Becoming an expert archer takes time. Sure, everyone wants to pull the string and send the arrow cutting through the air with the speed and accuracy of a sniper rifle, but can you take the time? If you can, then you need some help. Because…
Tips For Becoming An Expert Archer
Waiting for a long time isn’t enough. You have to know some strategies and tips before you can become a pro at archery. And, as it is with every other hobby and skill, one or two helpful tips will help you get there faster.
So, what should you take note of as a beginner in archery? Here we go.
Getting Your Stance
The fault of most beginners when pulling the string is the failure to assume a proper stance. Ironical — because without the right stance, you can’t ever take the shot correctly.
Before you can assume the proper stance, you need to first identify your target, after which you then move sideways from it. Keep your feet apart by a shoulder-width, preferably positioning at an angle of 90 degrees from the target.
When pulling the bow, only the arms and head have the permission to move. The other parts, including the back and especially the knee, must be kept rigid and straight. Note that this may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’ll feel natural with time.
Conditioning & Exercising
Archery is certainly not the most physically demanding sport, but that doesn’t negate that you must maintain a fit body. Athletic prowess may be crucial to the perfect execution of archery. As you already know, the upper body is the most essential to pulling the bow, so you may have to focus more on the upper body parts, particularly your arms and torso when you hit the gym.
However, keep the abs, back, waist, and legs fit as well. Sometimes, you may have to remain in a spot for long just to pull the perfect shot.
Selecting Your Bow
If you’re familiar with archery at all, you’ll surely know there are different types of bows. That also means you can easily walk into any store and get a bow for a cheap amount of money. However, the pertinent question when picking your bow is if it can serve effectively for a long time. While I understand that you may be on a budget, it is more advisable to select a high-quality, or mid-range bow, although it may be costlier.
There are three basic types of bows: the compound bow, the recurve bow, and the longbow. While you tend to see the compound and longbow more often in tournaments or the movies, the recurve is the finest for a beginner. It is shorter, has an S-curve, and is considerably easier to pull than others.
Setting Your Arrows
The type of arrows you buy usually depends on the bow you’re using. Pulling the arrows of a longbow from a recurve will hardly end well. So, before you buy your arrow, make sure you get the appropriate ones.
Having readied your arrows now, loading them for use in your bow is just as crucial as picking the right ones. So, to assist you, categorize your arrows into three different fletching or feathers. This enables you to identify the appropriate arrow to load in your bow on time.
When you’ve done this, identify the spot called the arrow’s nock, which is its split ending and usually at its back. It refers to where the string meets the arrow, like a point of contact from which you pull the trigger.
Setting your nock correctly is essential to a successful shot. Thankfully, there’s a simple tip to follow. When nocking the arrow, be attentive to a clicking sound, as it tells you that you’ve nocked correctly.
Taking Aim
Taking aim is basically hitting the right target. It is more like you pulling the trigger of your rifle and hitting the target. So, it may be the most important part of archery. Failure to do this correctly may hurt something else and notify the target. So, it should be done correctly.
To master the art of aim taking, get to a target shooting arena, and pull the strings. To make it easier, affix any material of distinctive color on your arrows, especially green, and ensure it is in alignment with the target when taking aim.
An essential factor to a successful shot is your endurance and stability. How stable are your hands in the air? If you can stabilize your hands to pull the string and release the bow, you are assured of a great shot. However, this is not easy. It will take practice upon practice. So, you need patience. And lest I forget, this is where the capabilities of your upper body are tested.
Anchoring Your Bowstring
A common but often overlooked reason you may be taking your shots wrongly is by failing to anchor your bowstring well. When anchoring, you have to do so in a way that the string is consistent and reliable in its position. You should not have to reposition the bowstring every shot you take. This will not only waste your time but also make you inconvenient.
To anchor your bowstring properly, pull it back, upward bound on your nose, and tilted at a slight diagonal at your mouth. Take this as looking through the lens of your sniper rifle to pull the trigger. If you can anchor your bowstring well, you’ll be able to take faster, better shots with less inconvenience.
Takeaways On Becoming An Expert Archer
Becoming an expert archer is about your skills, as well as your clothes. In most cases, archery is geared at hunting but not necessarily. Sometimes, you may be pulling your bow even without a game in sight. However, the fact that you aren’t mandated to put on uniforms doesn’t allow you to dress anyhow while using the bow. You have to wear clothes that are close-fitting but comfortable.
Do not wear baggy trousers or shirts, and when selecting wears, a sleeveless one would be a great option. Do not wear hoodies or buttoned shirts or head wears like scarves. When choosing footwear, go for something athletic. And yes, a pair of technical gloves is advisable as well.