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How To Aim A Compound Bow Correctly

Jun 14, 2021Archery Basics

Correctly learning how to aim a compound bow is a must for beginner archers. Many new archers choose to shoot a compound bow for the following reasons – they’re more accurate and powerful when shooting from far distances, they don’t require a lot of physical strength to hold, and they’re easily customized. When a new archer chooses to use this type of bow, it’s essential to first learn how to properly shoot it before practicing.

Remember that consistent release is a top shooting goal. This means you should learn how to aim your bow the right way so you can be the absolute best shooter you can possibly be.

Ensure Proper Setup

The procedure you use to properly set up your shot is just as important as learning how to aim correctly. And remember, the process of setting up your shot requires you to always focus on the mental aspect of shooting. Being mindful when setting up your shot supports consistency, and consistency is one of the best things you can do to help ensure your shooting success. Once you’ve reached the last setup step, you should be ready to aim.

1. Take Your Stance

Taking your stance consistently is the first step to ensuring a proper setup. Whether you choose the square stance, open stance, or closed stance option, be sure to choose the right one and practice regularly for your stance to feel natural.

2. Nock Your Arrow.

Place the nock of your arrow into the nocking position. Make sure it snaps firmly on the string so it’s properly nocked.

3. Hook & Grip

Now you should hook the string with your fingers or a release. A proper grip is your next step as this supports your ability to shoot consistently accurate.

4. Posture & Alignment

Now… stand straight and tall. Be sure not to slouch or hunch over when going through the process of properly setting up your shot, as this posture position doesn’t support accurate shooting. And make sure your shoulders are down and relaxed, as this lowers tension and allows for better aiming.

5. Raise The Bow

When raising your bow, adding a little pressure to your bow grip activates your triceps, allowing for steady shooting. Also, be sure to keep your draw elbow in an upward position to protect your shoulder.

6. Draw Down

At this point, draw the bow back until you’re in the “valley”, against the back wall of the cam. Be sure to pull back in line with your target in case of an accidental release.

7. Anchor

Now it’s time for you to draw to your established anchor position. This is crucial to establish because without a solid anchor point, there is no consistency in your shot.

8. Transfer To Hold

This step transfers muscle stress away from your arm and hand into your back muscles, making it much easier for you to hold your bow steady. Don’t skip this step as the transfer to hold process keeps your draw elbow in line with your arrow, the proper position for holding strong.

9. Aim

Now it’s time for you to aim your compound bow. See below for the fine details of aiming.

How To Aim A Compound Bow

Now that you’ve ensured a proper setup, you’re ready to start learning how to aim a compound bow correctly. If you happen to be an archer who experiences any level of target panic when participating in the sport of archery, know that stress leads to muscle tension. Since muscle tension will get in the way of your ability to shoot as well as you can, you can try blank bale to help establish proper form and lessen anxiety.

1. Sight Alignment

Your sight and peep are the two main aiming points used when aiming a compound bow. Peep sights support accuracy as they allow you to easily view the front bow sight and assist in attaining a more consistent anchor point. Proper sight alignment is crucial when it comes to consistent shooting. Your peep sight should align/center perfectly around your sight housing. The position should be one that feels natural and doesn’t require you to shift your eyes up, down, or sideways. We’ve written an article about how to adjust your sight, so check that out if you need any help.

2. Stay Level

Now check your bubble level. Archers should check their bubble level after anchoring, sometime around the transfer to hold phase. Check and adjust as necessary, then shift your focus towards the target/pin.

3. Proper Sight Picture

Now you can choose to close one eye, squint one eye, or keep both eyes open. If choosing to close one of your eyes, you can cover your non-dominant eye with a blinder if training to shoot/aim with your non-dominant eye. Choosing to squint your non-aiming eye works but may not be as consistent when it comes to accuracy. Both eyes open works best if your dominant eye matches your dominant hand. Feel free to experiment using each option to see which option best supports your ability to see your target easily and clearly.

4. Focus On Your Target

You should first focus on the bullseye, with the pin/aiming dot being a secondary focus. When you focus on the bullseye, your subconscious naturally wants to align your pin with the bullseye.

5. Trust The Float

It’s natural for your pin to float around the bullseye. You never want to force the pin into the center, let it come naturally. Once you learn how to trust the float, everything else will fall into place. Trusting requires you to remove any excess tension you’re experiencing so you can relax. Once relaxed, it’s time for you to prepare to release the shot while the pin floats. Through practice, you’ll learn more about control so you can make your shots more predictable.

6. Focus On The Process

Don’t focus on arrow impact. Instead, focus on your perfect form and shot process. This is important because you don’t have as much control over arrow impact as you do when it comes to perfecting your proper form and the actual execution of the shot. Your release should happen through proper use of back tension, resulting in a surprise release. Anticipating the shot is where may archers start to go wrong.

7. Aim Through The Shot

Be sure to keep aiming through the shot aka until the arrow hits your target. A proper follow through as you release is one of the best things you can do to reduce human error. Keeping your muscles relaxed throughout the entire aiming process is essential. Your bow arm should be solid, your back muscles should be pulling through the shot, and everything else should be relaxed as you release.

If you’re curious about how to aim a bow without sights but need help with a consistent anchor position, you can try a kisser button. A kisser button is simply a small plastic button (or other material) attached to the bowstring that provides a reference point. This reference point is placed right at the corner of your mouth. If you don’t want to use a peep sight or kisser button, then you can focus on your instinctive shooting skills.

Archery Aiming Tips

Beginner archers can always benefit from learning a few archery tips to help them become better shooters.

TIP #1 – Don’t automatically force yourself to aim once your sight reaches your target. Instead, focus on your target and allow your subconscious to take over, aligning your sight with the target.

TIP #2 – Changing your distance and shooting angles increases the challenge. Shoot a variety of distances and angles to fine-tune your aiming/shooting ability.

TIP #3 – Focus on breathing normally vs. holding your breath when preparing to shoot.

TIP #4 – Don’t be in a hurry to take your shot and instead focus on your timing and execution.

TIP #5 – When it comes to pin float position, you should grow comfortable with the passing back and forth as there’s a high probability you’re not able to keep it perfectly still. Trust the float and you’ll shoot much better than forcing the pin into the spot.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to aim a compound bow the right way, you’re ready to start practicing. Compound bows offer archers many advantages, making this a great first bow choice. As a new archer, learning how to properly aim your compound bow is essential, so be sure to closely follow the above aiming steps. Once you do, know that you’re setting yourself up for accuracy that every archer strives for.

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