The following is a revision of the basic shooting style. You may adapt some points to suit your style but try to apply the majority of these steps to gain consistancy in your shots.
Stance
- Stand one foot eother side of the shooting line, as close to an imaginary line drawn to the centre of the target as your neighbouring archer will allow.
- Stand with your feet about shoulders' width apart.
- Stand to attention but without tension.
Holding the string and the bow
- Take hold of the string with the index finger above the knock of the arrow and the middle and ring finger under the knock, without pinching the arrow.
- Hook the string in the crease of the first joint of your fingers.
- The bow hand should hold the bow comfortably so that the back of your hand is at an angle of 45 degrees. Relax the fingers
- DO NOT GRIP the bow.
- Take up a little tension of the string so that you have a 'pre-draw' stance that comprises a straight line from the point of the arrow (currnetly pionting at the ground) along the arrow and up your arm to the elbow.
Addressing the target
- Only now should you turn to look at the target. Keep your head erect.
- Raise the bow arm to shoulder height. Don't hunch your shoulders - keep them low and relaxed.
- The elbow of the bow arm should be turned away from the string.
Drawing the bow
- Draw the string back steadily with your back muscles, moving your shoulder blades towards each other. Keep your elbow up level with your hand.
- Draw the string back to your face. Do not move your face to the string.
- Locate your draw hand so that the index finger is against the lower edge of your jaw. Keep your teeth together so the face location is consistant.
- The string should touch the middle of your nose and chin.
- Bow hand, draw hand and elbow should form a straight line.
Aiming
- Aiming is done with the eye nearest to the bow.
- Try to ensure the string is lined up vertically down the centre of the bow riser.
- Centre the sight on the gold, keeping the back muscles under tension.
Release and follow through
- Keep pulling the shoulder blades towards each other whilst relaxing the fingers drawing the string.
- Keep the bow arm aiming at the gold (even pushing it towards the target very slightly as you release). Do not lower it until the arrow hits the target.
- If wearing a bow sling, relax your bow hand and let the bow drop.
- The draw hand should be relaxed and end up near or behnd your ear.