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Top 6 Archery Mistakes And How To Fix Them

Jun 28, 2021Archery Basics, Form & Technique

Archery mistakes are common and many. However, learning about the most common mistakes can help you avoid them. Having a good understanding of each mistake, as well as how to go about fixing them, makes you an overall better archer. This way you can understand common issues, how to prevent them, and how best to remedy them.

Whether you’re participating in the sport for fun, socialization, or to professionally compete, learning the basics of shooting is your first step. The fact that there are a lot of steps archers must follow in order to shoot properly makes it essential that you learn how to perform the basics correctly.

The basic shooting process includes stance, nocking the arrow, hook and grip, raising the bow, drawing, anchoring, transfer to hold, aiming, release and following through, and feedback.

Top 6 Archery Mistakes

Mistakes happen in every sport – especially among beginners. The good news is that you can learn how to identify, correct, and overcome any archery mistakes that are getting in the way of your ability to shoot your very best. Even though archery may seem simple enough, there are a lot of components involved. That said, do not let yourself become overwhelmed. Instead, simply focus on performing each step of the shooting process to the best of your abilities. To reiterate, focus on the process.

Of course, this requires you to practice. Your shooting goals help dictate how often you should practice. Practice is the only way for you to build the stamina, strength, and focus necessary to shoot consistently and accurately. Shooting hundreds of arrows every week will improve your shooting. Just be sure to pay close attention to any mistakes you may be making so you can correct them before they become a habit.

If you experience one or more of the below top 6 archery mistakes, know that there’s an easy fix available. With a little time and patience, you’ll be on your way to fixing these common mistakes, allowing you to be the best archer you can possibly be.

1. Heavy Draw Weight

Choosing a draw weight that works well for you is a very important factor to consider. You must be careful not to choose a draw weight that’s too heavy. Draw weight that is too heavy only tires you out due to overexertion and encourages the development of bad form. Thankfully, you have a choice.

Here’s how to shoot proper draw weight:

Obviously, my recommendation is to start out with a lower draw weight. Also, remember it depends on the type of bow you choose when it comes to figuring out your personal draw weight. For example, the draw weight for a longbow and recurve bow for females is between 20 and 35 pounds. Compound bow draw weight for females is between 25 and 40 pounds. Keep in mind some competitions don’t allow compound bows over 60 pounds. So be sure to check the rules before shooting a heavier draw weight.

2. Wrong Draw Length

Choosing a draw length that’s too long or too short is another common archery mistake. Draw length that is too long doesn’t support your ability to make accurate shots. It also increases your chances of experiencing an injury, like string slap. Draw length that is too short causes various issues like muscle fatigue and compromised form as there’s not enough draw length for proper shot execution.

Here’s how to fix your draw length

When determining the perfect draw length to support your best shooting abilities, it’s important to find your draw length using an accurate measurement. Stand with your back against a wall, extend your arms out to your sides as far as you can, and have a friend measure the distance between your middle fingers. Now, divide that number by 2.5 to determine your draw length.

3. Improper Bow Grip

Over gripping, grabbing the bow, and inconsistent hand placement are 3 common bow grip mistakes. As a new archer, understand that your first experiences with correct hand positioning may not feel 100% natural. This requires you to learn how to properly hold your bow, which will feel more natural over time with practice. A proper grip allows you to shoot consistently accurate while avoiding common shooting issues such as left and right impact, inconsistent draw position, and string slap injuries.

Here’s how to fix your grip

Avoid holding the bow too tight as this creates issues with bow torque. Instead, focus on keeping a loose grip while at the same time keeping control of your bow. These 4 actions support a proper bow grip – 1. Slide your hand up the arrow shelf until it can go no further. 2. Rotate your hand about 45° to support proper elbow position (out and away). 3. Grip your bow so it rests between your thumb and lifeline, making sure the grip doesn’t cross over your lifeline. 4. Relax! Relaxing your hand supports a proper bow grip. Wrist slings and finger slings are available to help keep the bow in your hand with a loose grip.

4. Inconsistent Anchor Point

Archers must find a consistent anchor point in order to shoot consistently and accurately. These points of reference are essential as they help you set up every shot the exact same way. There are different types of anchor point options available, giving you options for reference. For example, traditional archery anchor points are located at the corner of the mouth and along the cheekbone. Recurve shooters often placed their index finger at the corner of their mouths. Compound shooters have multiple anchor point options, i.e. nose on string, string on mouth, release hand contact, and more.

How to find your anchor point

First, you shouldn’t have to adjust your head, arm, or hand to get to your personal anchor point. It should feel natural and if it doesn’t feel right, you may need to adjust your equipment. Now, come to a full draw while noticing the exact placement of your hands and fingers. Use this natural placement to create an anchor point that feels right to you. The three most commonly used anchor points are nose on string, string to mouth, and release hand contact, so see what work best for you and then be consistent!

5. Punching or Plucking The String

Archers who experience any level of target panic tend to punch the trigger in anticipation of taking a shot. Punching the trigger means grabbing the trigger at will, resulting in inaccurate shots. When an archer plucks the string, it means they’re actively moving their string hand and arm away from the string at the time of release. This introduces errors into the shot and results in inconsistent impact.

Here’s how to stop punching/plucking the string

There are a number of ways to work on this issue. One option is to use a specific release aid called a back tension release (aka hinge release). Hinge releases are designed so you don’t know when your shot is actually going to release, making it a surprise and thus decreasing the chance for user error. Another option is to blank bale, which has you practice up close with your eyes closed. This helps your body understand what a good release feels like.
Plucking the string mistakes are often due to too much tension in the hand. Instead of focusing on the drawing arm, focus on using your back muscles and relaxing your hand to execute the shot.

6. Improper Follow Through

Proper follow-through focuses on what you do immediately after releasing the arrow. Many archers make the mistake of breaking form as they release, thinking the shooting process is over. It’s not. Correcting this common archery mistake results in drastic improvement.

Here’s how to improve follow through

After releasing the arrow, maintain proper form. Keep your bow arm up in the shooting position and keep your eye on the target until your arrow actually hits its target. Proper follow through allows the arrow to clear the riser and be well on its way to the target before you can introduce errors into the shot. I used to drop my bow arm as a kid and it resulted in the arrow dropping low, so be sure to follow-through!

Additional Archery Mistakes

While the above 6 mistakes are the most common, there are additional mistakes archers make when participating in the sport. Be sure to also keep these archery mistakes in mind as you continue to learn and improve your skills. Remember, perfect practice, makes perfect!

  • Inconsistent Stance
  • Improper Elbow Position
  • Hunched Up Shoulders
  • Incorrect Finger Position on the Bowstring
  • Using the Wrong Equipment and/or Accessories
  • Bad Habits

Conclusion

Both new and experienced archers make mistakes. Being aware of these common pitfalls helps you avoid some of the most common mistakes. Archery requires participants to practice often, making it a good idea to tackle any of the above mistakes with consistency. It’s always easier to do things correctly from the beginning vs. having to correct your form further down the road. Knowing these common archery mistakes and how to fix them saves you lots of time and frustration, improving both your accuracy and enjoyment of the sport.

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