Want to get better at Archery?

I have been asked by many people, how do I get better at archery? The answer is simpler than you think. Practice properly with expert guidance. Target archery is all about consistency since the target is not moving and you are in the same spot. The more consistent you are the better your scores will be.

If you want to get better then there are five areas of archery that deserve your attention.

Equipment

Ensure you have the right equipment for you. Find the right bow, proper mass weight and draw weight for you and your size. If you are unable to hold or draw the bow you are not going to be able to practice very long. Also arrows need to sized according to your draw/bow weight and draw length. Shooting arrows that are incorrectly sized will not perform well and will be very frustrating.

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Mark Twain

Form

Focus on consistent archery form, pay attention to the minor details such as your exact stance, exact hand position, your exact anchor point, etc. Replicating the exact same form every time will improve your performance and accuracy. Some people blame their equipment for malfunctions which can be true however more often than not it is your form. Focus on to your form not your equipment.

“There is no spoon … Then you’ll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.”  Spoon Boy. The Matrix

Practice

Practice, Practice and when you are done practicing, practice some more. It takes thousands of arrows to make a difference.

“Practice is the best of all instructors” Publilius Syrus

Remember when practicing adjust one thing at a time until you have corrected it, and then work on the next thing.

Guidance

Nothing can replace proper guidance from a good certified coach with years of experience. Coaches are another set of eyes with knowledge to help you make those adjustments that will improve your shooting. So find a local archery shop and sign up for regular lessons.

“A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.” John Wooden, basketball coach

Fun

Remember the reason you got into archery in the first place; it is fun.

“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” Michael Jordan

3 thoughts on “Want to get better at Archery?

  1. I consider archery Serious Fun, There are times when I enjoy practicing and other times when I have to push myself. When training for the worlds last year I got up rain or shine and practiced outside everyday before and after work, the last weekend before the worlds I drove 300 km each way so I could practice on hills like I would experiance in Austria, and it poured rain the whole day. In both qualifying rounds it rained in the afternoon but I didn’t let it bother me as I had trained in rain, The few times I fell behind I never got discoraged, I just reminded myself of all the time and effort I spent practicing for this moment and got re-energized and more determined than ever. I was hoping for top ten, most people here thought I would come near the very bottom if not dead last, no one expected me to be the world champion (except my wife), but it happened. All that time, effort and money had paid off, It wasn’t when I won, or got the medal, it was when they raised our Canadian Flag and played our national anthem that I smiled inside and said to myself it was worth it!

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