We've all seen our favorite movie actors shoot an arrow and make it appear simple. They locate the target, nock an arrow, draw back on the bowstring, and release, killing everything from big games to brutal enemies.
If you've recently purchased a recurve bow, and are looking about where to get started, here are some basic shooting techniques to assist you in learning how to shoot a recurve bow.
The easier it looks on screen, the more complex it can be to shoot a bow in real life. To make things easier for you, we have broken down the process of shooting a recurve.
Table of Contents
1. Choosing the appropriate bow
Just like a pair of hiking boots or a set of tennis rackets, your bow also should be the perfect fit for your height and the appropriate draw weight for your skill level.
The good news is that your nearby archery shop can assist you in selecting the best bow for you according to your budget, body type, and skill level. You can also check out our article about the best recurve bows in 2022. Perhaps what's even better is that as you progress, the limbs on a recurve bow can be swapped out for high-quality or thicker ones. In other words, the archery store staff can assist you in selecting a bow that meets your needs and long-term goals.
The perfect bow depends upon its draw weight and length. The suitable draw weight and draw length for you implies that it will allow the bow to retract sufficiently and with the appropriate tension.
Many archery stores can measure you to decide your ideal draw length. A good draw weight is one that you can draw back and hold confidently for at least 60 seconds.
2. Find the right stance
The way you stand contributes to your ability to deliver the best shots. You can use a square standpoint, which means standing square to your aim. In contrast, an open stance suggests your feet and hips to be tilted slightly toward your target.
On the other hand, a less frequently used closed stance implies that you're turned slightly distant from your target. The most important thing here is to stand uniformly, lining up in the same manner upon each shot.
3. Hold onto the bow with a comfortable grip
While many may find this tip insignificant, it carries a lot of importance. As a slight mistake here can cause you to shoot inaccurate shots. Start by placing your knuckles at about a 45 ° angle. Avoid using a death grip on your bow, as it will result in inaccurate shots. And lastly, stay calm so that every shot is seamless.
4. Load the arrow
Load the arrow by attaching the notch at the end of the arrow to the bow. Perform this without raising your bow or drawing the string. This is also known as "nocking" the arrow.
5. Align with your upper body
When shooting a recurve bow, your shoulders should be straight to allow your bone structure to support the bow's weight. You must neither over- nor under-extend your front shoulder. And your back shoulder should be in line with the front.
You can achieve this alignment by keeping your head over your neck, your ribcage over your lower body, and your shoulders down low, laid back, and flat.
6. Find the archer point for an accurate aim
The archer point is the point on an archer's face where the drawing hand is placed to stabilize the archer's aim before releasing the arrow. The ideal anchor point for beginners is usually where the index finger of the draw hand meets the chin. This point of contact should be firm and always rest in the exact location. Because it is the most essential feature of an anchor point in terms of both height and distance. If the anchor point moves, the movement of your arrow may become unstable.
7. Aim at your target
Use the notches in your sight to help you sync with your target. Confirm your aim with your eyes as well to avoid tunnel vision.
Aiming with your dominant eye while closing the other eye is usually suggested to produce reliable results and a ground-smashing target
8. Launch thy arrow
Remove your fingers out of the way as you relax your fingers and pull your draw elbow back for a great release. Keep your drawing hand close to your face, and rest it behind your ear after releasing the arrow. Focus on the target rather than the arrow. Maintain a straight posture and alignment until the arrow lands on the target.
Whether you're a beginner or a skilled archer, these eight steps will help you find expertise with the recurve bow. and quickly increase your success rate in this domain!
