Image by: J&S Shoot Photography

Did you know that original bow strings were made from animal parts, like sheep or goat intestines? Other ancient materials used were fiber, flax, linen, or hemp strings.

We’ve come a long way from those days thousands of years ago. When you select your own bow string lengths, you are participating in the sport of archery, which has an incredibly long and rich history.

As any master archer can tell you, that, besides the bow itself with its limbs and risers and arrow rest, the bowstring is the most important component of the entire tool. In this article we gonna learn how to measure compound bow string length perfectly every time.

Related articles:

• What draw weight should on a Compound Bow have?
• Adjust draw length on your bear compound bow
• Learn how to shoot with a peep sight
• Learn to adjust draw weight on your bow

Compound Bow Cables and Strings

Unlike regular bows or long bows, which have bent limbs, compound bows have stiff limbs. When you hold the two models up side by side, you can definitely see the difference.

With their cams, axles, pulleys, cables, and strings, compound bows are much more complex than regular bows. They were designed to give you, as the archer, a distinct mechanical advantage over older bow models. The compound bow gives you so much more force, which in turn, makes the arrow shoot forward with far more momentum. Compound bows are often used for hunting precisely because of their advanced design.

However, so many cables and strings can prove to be confusing. They attach in different places on the bow, and each one serves a different purpose. They also stretch too much and have to be replaced. You could even have one break.

Bow strings are different from the two other cables found on a compound bow: the bus cable and the control cable. The bus cable is connected to the axles, and the control cable (or cables) are attached to the cams. Control cables have serving ends. Cables are also attached to cable slides, while the actual bow string is not.

Why is having the proper bow string length so important? It has to do with one crucial factor: draw weight.

Bow String Creates Draw Length

Draw length is the measurement of how many inches are between the arrow rest on the compound bow and the maximum arm span when you pull the arrow back. You don’t want the bow string to be too long, for then you would lose tension and not be able to create the force necessary to shoot the arrow. But, neither do you want it to be too tight, for then it’s too difficult to pull the arrow back. So, it’s very important to determine the correct bow string length for your bow.

How Long Should the Bow String Be?

Many compound bow owners leave the string length up to the bow’s manufacturer or an expert at a sporting goods store to measure it for them. But, it is highly useful to know your particular bow’s requirements. Your bow probably already came with strings, so you can simply use that exact string length. Use a tape measure and hold it end to end.

But if your bow did not come with strings, then here are some simple tips and tricks you can use to determine the proper bow string length.
There are two proper methods you can use: either manually measuring or going by the AMO (Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization) length. We’ll discuss both below.

First Method: Manually Measuring Your Compound Bow

It’s easy to measure the bow string length required for a long bow or recurve bow. On a compound bow, it’s a little bit more involved. You will need some equipment:

• A bow press
• A long piece of regular white string or twine
• A permanent marker
• A tape measure

You are going to measure from one outside pin on the cam at the end of the top riser to the other outside pin on the other cam at the end of the bottom riser.

Step 1

Once you have the proper equipment, then place the compound bow in a bow press, with the risers facing towards you. If you don’t have a bow press, a partner can help you compress the bow. You can’t string a bow and compress it at the same time, so you’ll need a partner. Tighten the bow press vise grip, making the bow upside down and facing towards you. The cable slide should be in the middle and vertical.

Step 2

Make a loop on one end of the long piece of string or twine. Tie a good knot so that it holds firmly.

Step 3

Place this loop over the pin on the cam on the top riser, which is facing you on your right-hand side. Wind it around the cams like you would a regular bow string.

Step 4

Pull the string towards the other cam, compressing the bow at the same time. Gently insert it into the other cam on your right-hand side and wind it.

Step 5

Mark the string at the end using a permanent marker the length that you are going to purchase. Unwind the string from the cam and then unwind it from the other cam.

Step 6

Use a tape measure to measure the length of the string from the loop to the point where you marked it.

Second Method: Using the AMO Length

If you’re lucky enough to have a compound bow that’s clearly marked with the standardized AMO length, you can use that to determine the bow string. A label might include the weight, string length, cable, and draw. For a compound bow weighting between 50 and 65 pounds, the string length would be 58”. It’s a lot easier than manually measuring.

