Basics of Archery

This Instructable will show you how to shoot a bow safely and accurately. I have a rebound bow but these instructions will work with other types of bows too for the most part.

Step 1: Find Your Bow

Find a good bow, one that's your size. If you have a bow that's too small, you will pull back too far and break the bow. If you have one that's too big, you won't be able to pull it back all the way. Bow sizes are measured in pounds. I'm 5' 7" and my bow size is about 26 pounds, but if you go to a bow store, usually there is someone there that will fit you for a bow.

Step 2: Get Your Arrows

The arrows are important too. When you buy arrows, make sure you check that they will work with your bow. You don't want to buy arrows that will snap if you try to shoot them in your 50lb bow. The package will usually say something like "will work in bows up to 35 pounds".

Step 3: Safety

When you are getting ready to shoot your bow, make sure there are no little kids or pets running around (obviously), and if someone responsible wants to watch you shoot, make sure they stand behind you AT ALL TIMES. When shooting with other people, stand in a side-by-side line and make sure to agree on when to go get your arrows so people don't get shot accidentally.

Step 4: Gear

Another thing I want to mention is that you can buy different kinds of protective gear, mainly just arm guards and finger guards. These might be worth investing in, arm guards to prevent the dreaded string burn (feels like a bad sunburn), and finger guards to protect your fingers from getting scraped up when you pull the bowstring back. Another thing to consider is getting a quiver, to hold your arrows.

Step 5: Ready...

When you're ready to actually shoot the bow, you need to learn how to stand. You want to have your side facing the target, and have your feet shoulder-length apart.

Step 6: Aim...

Now you need to nock an arrow. Ok, so look at the arrow. The end that doesn't have a point is called the nock. You need to insert it near the middle of the bowstring. There is usually a little metal piece on the bowstring, to help you aim. The end with the tip goes on the handle of the bow. DON'T rest the arrow on your hand. It hurts when you let go. Draw the string back, your hand should be resting on your face. Look down the shaft (long, sticklike part) of the arrow. It should be pointing at your target.

Step 7: Fire!

If you don't get it in the first time, try not to be too disappointed. When I first started, my arrows would somehow end up five feet away from what I was aiming at. You won't be Katniss on your first shot. Practice makes perfect. Keep shooting. You'll get one in.

Step 8: Good Job!

Thanks for checking out my Instructable! Be sure to check out my other Instructables, "10 Tips for Organizing", "Outdoor Survival Kit", and "Plastic Bag Water Collection System". I hope you had fun. Have questions, comments, or concerns? Please leave them in the comment box below. Feel free to share pictures of your accomplishments.

Comments

[Ranasp]

You might want to edit your instructable to change "rebound bow" to "recurve bow" or "compound bow", whichever of those you were trying to type. If someone tried buying a "rebound bow" they'd be laughed at. Also I agree with OsarkT, your instructable is leaving out some essential information, like with arrows. Yes, you definitely want to make sure your arrows are correct for the bow, but poundage isn't the only factor in that, you need to have the correct length and material. If you use a wooden arrow with a compound bow it could shatter.

Aside from that you have the bare bones of taking up archery, oh except a couple of things, the targets and arrowheads!

[ranwithjesus]

Rebound is another word for recurve. Targets are not as important to me as the other stuff, as I use a cardboard box as a target.

[Ranasp]

Err, the only place I saw "rebound" used for a bow was in a video game, and THEY probably meant "recurve". And sorry about the last sentence there, re-reading it I realized it came off as snarky, but I was actually joking around.

[ranwithjesus]

Not a problem :) I've always called them rebounds, but whatever

[lostatsea3698]

You guys are being FAR too critical of what she composed as a basic fundamentals in to archery... Aside from the suggestions from +ennalta which I feel just suggest tweaks to help small issues one may be struggling with: most (negative) comments just sound demeaning, arrogant, and truthfully like she intimidates you. I thought it was fantastic, enough info to get set up and started without overwhelming one with far too much to remember and making too big a deal out of it.
You're Robin hood incarnate- got it brother, more power to ya, some just enjoy it- and the idea of 1 way being the only right way is absurd and ignorant. I'm sure she's a great shot and has found what works for her just as you have. no need for belittling, if you've got things to add and have such issue than take the time and make you're own 'ible with your methods and pointers- at the very least, just stop reading and move on, keep your nonconstructive criticism to yourself...
Sorry, +ranwithjesus awesome instructable! great overview of the basics needed and how to get started getting that arrow in the right direction! The rest just comes with practice and tweaking and maintaining consistency, correct??
Any other pointers are always greatly appreciated ago please pass along! and thank you for the time and awesome shots of the process!

[ranwithjesus]

Thank you very much for the nice comment! It's nice to see someone who likes my Instructable. :D

[robolimbo]

Keep slinging those hunger sticks!! Before you know it you will be an archery veteran! Aim small, miss small!

[OsarkT]

Sorry for being one of those “you got it wrong” people, and I’m
not trying to be insulting. Just pretty sure you left out an Important Detail.

I would argue that you’ve
oversimplified the “Find your Bow” section, as poundage alone does not fit a bow to a
person.Far more important than the Draw
Weight is the Draw Length. I shoot a twenty-five pound fiberglass bow, a forty
pound fiberglass bow, and fifty pound hunting bow. The poundage varies, but the
draw length of all three is exactly the same, at thirty-two inches.

[Swift2568]

+1 Thank you

[Leathaldose]

I love Archery, cant wait to get a new bow. I really want to make a bow. I really like crossbows as well. thanks for the instructable. have a great day.

[ranwithjesus]

yeah archery's great. There are tons of Instructables on how to make bows, u should check them out.

[ClenseYourPallet]

Great instructions! Thanks for sharing

[Geeks with lasers]

good instructions, almost exactly how my instructor taught me to shoot :)
you even have better posture than katniss, she'd never hit a target shooting with her feet together and 1 knee 1/2 bent lol

[ranwithjesus]

Thanks! That's a pic of my little sister. I taught her how to shoot. :)

[GymnasticsGirl]

hey guys that's me in the picture there!! Yay!!!

[GymnasticsGirl]

I'm the little sister

[ennalta]

Just my .02 but I have shot a custom traditional bow for ten years.

I would also add a couple of things.

1. Make sure your arm holding the bow is slightly bent. Everyone in my family shoots without an arm guard as the only real need for one is if an arrow explodes.

2. Tilt the bow at one o'clock away from the rest.

3. pull with your middle two fingers and hold with the top finger

4. set your anchor point. for an English long bow line the one pictured, the standard anchor it the top of the cheekbone just below the eye. Make a hook with your pointer finger and stock the knuckle to the corner of your eye. that should do it.

not arguing, just adding

[JMunch]

I disagree with other comments about sighting the bowstring. I've met with two Olympic archery retirees who both say it's more important to have a consistent anchor point than lining it all up in front of your eye. It's also not good to keep your arm "as straight as possible", unless you enjoy tendonitis

[beaver79]

Perfect:)

[steven4872]

To aim the bow place the bow string in front of the eye. line up the bow string and arrow point with the target. then move the arrow tip up or down relative to the target to adjust for range. For best result placement of the bow string on your face must be consistent for consistent aim. and arm holding the bow should be as straight as possible to get a consistent draw on the bow. Look at the picture of the girl in the instructions. She is not aiming the bow correctly. The string is not in front of her eye.

Also the purpose of the metal on the bow string to to insure the nock of the arrow is possitioned the same way every time. Again for consistant aiming.