Usually, compound bows come with levering systems of pulleys and strings that make it heavy and flexible. When cables and pulleys work together, it helps bend the limbs and makes it powerful with a short foot span. And because they do not rely on physical strength that much, they are usually more accurate, and allow for greater distance travel and things like skill development becomes easier.

How to Shoot a Compound Bow with Fingers?

To start your very first lesson in compound bow techniques, this short video will help you get an idea of using a compound bow. The first thing is always to learn to grip your bow properly. All bows are different, and you have to learn to hold yours as smooth as possible. Holding and gripping a bow does not require a lot of strength and muscles. In fact, you can just use your palm to balance the bow, as it does not need any physical strength to hold it.

  • Develop a proper stance and grip your bow nicely. Usually, this means standing with your shoulder-width apart and at the right angle to your target. Then, you should face one side whether left or right towards the target, gently.
  • This depends on whether you are right or left-handed. This means to ‘Straddle’ the shooting line, and this imaginary line forms the basis of the accurate shot you are going to pull.
  • In case you are right-handed, your left foot will be towards the back, and your toes will face forward. In a way, it feels more comfortable, and to a point where the target is completely insightful. But if you are left-handed, the actions are reversed. Then, practice a calm and loose grip to balance your bow.

Balancing of the Bow

The weight of the bow should balance between the thumb and the fingers. This is a usual approach, and the grip should always be at the center of the palm. Evenly distributing the weight across the whole arm means that you don’t have to rely on your strength to carry the bow.

  • Do not rely on your finger strength to hold the bow, and it can be stressful after a while. A compound bow is such that you don’t have to do all that stuff. Gripping too tightly or with fingers can, in fact, move the bow or cause it to torque throwing your arrow off the target.
  • Mark the notches to place and hold the arrow. When you snap your arrow into the notch on the string, pull it back using your two fingers, and till you hear that click sound. In this case, the string has an extra loop in a marked area to form a semi-circle to hold the arrow in place. It is the ‘D-loop’ and in technical terms, a useful mention.
  • Now, the arrow locks into position and is on the straight path. You can use the curved line to pull the strings back and release the arrow.

How to Shoot a Compound Bow More Accurately?

To learn to shoot more accurately, you have to learn the basics of getting things straight. These are usually the silly mistakes that people and beginners make and then carry on for a long time throughout their careers. In this short video you can check out some of these common errors.

  • Stance and bow grip are two effective factors that can ruin your day at the hunting trip. Always face the target at an angle of 45-degrees, and keep your feet parallel to each other. Any improper stance will spoil and imbalance your shot.
  • The above stance is the ‘Open Stance’ and is the primer manual in archery. Beginners are asked to stand at 90 degrees because it feels more natural, but as you continue throwing shots, you will realize that 45 degrees are more convenient.
  • When angling towards the target at 45 keeps the bowstring far away from your bow arm and chest, and if the string even slightly brushes the clothing, the arrow can veer to one side. It is apt for hunting and in actual situations when the clothing is baggy. So take a note of it.
  • The grip should always be calm and closed. Never ever keep your fingers open. You can also use a wrist sling to maintain the posture. The sling ties the bow to your hand, and it does not fall out when practicing a shot. It is crucial.
  • When you are with an open hand, it will force the bow to grab your hand, and in this action, you will definitely throw the shot in some other direction. Especially, since the compound bow is a more complex instrument, this can be more disastrous.

How to Shoot a Recurve Bow?

A recurve bow is a traditional bow that does not look and work like the compound. You can take a look at it here.

How to Aim a Compound Bow?

The art to draw a bow properly is the basis of making an accurate shot. Many fail to draw an arrow properly, and this is a beginner’s fault. You must extend your bow arm towards the target and the string should be in the grip all the time. In a compound bow, there is a mechanical jaw that holds it properly in place. The most commonly used finger is the index finger and places it right above the arrow’s nock. Keep the next two fingers below the nock.

  • Try not to dip the arrow or the bow when you are holding it in the air. In some cases when the bow is heavier, it can cause the drawing to be forced, and you can experience a dip in the bow. In that case, raise it a little bit higher.
  • If you are shooting a bow that is too heavy for your muscles, it is a bad idea in the first place. It guarantees that the shot will not be accurate. You can spray arrows all over the place, and this can develop bad shooting habits.
  • Most bow-hunters will use the bow sight to aim. A few of them choose not to. However, bow sights are always more accurate for an average archer. For a beginner, it is the best piece of advice too. If you are using a laser rangefinder, then the bow sight is also more useful than ever.
  • First, you must bring your aiming sight pin on the target, and aim it properly. To see the target properly some archers will raise the bow a little bit while others will dip it a bit, and then swing it from the right or left to meet the target.

Tips

  • Most compound bows demand loose grip, close fingers, and right stance. Missing either of them can develop as a bad habit.
  • Following through even after releasing the arrow is a great tool to practice archery. Keep the target in sight till it hits it.
  • Feel the recoil of the bow. Following through helps develop unconscious movements and archery skills.