Conclusion

Besides searching for your bow string length on the internet, you can also call the manufacturer of your bow, give them the overall length, and ask them what string size that you need. However, it is handy to know how to measure string length, if only because you might want to restring them yourself. A bow press is an excellent investment of your time and money, and it will make that job a lot easier.

Image by: J&S Shoot Photography

Always stick to the same type of arrow when sighting on a bow. The spine, point design, and point weight all affect flight behavior. Before starting to sight on any bow, make sure that both the bow and string are broken in. At times it is better to make your own target range rather than heading to an archery range as it can take a few days to properly how to sight on a compound bows with 3 pin sights.

A new sight needs to be handled with care, especially when tightening in the pins. At times cheaper sights can be overtightened which damages the pin socket making it impossible to make further adjustments. Given enough time, care, and attention, a calibrated compound bow and its 3-pin sight will need no adjustment for a long time to come.

Related articles:

• Learn about 3 pin sights on compound bows
• Should you buy a slider bow sight with 3 pins?
• Maybe you should use peep sights instead of regular sights?
• How to shoot a bow without a sight

Sighting on a Compound Bow with 3 Pin Sights Step-by-Step

Follow these easy instructions to sight in your compound bow. Sighting in a bow is a process that should not be rushed. The further you can spread your calibration over the better. Remember, you’ll most likely only ever have to do this two-to-three times with any given bow depending on your prowess and ability in archery.

Step 1 – Mount Your 3-Pin Sight
Begin by mounting your 3-pin sight to the compound bow. Always follow all installation instructions provided to the letter, securing the sight to the riser as instructed. This typically takes nothing more than a few screws which attach to pre-drilled holes in your riser. Make sure that your bow sight is given time to settle overnight. On the following day, tighten the sight to ensure stability.

Step 2 – Sighting Pin Adjustments
Set all of the sighting pin adjustments to the center using an Allen wrench.

Step 3 – Set Your Target
The majority of shooters mark each 10-yard increment from their target. Sighting on a 3-pin sight on a compound bow will take an excessive amount of shots. Make sure your target will last through the entire calibration exercise.

Step 4 – Set the First Pin
Aim at the distance which is closest to your target. Most archers set this at 10-yards. Assume your stance, draw and release an arrow toward the target, aiming with your sight’s top pin. Fire off a few more shots repositioning the sight box upward if your arrows went above the region indicated by the pin. Do this until you are completely certain that your arrows are not shooting above the top pin.

Once the first distance is accurately calibrated, go to double the distance away (20-yards for most) and carry out the same sighting process. Raise the sighting box as is necessary and when you are completely certain that your arrows are not shot over the top pin, begin to adjust the sight for arrows travelling too far to the left or right. The first pin is likely to move once the others have been set in so aim for a high degree of accuracy but there’s no need to get it perfect.

Step 5 – Set the Second Pin
The next mark is typically 30 yards for most but aim at the mark which is three times the distance of the first one. Aim with your second pin, firing off a few arrows towards your target. Perform the same adjustments which you did for the first pin except keep in mind that you’ll need to move the entire 3-pin sight box instead of just moving it left or right. It may take quite some time to reach a high degree of accuracy but this time is well spent as the second pin is the anchor point for your entire sight. You are looking to be as close to 100% accurate as possible.

Step 6 – Set the Third Pin
The final pin needs to be set in at four times the distance of your starting mark making it 40-yards for most. Aim at your mark, releasing arrows towards your target while adjusting as you did before. The only difference is that you need to move the pin itself and not the position of the sight box. You are aiming to guarantee that your arrow travels precisely to the direction that the third pin in pointing in. There is no need to shift the box in any way. If you find that your shots are veering to the left or right, return to the previous mark and make your adjustment from there.

Step 7 – Adjust the First Pin
Once you are happy with the accuracy of your third pin you should head back to your first marker and check the accuracy of your first pin. This typically requires slight adjustment of the pin itself but don’t make the mistake of moving the sight box or you’ll have to start over.

