Basic Steps

The following sequence of figures shows the basic steps of shot execution.

Although it is depicted as a sequence of separate events, you should execute these steps in one single smooth motion.

Also keep in mind that these are Basic steps, individual adjustments are possible, but these are usually given by the instructor / trainer / coach.



1 - Stance:

Put the tip of your toes against an imaginary straight line towards the centre of the target

Put your feet on both sides of the line

Put your feet about shoulder's width apart

Try and relax

2 - Finger Placement:

Place your fingers in such a way, that you hold the string with your index finger above the nock and middle and ring finger under the nock

Hook the string between first and second joint. Make sure to maintain a deep hook.

3 - Bow hand placement

The pressure of the bow should be distributed along the pressure line

Relax your fingers. The back of your hand should make an angle of 45 degrees

The tips of thumb and index finger are may touch each other in a relaxed way

 

4 - Extending the bow arm

Bring the bow arm to shoulder height

The elbow of the bow arm is turned away from the string

 

5 - Drawing the bow

Draw the string along the bow arm in a straight horizontal line to the anchor point

Draw with your back muscles, moving the shoulder blades towards each other

Stand straight up and relaxed

Keep both shoulders as low as possible

 

6 - Anchoring

The string should touch the middle of the chin

The index finger is placed under the chin

Keep your teeth together

 

7 - Aiming

Aiming is done with the dominant eye. Shut the other eye

Keep the sight at the target

Keep the string a little left of the sight

 

8 - Release

Keep pulling the shoulder blades towards each other, while relaxing the fingers of the draw hand

A relaxed bow hand will automatically move backwards

Relax your bow hand. Let the bow drop

 

9 - Follow-Through

The draw hand should be relaxed and near or behind your ear

Keep aiming until after the arrow hits the target