arrow is not knocked you can make a lot of people angry. Never, ever shoot a broken arrow. If someone or something that really shouldn’t have an arrow sticking out of it is on the range, it is your responsibility to call a hold if people are about to fire. Always store your arrows tip-down in your quiver/arrow holder. Your dominant eye has no relation to your dominant hand.
If the object moved to your right eye you are “right eye dominant” and are in the main stream. Most archers are right eye dominant. You will hold the bow with your left hand and draw the string back with your right hand. If the object moved to your left eye you are “left eye dominant” and will hold the bow with your right and draw back the string with your left.
The archery form – turning the body into a machine The key to good shooting is consistency. You will not make consistent shots if you do not have a consistent form. If you cannot control where you are shooting your accuracy will be only moderately better than coincidental.
Place your fingers on the string such that you stabilize the arrow, either with your index finger above the arrow and your middle and ring fingers below, or with all three fingers below the arrow (the knock keeps the arrow in place on the other side). If you clench the bow you can ruin your accuracy.
Twist your bow arm so that the elbow is pointed away from the bow. If you are focusing only on aiming this release should be a surprise. A proper release will cause your string hand to pull backward toward your ear and the bow to fall forward in your bow hand.
Finally, continue to aim at the center of your target until the arrow lands. Always check to see if you were surprised by the arrow release. If you said “now” in your head, you were not aiming. If your string hand did not snap backward, you were not aiming. Specifically, if you release the arrow and your hand does not move from its anchor, you had a “dead release” which really changes your arrow’s flight. If you miss the center ring all day but your arrows have punched a hole out of the side of the target, you have had a successful shoot.
Accuracy is the ability to shoot at a specific target. If you aim at the center of the target and hit it, you are very accurate. However, if you shoot ten arrows and one hits the center of the target, you are lucky. Always aim at the same spot on your target. Even if you think you are shooting too low or off to the right, always aim at that same spot. If your tournaments never push past 40 yards/meters, practice at 50+ yards/meters.
If you can shoot a three inch group at 50 yards/meters you will find yourself hitting your own arrows at 20 yards/meters because your muscle memory is more fine-tuned from the training.
Stop while you are ahead If you are tired, stop shooting.
Never adjust your aim until you are shooting consistent, tight groups. Remember, shooting a tight group is the hard part. Pretend you are drawing back an arrow. Split finger shooting is the more common and “natural” position of your fingers on the bowstring. You position your index finger on top of the knock and your middle and ring fingers beneath the arrow. Additionally, because you are “pinching” the arrow between your fingers, you have a higher likelihood of catching the arrow with your fingers or with your finger protection when you release, which can also change your arrow’s flight.
Three under shooting is the placement of your index, middle, and ring fingers beneath the arrow. You do lose out on range: all of your fingers are below the arrow so if you used the same anchor as a split-finger style your arrow would have less of an angle. The split finger arrangement is the more traditional choice.
Does the range attract only hunters, target shooters, or both? Does the range have knowledgeable staff? Do they know about traditional archery? Is the shop equipped to handle repairs that may apply specifically to your bow/arrows? Are the range fees affordable?
Can I make my own archery range?