Sighting with Other Scopes

If you are sighting on a sight with more pins, continue this basic structure adjusting according to distance and recalibrating as necessary. Move pin to pin taking extra care to ensure that your second pin is perfect while always readjusting the first once you are done with the last pin.

Getting Your Compound Bow’s 3-Pin Sight Perfect

Instead of sighting on your bow over just one or two lengthy sessions, spread your sighting over a few days. Your shooting and power are affected by fatigue causing your overall form to shift. This natural adjustment establishes a better average for your personal shooting habits and stance granting impressive accuracy.

Personal Pin Adjustments

You want to make sure that you set in your pins for your own personal shooting ability rather than opting for a cookie-cutter standard. Many archers begin at 10, 20 and 25-yard range while advancing to as far as 25, 35 and 50 yards. Always keep your shooting range in consideration when sighting in. Your ability and quality of equipment makes a massive difference to the optimal pin settings.

When one sights on a bow for extremely far ranges such as 60 yards and above, it may take multiple targets in order to properly gauge the pin setup needed. Group shots at multiple targets positioned to a single point, a horizontal target line, and a vertical target to guarantee that your long-range pins are properly sighted in.

Image by: laugh like muttley

Compound bows are designed to be drawn back to a fixed distance, unlike traditional recurves and longbows which can be draw back at almost any distance. The draw length of your bow needs to be set according to your height, allowing for a comfortable draw with optimal power and accuracy. You should always fire a compound bow from a full draw.

Here we’ll be explaining to you how to determine your optimal draw length while taking you through a look at how to adjust draw length of a compound bow to match your bow, strength & height.

Related articles:

• Need new hunting boots for the autumn?
• This is how you attach a quiver to a compound bow
• Need new hunting boots for the autumn?
• This is how you attach a quiver to a compound bow
• Best compound bow for a new archer
• How do you use a sight on a compound bow?

Determining the Perfect Draw Length

There is no fixed rule which guarantees the best draw length; instead the perfect draw length is relative to your individual size, height, weight and strength. This being said, there is an extremely reliable calculation which has been used by countless archers over many, many years. The “Arm Span” method serves as a great starting point to begin finding the right draw length for you. The optimal draw length is the length at which you shoot best so be sure to adjust as is necessary from the basic draw determined by the “Arm Span” method.

The Arm Span Method

While other methods such as the “Wingspan” and others exist and work, this technique gives a draw length which is comfortable and optimal for most:

• Determine your arm-span length in inches by standing with your arms outstretched naturally

• Get a friend to measure the length from the tip of one middle finger to the opposing middle finger’s tip

• Divide the length obtained by 2.5 and you have a starting draw length to work with

Adjusting the Draw Length of Your Bow

Find the limb bolts of your bow situated near the center. These bolts are typically locked into the riser using locking bolts, found just below the top limb or a short distance above the top limb. Tightening the bolts (clockwise) will increase the draw weight of your bow while loosening the limb bolts will lower the draw length and weight.

Always use a bow scale to check the draw weight as you adjust your bolts. When lowering the draw length of your bow always start from a fully tightened set of limb bolts and adjust by unscrewing the bolts at one full revolution at a time. Check the weight and adjust as is further necessary.

Draw Weight

Draw weight is the maximum amount of weight that an archer will need to pull while drawing their bow. Compound bows differ from traditional bows in the sense that they reach a peak weight then drop to a holding weight instead of requiring a fixed amount of pull poundage while drawing the bow.

General Guidelines for Draw Weight

If you are put on the spot and don’t quite know what draw weight to use for yourself or a friend, then here is a general reference according to weight which will generally give the best draw. Remember to use this as a guide only, adjusting until shooting your bow is comfortable.

