Proper Archery Form is essential for shooting both recurve and compound bows. It requires practice to perfect, but the results can be incredible when done correctly. To help you even more on narrowing down your options, there are the Best Compound bows and the best recurve bows available on Amazon, which will help you polish your archery skills efficiently.
In addition, How to take care of bows is key to ensuring that your bow remains in good condition for years of use. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the best practices regarding proper archery form for shooting recurve and compound bows. We will discuss important topics such as stance, anchor points, draw length, weight, and release. We will also provide tips on taking care of your bow to ensure it remains in top condition.
Things You Must Consider
There are the following things you must consider when practicing proper Archery Form for shooting recurve and compound bows:
Stance
The proper Archery Form starts with a good stance. For recurve bows, you should stand sideways to the target with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Your shoulders should be squared to the target, and your knees slightly bent for balance. For compound bows, you can stand either with your feet together, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, or with a traditional recurve stance.
Body/Torso
Once you’ve established a solid stance, it’s time to focus on the rest of your body and torso position. For both recurve and compound bows, you should draw your bow arm straight back without dropping the elbow. Your bow arm should be slightly bent; however, do not lock your elbow, as this will lead to an unstable shot. Keeping your bow arm tucked close to your body for recurve bows is important. For compound bows, you should keep your bow arm slightly away from your body so the string can pass through freely.
Head
When shooting, your head should remain neutral, with both eyes open and looking ahead. Avoid dropping your chin onto the bow or tilting your head to the side – both can affect your aim.
Shoulder
Your shoulder should remain relaxed and in a comfortable position at all times. Do not tense your shoulders or hunch them up – this can lead to instability and a lower power shot.
Elbow
Your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle when you draw your bow. With recurve bows of lighter draw weights, this angle can change slightly, but it should remain close to the 90-degree mark. Compound bows require a stiffer angle, so ensure that your elbow remains rigid and is not flexing as you draw the bow.
Drawing Arm
Your drawing arm should be parallel to the ground, and you want your forearm aligned with the arrow shaft. This helps keep your aim consistent and accurate. When shooting with a compound bow, you should be gripping the handle firmly to ensure that your stroke is even and consistent.
Anchor Point
Your anchor point is the spot on your face where you draw the bowstring back and release it. Most people use a ‘kisser button’ at their anchor point as a reference point. This helps them ensure consistency from shot to shot and is especially helpful when shooting in the field.
Draw Length
Proper draw length ensures accuracy and consistency from shot to shot. It’s best to get a professional fitting to determine the correct draw length for your bow. Once you know your optimal draw length, make sure to practice with it so that you become comfortable with the proper technique.
What Happens When You Draw Length Is Too Long
When you draw your bowstring too far back, it won’t be easy to hold the string in place and still maintain proper form. Doing this can cause strain on various muscles throughout the body and lead to improper form, which could result in injury. The improper Archery Form also affects accuracy, as it is impossible to concentrate on sighting the target when struggling to steady the bow. For these reasons, it is essential to practice proper form and only draw the bowstring back as far as your body can comfortably handle it. Remember that, Eye Dominance is Important in archery.
Additionally, the arrow may be pushed off course during release when drawing too far back. As the string moves forward, any movement of the limbs or torso will cause a shift in the arrow’s trajectory, resulting in a loss of accuracy. Therefore, to maintain proper form and accurate shooting, it is important to draw the bowstring back no further than your body can comfortably and consistently handle it.
What Happens When You Draw Length Is Too Short
If your draw length is too short, it can lead to bad posture, negatively impacting your Archery Form. If the bowstring is not drawn back far enough, you will be forced to arch your back to reach full draw. This can cause a misalignment of the muscles used for proper archery form and may result in the bow being held incorrectly. You may also experience pain or discomfort in your shoulders and back due to incorrect shooting posture.
Additionally, if you draw shorter than your proper draw length, you will not be able to generate enough power or accuracy with your shot, as the arrow will not have sufficient energy behind it. This issue must be addressed before shooting to ensure proper form and the best possible results with your archery practice.
Draw Weight
Before you begin shooting, you must ensure your draw weight is correct. Draw weight is the amount of pressure required to draw the bow fully and varies depending on the type of bow being used. Recurves usually require between 20-50 lbs. while compound bows can have a much higher draw weight (up to 70 lbs.). You should also ensure that the draw weight is comfortable for you, as it will affect your aim and accuracy.
Grip
Maintaining a proper grip when shooting a recurve or compound bow is important. A good grip will help ensure that your shots are accurate and consistent. For a traditional recurve bow, place the bow’s handle in the web of your hand between your thumb and index finger. Wrap your other three fingers around the back of the bow handle. For a compound bow, you will need to use both hands to hold the bow. Place your dominant hand on the grip and your non-dominant hand on the side of the bow. Make sure that your fingers don’t touch the bowstring.
Follow Through On The Short
It is important to follow through after shooting a recurve or compound bow. Before releasing the arrow, ensuring that your body is aligned with the target and that all muscles are engaged is essential. After releasing the arrow, your arms should be extended straight while you continue looking at the target. This will help prevent the snapping of your elbow, which can cause the arrow to veer off course and affect your accuracy. Additionally, it is important not to move immediately after releasing the arrow, as this can alter its flight path.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, proper Archery Form is key to successful shooting. It can take patience and practice to master the right technique for both recurve and compound bows. Make sure to follow all safety precautions and your instructor’s guidance when learning and honing your skills.
With a combination of practice and knowledge about archery form, you can surely find success in shooting either a recurve or compound bow. Eye dominance is Important, as well as finding the best bows for your style and budget.
You can buy Best recurve Bows from Amazon. Additionally, you must know How to take care of bows and arrows properly. Maintain them for optimal use and safety, and you’ll be ready for any archery competition with the right form and attention to detail.
