The five secrets of shooting a bow accurately
View from behind the string

February 21, 2002 — When we shoot, what is our objective? To hit the bullseye!  How we do it is a matter of preparation, concentration, perseverance and practice?  All things considered, each shot is made up of all of the above.  If we do it right each shot is our only shot, no second chances. If we take all we know and put it into one word the word would be FOCUS.

Instructors tell shooters who use pins to focus on the target not the pin.  To concentrate on the target and let the pin be a blur. One very well known archer and instructor gave me a tip that helped me shoot a lot better. The process went like this;

If the target and pin are not in the same relationship before and after the shot the arrow is not going where you aim. A good clean release is an important part of this complete system. Where your bow ends up after the shot is made is as important as where your release hand ends up also. When I help people shoot (I am a finger shooter) either fingers or release, I tell them to be  aware of where their hand or release ends up. That is as important as a steady bow arm. It is the final step in the whole sighting--shooting process.

When you practice how do you practice?  If you miss the mark do you try harder to hit the mark?  Or do you focus on the shot process? There is that word again.  Do you focus on the shot you missed in its entirety or in its separate functions? Just like your body, different functions affect the whole. Were you aware of where your bow arm was pointing? Were you aware of your release arm and hand? Were you aware of why the arrow went the way it did? There is always a reason. Finding the reason is awareness and focus.

Becoming aware is the first step. Focusing corrects it. Let me explain.  If your arrow hits right, become aware of your form. Did your bow arm move? Did your release hand fly away from your face? Become aware of what you are doing then focus on correcting it. That is practice! Correcting form is some times hard to do. For improving scores and becoming a better shooter it is essential. Having someone watch who is trained is always essential.

Case in point. Working part-time in an archery shop, I see and talk to a lot of people who blame their bows for poor shooting. One in particular comes to mind. He came from the range saying that his arrow was not on center and that his arrows hit to the left. The gentleman insisted I move the arrow rest. I asked if I could watch him shoot. He replied, "Yes, but I want to know what that has to do with it?"  Watching him shoot, I saw the problem right away. 

When he shot, with a bow sling, he grabbed the bow and torqued the grip. His hand that held the release went abut 6-8 inches out from his face. I took his bow sling off and told him to lay his fingers flat on the back of the grip. His next shot was closer to the middle. He tried it two more times and his arrows started to group. Now part of the problem was solved. On to the next.

When the next shot was in process I told him to pull back, anchor, and release. As he anchored I put my hand firmly on his release hand. He released Bullseye. We went through the process four times and four arrows were in the ten ring. All without moving a thing. He stared startled and surprised. He gave me an "I do not believe it" look. Remember we did this without moving a thing!

What if I moved the rest? Would that have solved the problem? Probably not, it would have compounded the problem. He did not analyze, he did not become aware of the problem and he did not FOCUS on his form. How many of you practice? I know some one who shoots one arrow a day, period. Now that is practicing ... think about that.

In this day of screws, springs, wires, overdraws, carbon arrows and high speeds every thing needs to be checked and tightened continuously. That is a necessity. In my opinion 80% of poor shooting is in shooting form. A bow is a machine and from time to time it needs to be looked at and tuned. All in all it performs the same every time. Just as you take a car to a garage, every once in your bow needs to be looked at too. 

When I am stumped I go to the experts — Norb Mullney, Bob Ragsdale and Emery Loiselle.  In my opinion, they are the best in the industry.  Bob Ragsdale writes on Bowhunting.net Go to his column and Compound Bow Tech & Tackle Talk and absorb what he writes. Bob does not always say what is "politically correct" but he does cut to the chase and tells you where the stick floats in the river.

So to become a better shot — practice, don't shoot.  I am not the best shot, but I do get better and I have fun. There is only one thing I like better then making a great shot, helping someone else make a great shot. When they do I hi-five them, I congratulate them; I pat them on the back and tell others how well they shoot.

So take some bow measurements and periodically check them. Practice on your form and above all have FUN. Remember though there are no measurements to a smile, a handshake or a pat on the back and a large "well done." Some people need that more then a $49.99 super Rest. I hope that I will see you soon aiming … behind the string.