• Small children weighing between 45 to 70 pounds – 10 to 15 pounds draw weight

• Average children weighing between 70 to 100 pounds – 15 to 30 pounds draw weight

• Small-frame women and boys weighing between 100 to 130 pounds – 30 to 40 pounds draw weight

• Large frame women and boys weighing between 130 to 150 pounds – 40 to 55 pounds draw weight

• Men weighing between 150 to 180 pounds – 45 to 65 pounds draw weight

• Men weighing between 150 to 180 pounds setting bow for hunting or 3d archery – 50 to 70 pounds draw weight

• Large frame and muscular men – 65 to 80 pounds draw weight

Compound Bow Adjustment Precautions

Ensure that you never tighten your limb bolts too much. Over-tightening will cause strain to the bowstring or cam making it essential to check the user manual supplied with your bow to find the maximum turns to tighten the limb bolt. Whenever you are done adjusting the draw length of your compound bow, be sure to secure the locking screws in place. Without the screws locked in, the limb can disengage during use posing a great danger to you as the archer and bystanders.

Never Overset Your Draw Length

The longer your draw length, the greater the speed and power of your shot but this does not mean that you should set your bow for too much draw length. Some shooters opt to overset their draw length on purpose but the trade-off giving a loss of comfort and control is not worth it. A draw length which does not suit your height and weight may give a high-speed shot but your accuracy will pale in comparison to a properly configured compound bow.

Establish a Comfortable Draw Length and Weight

Most archers find that the most comfortable draw length and weight requires them to use about 75% of their strength at the most. If your bow is overbowed, it’ll only be a few shots before you are fatigued, bringing your practice to an end. As your back and upper-body strength increases you can always increase your draw lengthy for a faster shot.

Don’t fall into the mistake of using the same draw length across all of your bows as depending on the size, weight and overall composition, each compound bow will have a different draw length and weight which is comfortable.

Find the Right Balance

Some archers prefer a draw length calculation which takes your total arm span length less 15 then divided by two, resulting in your total draw length. This is referred to as the “Wingspan Method.” As you can see, it is essential that your draw length never be longer than is necessary. The longer the fault in length the greater the impact on your accuracy.

The distance of your draw length does not change when you add a string loop but your anchor point will adjust. If you want to retain the same anchor point, make sure that you shorten your draw length accordingly to move your anchor point back to your place of preference.

Image by: J&S Shoot Photography

A peep sight is the sight of choice for most compound bows, while certain recurve users also opt for this handy upgrade when it fits without disturbing alignment.

The basic principle of aiming through a peep sight is to line up the target with the peep sight’s pin by looking through the peep with your dominant eye, while lining up the forward sight (at the front of your bow) with the corresponding target as well.

So how to use a peep sight then? In this article, we gonna break down that question.

Related articles:

• How do I use a bow sight on a compound bow?
• How do I aim with a bow without a sight?
• How to use a 3 pin sight on a compound bow?
• Great 3 pin sights for bows

Using a Peep Sight

Always determine what distances the pins are set to before attempting a shot. The top pin of a peep sight is almost always set to 20 yards while 10-yard increments are typically set to the rest (30, 40 and 50 yards). Ensure that your anchor point is not obstructing the view of your peep sight when aiming and adjust either your face position or the anchor point if it is.

As you shoot over further distances, line up the corresponding pin to the target according to its distance from you. Once the bubble is in the center of the level in your forward sight and your pin is lined up with your target, you’re ready to take your shot.

Picking the Right Peep Sight

Numerous peep sights are available in an array of different sizes and housing designs. The larger your peep sight the more light it lets in, while the sight housing determines the number of pins, how far apart they are spaced, where they are located, and your overall field-of-view. Most archers prefer a peep sight with a large, round housing of at least 1 5/8-inch in diameter due to its huge field of view and large amount of room to move pins around.

The further away your pin spread is from the riser of your bow, the finer the sight can be aimed. Your peep should allow only a small halo of light either outside of the sight ring or around the colored ring of the sight.

3-Step Peep Sight Installation

Your peep sight will usually be installed by a traditional D-loop although a torque-less loop is at times used instead which self-aligns. You need to get your peep sight into your string and aligned to the center. A bow press should be used to separate the strands of your bowstring. You can try other ways to separate your strands but this usually results in damage to you or the bowstring. Most archers opt for a two-color string when installing a peep sight as this is generally the most visually attractive option.

