How To Make A Compound Bow Easier To Pull Back

If you have never shot a bow before, you could be forgiven for thinking that it was an easy task; surely all you need to do is pick it up, draw it and let go, right?

But that is not the case. Drawing a bow is not the easiest thing in the world and there are certain techniques that you must use if you want to do it successfully.

In this article, we are going to look at ways to make a compound bow easier to pull back.

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Are Compound Bows Hard To Pull Back?

Due to the cam and cable system on a compound bow, the draw weight is much easier to hold. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that just because of this, the bow will be easy to pull back.

A lot of people are under the false belief that buying a compound bow will mean that they do not have to put in as much effort. In reality, it is very different.

When you pull the compound bow back initially, it will be just the same as pulling back any other type of bow. The difference comes when you are at full draw. At this point, your bow will take most of the weight and you will be able to keep it drawn for longer if you need to, of course.

It is vital that when choosing a compound bow, you look at the draw weight and you should always make sure that you test the bow before purchasing. The last thing you want is to be working with a bow that is too heavy.

Many people think that because they are fit and healthy, they will be able to draw a heavy bow, but you shouldn’t make this decision until you have tested the bow.

We all have different abilities and there is nothing wrong with going for a lighter bow and being successful in shooting it. Rather that, than go for a heavy bow that is difficult for you to use.

It is also worth considering how the body works when doing archery. Even if you are adept in other sports, you should still go for a lighter bow, to begin with. This will allow you to build the muscles that we frequently use in archery and then when you are able, you can move on to a heavier bow.

The Correct Way Of Drawing A Compound Bow

The accuracy and precision of your shot begin from the moment you pick up your bow. It is not by chance that pro archers are able to hit their targets every time. This requires practice, patience and above all, the right techniques.

It might look easy but there is a right way to draw your compound bow and doing this is something you should learn right from the beginning.

You will need to begin by having the hands in line with the nose, extended in front of your face. Your release hand and your grip hand should also line up with the target.

The grip hand will need to stay at the same height as the nose; try to stay as steady as possible. The release hand will be used to pull the bowstring back.

Your body will tell you whether you are drawing the bow correctly, so pay attention to how the muscles in your arm and back are feeling; you should feel them moving as you draw.

 It is important not to lead with your upper arm muscles as this is an incorrect technique and could result in you becoming injured. Always be sure to let the elbow lead the draw.

However, you will also notice that your release hand follows a downward line as you draw the bow and your shoulder rotates inwards towards the back.

Once your hand comes in line with your jawbone, you must locate your anchor point, doing this will allow you to aim safely for your target. You will also need to make sure that you pay attention to your stance as this can have a dramatic impact on how well you shoot.

Ways To Make A Compound Bow Easier To Draw

Once you are aware of the correct technique for drawing your compound bow, you can begin to work on making the task easier.

What a lot of people are not prepared for when they start archery is that they will need to work on their strength. It takes a lot to pull back the bow and doing exercises can go a long way in ensuring that you are strong enough for this.

One of the best ways to strengthen your muscles and become more easily able to draw your compound bow is to work with a resistance band. These can be picked up from most fitness stores and online. Let’s take a look at how you can use one.

Bow Drawing With a Resistance Band

This is one of the easier yet most effective methods and will also help your technique no end.

To begin with, you will need to fold the resistance band in half and take each end with each of your hands. Move your shoulder blades into the centre of your back and keep pulling on the band.

Extend the right hand while you keep your left hand drawn tightly to your face; now swap. Keep repeating this as many times as you need.

Plank

Holding a plank can take some serious strength and a lot of people dread doing this move in their work out sessions.

However, this is one of the best exercises for building and maintaining strength, both in the upper body and in the core. These are key areas when it comes to archery so it is vital that you take the time to work on them.

You might begin with holding your plank for thirty seconds and then taking a thirty-second break. As your strength builds, you will be able to hold the position for longer periods.

Arm Spreaders

It might sound like some sort of medieval torture method but this exercise is essential for archers who want to be able to draw their bow effortlessly.

Take your resistance band and hold it with one hand at either end; place it in front of your chest. As you pull the band outwards, your shoulder blade will come together

Once you are at your limit, begin to slowly bring the band back to the centre. You can repeat the motion as many times as you please.

This one is great for building the muscles in both the arms and the shoulders; you will soon notice how much easier it is to draw your bow.

Muscle Strength

You’ve worked hard so far building your strength, so why not take a seat for this last exercise?

But don’t be fooled into thinking that it will be easy, you are still going to have to do some work.

Take your resistance band and pop it under your legs with each end sticking out so that you can take hold of them with your two hands. Now pull the band upwards to your limit and hold it here for a second before releasing it back down again.

Some people go into this exercise thinking that they will be able to pull the resistance band all the way up, and for some, this will be the case. However, don’t be disheartened if you can only pull it a short way on your first try. That’s the point of doing these exercises; to improve, you will get there.

This is another great exercise for building the muscles in your shoulders and arms. The number of reps you can do may not be very many, to begin with, but as you keep at it, you will notice how you are able to do more and more.

Conclusion

If you have just started with archery, you may believe that pulling your compound bow back is easy; but you will soon find that there is a level of strength required to do this.

One of the best ways to make pulling your bow back as easy as possible is to make sure that you have a bow that is the correct weight for you. You can do this by talking to a professional at your local archery shop and trying out the bow before you buy.

However, it is also very important to work on your strength, and there are several exercises that you can do to build strength and work out your muscles.

You will then notice how much easier it feels to draw your compound bow and get your arrows on target every time!

About Brad Harris