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10 Basic Steps...

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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:

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

bullet PointPut your feet on both sides of the line

bullet PointPut your feet about shoulder's width apart

bullet PointTry and relax

Step 1 - Stance

2 – Finger Placement:

bullet PointPlace 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

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

Step 2 - Finger Placement

3 - Bow hand placement

bullet PointThe pressure of the bow should be distributed along the pressure line

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

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

Step 3 - Bow Hand Placement

4 - Extending the bow arm

bullet PointBring the bow arm to shoulder height

bullet PointThe elbow of the bow arm is turned away from the string

Step 4 - Extending the bow arm

5 - Drawing the bow

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

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

bullet PointStand straight up and relaxed

bullet PointKeep both shoulders as low as possible

Step 5 - Drawing the bow

6 - Anchoring

bullet PointThe string should touch the middle of the chin

bullet PointThe index finger is placed under the chin

bullet PointKeep your teeth together

Step 6 - Anchoring

8 – Aiming

bullet PointAiming is done with the dominant eye. Shut the other eye

bullet PointKeep the sight at the target

bullet PointKeep the string a little left of the sight

Step 8 - Aiming

9 – Release

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

bullet PointA relaxed bow hand will automatically move backwards

bullet PointRelax your bow hand. Let the bow drop

Step 9 - Release

10 – Follow-Through

bullet PointThe draw hand should be relaxed and near or behind your ear

bullet PointKeep aiming until after the arrow hits the target

Step 10 - Follow-Through

Further images are available in the Beginners Manual detailing the desired steps / positions.