Step 1 – Finding the Right Height
Before setting the proper height of your peep get a friend to help you. With the peep sight installed on your string, close your eyes and draw your bow to your anchor. Once drawn, open one of your eyes and don’t move. Have your friend rotate the peep into alignment and move it either up or down the string. It needs to align perfectly with the forward sight aperture.

Step 2 – Calibration Shots
It takes a good deal of shooting to determine the proper alignment of your peep sight. Before you even begin to adjust the alignment of your peep, it is best to fire off at least fifteen to twenty shots with it roughly sighted. This ensures that the twists and tension of the bowstring settle in.

Step 3 – Peep Sight Rotation
When the right height of your peep sight has been found and a few shots have been fired off, your peep sight will most likely not be aligned perfectly to your eye. Rotate the peep sight by adding or subtracting half a turn at a time until the peep is in its proper position.

Step by Step Shooting with a Peep Sight

• Prepare for your shot by stretching and warming up

• Assume a strong shooting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart at a 90degree angle to your target

• Hold your bow in a natural position

• Nock the arrow and draw it back to your anchor points

• Now it’s time to sight your shot

Sighting Your Shot

• Look through the peep sight with your dominant eye and sight your target

• With the target lined up in the peep, sight your target through the forward sight

• Close one of your eyes making it easier to focus through your peep sight and make sure that your target is lined up with the appropriate pin according to its distance

• Once aligned to the pin in your peep sight, make sure your forward sight’s bubble level is in the center (adjust your bow position to the left or right if not)

• Instead of trying to make sure your peep sight pin lines up perfectly stable, allow it to float around the target slightly and release only when you are relaxed

Perfecting the Alignment of Your Peep Sight

To fine-tune your peep sight into perfect alignment you need to put your peep its center position and adjust my taking the string off the peg and then twisting in or out by a full turn. Never ever adjust by a half turn. Whatever you do on one side must be done on the other otherwise your cams will end up out of sync. At times you’ll need to flip the peep sight over once or twice until a stable balance has been settled into.

Generally, it will take just a few twists of the bowstring to correct any deviations, but if you want the highest accuracy you’ll need perfect perpendicular alignment which is only attained by careful twisting of the bowstring and strand swapping.

Fantastic Peep Sight Benefits

A great deal of patience is needed to set in a peep sight but once its installed and aligned, the benefits to your accuracy are immense. After some practice at shooting with a peep sight you’ll soon find yourself using nothing more than a glance to correct your position and fire. Peep sights help minimize distractions granting greater focus on your target. Some archers employ a peep sight and kisser button to ensure that their anchor point does not change. Once you learn how to use a peep sight you’ll always have a place for it in your archery.

Image by: J&S Shoot Photography

Traditional archery has no need to resort to sights or stabilizers in order to ensure the perfect shot. Fortunately, there are numerous methods and styles of shooting to try when opting to refine your skill and aim without a sight.

After all, as one grows in their archery ability the urge to shoot without a sight also increases.

Shooting with a recurve bow is far better without a sight as well, aiding your accuracy through promoting intuitive shooting.

Here we’ll be taking you through a look at the best aiming techniques, showing you how to aim a bow without sights, stabilizers or other shooting aids.

Related articles:

• Add a peep sight to your compound bow
• Best 3 pin slider bow sight for your bow
• Learn how to use 3 pin sight
• When does a bow sight work best?

Gap Shooting

As one of the most popular techniques for hunters, gap shooting is a technique which works just as accurately in competition.

The flight path of any given arrow launched is anything but straight; in actual fact its trajectory is elliptical without a smooth arch.

Gap shooting requires the archer to fin the arc of the trajectory of their bow and compensate for it.

When gap shooting, your arrow is released with an intentional arch instead of being fired with force in a relatively straight direction.

Your bow setup, arrow weight and fletching, and your draw strength all affect the distance which your shot will travel before its starts its download plummet.

Longer arrows with a heavyweight are always best for gap shooting as they reduce your gap granting you longer range.

