For recurve archers, one minor misconception about Archery is your arms produce the power however the true strength comes from your core muscles. To harness this power, it is very important to build the proper foundation and this starts with your stance.
There are three types of stance an open stance, a closed stance and a square stance.
Square Stance
Feet side-by side, shoulder width apart with the tips of your toes in-line with and perpendicular to the center of the target.
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Open Stance
Feet staggered, shoulder width apart with your front foot inline with the center of the target and your back foot forward so that your hips are turned towards the target.
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Closed Stance
Feet staggered, shoulder width apart with your front foot inline with the center of the target and your back foot stepped back so that your hips are turned away from the target.
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In my opinion, the best stance for consistency is a square stance however you many need to use one of the other stances for comfort or if you have a medical reasons such as a lower back-problem.
Shooting a field tournament often offers challenges your stance and you may need to adjust your stance to create a strong foundation. Remember the goal is be comfortable and relaxed with one foot on either side of the shooting line.
- Quick Tip: Outdoors one trick to make sure your feet are in the same spot every time is mark the ground with something like quarters, golf ball markers or something else. Alternatively, you can run the green back and forward with the heel of your shoe to create a little divot.
To learn more about the ten basic steps of archery, check out my new webpage.
Jordan Sequillion 
Mate! This blog site is awesome. How do you make it look like this ?
I’m confused. I understand the differences between the three stances. But the photos seem to be backwards. The photo for the open stance looks like a closed stance, and visa versa. This is a right handed shooter, with the target nearest the left hip, correct?
Hello Jerry,
Excellent question. based off of my understanding. the terms open and closed are relative to the target face. For example, if I put my foot further behind it opens my shoulders and hips away from the target comparatively if I do the opposite I’m closing in on the target. But of course, the main objective is to try new stances to provide the best foundation for your shot in your given terrain.