They say that practice makes perfect, and this is especially true in archery. Many archers will utilize an archery shot trainer in order to help them get this practice even when not using a bow. Archery shot trainers even come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes depending on your needs. If you want more practice to improve your skills, an archery shot trainer can be very useful.

What is a Shot Trainer?

Shot trainers are devices that are designed to help you improve various aspects of your shooting form. They help to maintain or improve your technique. This ranges from your release process to conditioning your back and arm muscles. Shot trainers can be as simple or elaborate depending on the style and your needs. Many do not require the actual use of your bow.

How Does a Shot Trainer Work?

A shot trainer works by allowing you to practice different aspects of shooting a bow without actually needing to shoot an arrow. Some types of shot trainers will use your bow to practice a shot, while others do not require a bow to function. No matter what shot trainer you are using, its purpose is to closely replicate the shot process. This allows you to receive training and work on technique without actually having to fire an arrow.

The Benefits of a Shot Trainer

There are many benefits of having and using a shot trainer. They can be used to warm up before shooting. This can be very important to warm up your muscles to ensure proper technique and avoid strain. They are also very useful in practicing or improving your shooting technique, especially when shooting an arrow is not an option. Shot trainers can help practice all aspects of your shot, including your anchor, release, and follow-through.

Types of Shot Trainers

Shot trainers come in all shapes and sizes, and there are models designed to be used with recurve bows, compound bows, and without bows entirely.

Basic Shot Trainers

The first type of shot trainer is a basic shot trainer that only consists of a handle and string. As the name implies, it is extremely simple and easy to use. These trainers are extremely useful for compound bow shooters to practice and master their anchor and release. While they do not simulate the draw or pull of a bow, they are still one of the best options for most archers. Many will use these basic shot trainers in order to help avoid target panic, work on grip and technique, and retain muscle memory.

Recurve Shot Trainers

The next type of archery shot trainer is an elbow sleeve that is designed to be used with recurve bows. This sleeve fits over your draw arm and has a loop on it. This loop connects to the bowstring and prevents the bow from firing after you release it. It prevents a dry fire while allowing you to pull back and “fire” the bow without an arrow.

Handheld Shot Trainers

Other types of shot trainers include those that mimic the function of a bow. These include handheld options that utilize elastic bands to practice the drawing process and form. These are great options to use if you usually shoot a compound bow. Sleeve and elbow type shot trainers should not be used with compound bows due to their power, so handheld trainers are the next best option.

Replica Bows

The final type of shot trainer is a relatively new option that closely resembles a compound bow. This model uses elastic resistance bands that are fully adjustable from 5 to 70 pounds of weight. With this type of shot trainer, you can practice many different things. From your draw and release to your grip and form, this type of shot trainer is very versatile and growing quickly in popularity.

How to Set Up a Shot Trainer

Handheld shot trainers require little to no setup in order to use. They may only simply require some adjustment to set them to the proper length or resistance. Shot trainers that use your actual bow will need some additional setup and adjustments, however.

To start, place the included strap onto the bowstring. It should easily slide onto it and form a strong knot. Once the strap is securely connected to the bowstring, attach the other end to the elbow sleeve or armband (depending on the model you are using). It is often easier to attach the elbow sleeve or armband to your body first before connecting it to the bowstring strap.

There should be an inch to an inch and a half gap between your fingers and the bowstring when the strap is fully extended. To adjust this distance, lengthen or shorten the strap connected to the bowstring.

How to Use a Shot Trainer

1. Set Up the Shot Trainer

Place the shot trainer on your arm. It should be securely on your rear shooting arm, with the straps centered around your elbow.

2. Adjust the Shot Trainer to Your Needs

Attach the center strap to the bowstring by feeding it through itself. This should create a firm knot that will not come loose. Adjust the length of this strap until your fingers are around one inch away from the bowstring when it is fully extended.

3. Draw the Bow and Prepare for the Shot

With the shot trainer in place, you can now run through your regular shooting process. Grip the bowstring, and use your back muscles to pull it back. Bring it all the way back to your predetermined anchor points.

4. Aim and Release

Aim your bow. Even if you are practicing indoors without the use of an arrow, aim your bow as if you were taking a real shot. When ready to release, slowly relax your fingers to allow the bowstring to slide off of them.

5. Rinse and Repeat

Thanks to the shot trainer, the bowstring should only travel one inch after your release. This avoids dry firing of the bow and allows you to practice the fundamentals of your shot. Review your performance and make any adjustments as necessary.

Best Archery Shot Trainers

1. Saunders Firing-Line Release Trainer

The Saunders Firing-Line Release Trainer is the perfect option for those that want to practice without having to use their bow. It is available in both right and left-hand options, as well as compound and recurve bow variants. While the draw poundage is not adjustable, the 30-pound draw weight can still help you get a great workout and practice session in. No matter what you are looking for, the Firing-Line is a perfect practice tool and comes in at a good price point as well.

2. AccuBow 2.0 Archery Training System

The AccuBow made waves when it was first introduced, and the new 2.0 version builds upon this legacy. Made to imitate a compound bow, it uses a resistance band that can adjust from 10 to 70 pounds in weight. It can be used to practice as a compound or recurve bow. The unique design allows it to fold up for easy travel and storage. This shot trainer also features a phone mount to use in conjunction with the gaming app. From working on your form to hours of fun gameplay, the AccuBow is one of the most popular shot trainers on the market for a reason!

3. Elong Archery Bow Trainer

For those wanting simplicity and an excellent price point, the Elong archery bow trainer is one of the best shot trainers out there. It uses a basic design of elastic bands to condition and warm up your shooting muscles. It also allows you to practice your release without the need of using your bow or other equipment. This trainer even comes with plenty of extras like a level and wrist strap to help correct your archery form.

4. Amagogo Compound Bow Release Aid

For compound bow shooters that want a very simple shot trainer, the Amagogo compound bow release aid is just the ticket. Consisting of just a handle, bubble level, and string, you can practice your grip, anchor, and release. The string is adjustable to get it to the correct drawing length. Small, compact, and very inexpensive, it is the perfect option for traveling archers who need to work on their skills!

Final Thoughts

Archery shot trainers are a great way to get some extra practice in and increase your skills. Because they come in a wide variety of different styles and forms, you can find the perfect shot trainer for your needs. This will help you in your archery journey and level up your shooting!