How to Start Gap Shooting

1. Begin at ten yards from your target (the average dead-on point-of-aim for most)

2. Aim the tip of your arrow at the center of the bullseye

3. Shoot three arrows in total always aiming at the same center point on your target

4. Measure and record your results from your first round of shooting establishing your first gap

5. Repeat the process at fifteen yards, twenty yards or any other range of distances you wish to perfect, keeping track of how high or how low your arrow is from the bullseye

6. Adjust as is necessary, aiming higher or lower as is necessary to adjust the fall of your arrow

String Walking

String walking is one of the more traditional means of aiming a bow without sights. This method uses your arrow tip to aim, shifting its point into a sight by taking hold of your bowstring at various locations.

The position grasped changes the way that your target is seen, with shifts in your grip changing the flight of the arrow. A grip closer to the nock causes your shot to be released higher while a lower grip further down your bowstring makes it hit lower.

Most string walking shooters resort to etched markers which serve as consistent references granting high accuracy.

A great deal of trial and error is needed to determine your ‘sweet spot’ but once you’ve found it you’ll be capable of high accuracy over long distances.

All that you adjust to change your shot is the rear tilt relative to the distance you are shooting and your given accuracy.

How to Start String Walking

1. Start with your fingers quite far down the knock (a three-finger spacing is generally a good starting point)

2. Bring yourself to a full draw aiming at your bullseye with the point of your arrow

3. Observe the slope of your arrow and take your shot gauging your accuracy

4. Adjust the distance beneath the knock (termed the ‘cramp’) to either shorter or longer depending on where your shot hit

5. Note the spacing between your anchors once you have reached consistent accuracy over any required distance

Split-vision/Indirect Instinctive Aiming

Almost all archers agree that split-vision shooting is one of most fun ways to aim a bow without sights.

Also known as ‘indirect instinctive aiming,’ consistent accuracy will take dedicated effort but once you have imprinted this method as second nature, you’ll find that your shots are not only spot on but quick as well.

The process of learning how to split vision shoot is not something that can be rushed but once the archer’s muscle memory has entrained the technique he or she can aim instinctively without a sight at even long distances over twenty yards.

Without needing to focus consciously the archer can apply other performance-enhancing fundamentals.

How to Begin Split-vision/Indirect Instinctive Aiming

1. Assume your stance and bring your bow to a full draw

2. Focus on your arrow – the entire arrow not just the tip – with one eye in your peripheral vision whilst maintaining a focal point (your imaginary target) at a slight distance above the bullseye or your desired mark

3. Make any adjustments to the direction of your arrow in peripheral vision only, don’t allow yourself to be distracted by aiming

4. As your hold focus on your imaginary target ensure for a split-second that your tip is set to hit this point and release your shot

5. Shift your imaginary aiming target higher or lower as is necessary always making sure to release from a full draw

Perfecting Your Barebow Archery

Many seasoned shooters swear by instinctive shooting over all other techniques. By leaving all aiming conditions and actions to the unconscious, you are left shooting at exactly where you are looking.

All this method needs is practice, hand-eye coordination and firm control over your mind and focus. Split-vision shooting often evolves into an intuitive, instinctive act without directly intending to do so.

By repeating any action of aiming a bow with sites you will eventually make yourself conscious enough of the process, technique and stance needed to shoot on time every time without any extended shot preparation.

If you decide to practice instinctive shooting instead of a fixed, step-by-step method, make sure that you fire multiple shots in varying conditions and over numerous distances.

You’ll soon find that your arm is raised or lowered automatically without you needing to consciously change position.

It is generally best to try out a few different methods of aiming before extensive practice.

The best way to aim a bow without sights is the way which feels most comfortable to you as an individual.

Be sure to explore all your options.

When you pick up a bow and arrow to shoot, you’ve become part of a legacy that’s so powerful and long lasting there are star constellations based on ancient archer gods and goddesses! It’s an exciting sport that still provides both recreational and professional satisfaction.

However, archery is nowhere near as easy as it looks. To do it well as a beginner is to pay attention to the precision and correct form you need to display. It comes down to four key areas: the bow itself, your stance while holding the bow, loading the bow with arrows, and shooting arrows.

We’ll go through each of these areas and provide you, as a beginning archer, with excellent tips that you need to know to make the most of your first archery sessions.

Related articles:

• Good arrow rest for archery hunting
• Attach a Quiver to a Compound Bow
• How to use a sight with a compound bow
• Good target arrows for a compound bow
• Great bow and arrow sets for adults

So, let us go over some archery tips for beginners.

The Bow

Very few beginners start out with the traditional long bows that you see in Medieval-era movies. You will more likely begin with a recurve bow, which has an “S” shaped curve at both ends, or with a compound bow that contains wheels at both ends of the bow limbs.

Those wheels are part of a pulley system of cables and strings that work together to decrease your resistance as you draw back the bow. That enables you to hold the arrow taut and pulled for a longer period. Recurve bows are typically used for target practice and compound bows are popular for hunting.

The number one tip for your bow is to choose one that’s best for your dominant eye and dominant hand. You can choose either a left- or right-handed bow. And if you are a woman, pick a bow that are made for women!, it just make more sense an the results will be better.

The second tip for your bow is to make sure the draw weight range is one which you are comfortable with. A draw weight that’s too high will quickly fatigue you. Your draw weight is dependent on your body type and weight.

In general, people who are larger and heavier framed can look for a draw weight between 50 and 65 pounds. A smaller body type will need a lesser draw weight. Each bow has its own weight range, so stay with those guidelines.

The third tip is to measure your arm span, for your proper draw length. Hold your arms out and measure from one middle finger tip to the other. Divide that number by 2.5 to get your draw length, in inches, for your body. For this measurement, it’s better to choose less than more.

Your Stance While Holding the Bow

Just like with ballet or golf, proper body position is paramount to becoming a successful archer. Your toes should be at a perfect 90-degree angle to the position of the bullseye target. Stand completely sideways, with erect posture: your shoulders straight, your spine aligned, and your feet planted firmly and stably on the ground.

You don’t lean or change your body position in any way. You turn your head towards the target, and you move your bow and arrow into position.

Make sure your shoulders are also relaxed. Only your arms are used to manipulate the bow and arrow; no other body part is involved.

The whole stance requires a minimum amount of body movement. It’s surprisingly efficient and elegant, and the same stance has been used for hundreds of years.

Load the Bow with an Arrow

Now that you know how to stand, it’s time to learn how to identify and properly load your bow with an arrow. As you look at the back end of the arrow, you’ll notice three faux ‘feathers,’ which are called fletchings. These used to be real feathers but are now made of manmade materials.

There are three fletchings on each arrow. One will be differently colored than the other two. That’s the one that should be facing towards you as you shoot it. You’ll also see a split at the back of the arrow, which is called the nock.

To load your bow, grip the bow in your non-dominant hand. Place the arrow nock on the bow string and position it until you hear it click into place. Hold the bow steady towards the target and draw the arrow back with your dominant hand until the tip is resting on the arrow rest.

Shooting Arrows

Draw the arrow back and position three fingers around the string below the arrow’s placement against the bowstring. Your elbow will be quite high and the arrow’s fletchings will be in line with your ear. This is so you can perfectly see down the arrow’s shaft toward your target.

As you are standing with your hand drawn back, try to keep your body perfectly still and focused on the target. Archery requires very little body movement; it’s more about how steadily you’re able to hold the bowstring back and keep the arrow perfectly straight and pointed towards the target.

For shooting, simply relax your hand enough for the arrow to release and shoot toward the target. You don’t need to do anything with the grip hand. Don’t bring the bow down until the arrow has hit the target.

One common mistake when shooting is to create too much body movement. You want your drawback hand to be the only thing that moves. Try to keep the bow steadily facing towards the target, and don’t move the bow when shooting. If you watch professional archers, they stand perfectly still when shooting.

Time to Practice

The best tip for a beginning archer is to practice. It takes time, dedication, and focus to keep the proper stance while holding the bow, position the arrow correctly, drawback and hold it steadily, then finally let go. It also takes patience as well.

It’s tempting to want to behave like an archer in the movies or a modern-day Robin Hood and shoot one arrow quickly after another. But that’s done for effect. Proper archery involves the time needed to set up properly and prepare your bow and arrow properly.

So, with these tips, you’ll be well on your way towards hitting that bullseye.