How to Shoot a Genesis Bow and Set Up a Safe Practice Range.

Hello! This how to guide is here to show you how to properly shoot a Genesis bow, how to set up a safe environment to shoot in, and what the proper procedure is leading up to shooting the bow and after.

Supplies

You will need:

• A Genesis bow
• Genesis arrows
• A target of any kind (preferably a large one)
• Wide open space

Step 1: Set Up Target Range

Firstly, you'll want to clear out a large area suitable to shoot your bow at. Standard tournament shooting ranges for Genesis bows are 20 - 25 meters long. In tournaments, shooters shoot from 10 meters and 15 meters. Most important is making sure the target is in a safe location where you won't hurt or damage anyone or anything if you miss.

Step 2: Check Your Arrows (Fletchings and Arrowheads)

When preparing to shoot, it is important to check your arrows for any damages. When looking for damages, pay attention to:

• Torn fletchings - Can cause arrow to fly wildly
• Blunt arrowheads - Arrow may ricochet off target
• Bent shafts - Can cause arrow to curve suddenly

Step 3: Check Bowstrings, Cams, and Strengthen/loosen Bow As Needed

It is also important to take safety precautions with your bow before shooting.

• Check the string for any wear and tear. If it's frayed too much in one spot, it may be time to invest in a new bowstring
• Check the cams for any damages or dirt (the wheels on both ends of the bow). Do not lean on bow when standing as you could cause damage or get dirt in them.
• Strengthen or loosen the bow as needed. If you feel the bow is too hard to pull back you may need to loosen it. However, if you are strong enough to pull back the bow on higher strengths, it is easier to be more accurate

Step 4: Make Sure Range Is Safe

Before you starting shooting arrows, it is absolutely necessary to make sure the range is clear of people and animals.

Step 5: Nock the Arrow and Rest It

Now it's time to shoot, but first there are some more precautions to take. First you must nock and rest the arrow. Nocking is when you attach the back end of the arrow to the string, specifically, right underneath the knot in the middle.

Then, you rest the arrow. The rest is the small plastic attachment right above the handle where you hold the bow. Once nocked, place the arrow on the rest, and you are ready to draw.

Step 6: Draw and Anchor

Once nocked, it is time to draw and anchor. When drawing, it is important to maintain a straightened posture. You want the arm you're holding the bow with to be slightly bent so you don't snap your arm with the bowstring when you loose your arrow. You want the arm you're drawing with to be slightly raised, but comfortable.

While you're drawing you'll eventually reach your anchor point. This is the point you reach when you are fully drawn, and you want it to always be in the same spot in order to consistently shoot. A common anchor point is the corner of the mouth. Other anchor points work as well as long as they remain consistent

Step 7: Breathe, Find Your Aim Point

Many people who are extremely talented and skilled with a bow rely on their instincts and can get amazing scores with minimal anchor time, because their aim point is so ingrained into their bodies.

However, I recommend for any new or even intermediate shooter to take a few seconds while drawn to breathe, find your aim point by looking at the tip of the arrow, and only then loose the arrow. It is important to note that every shooter has their own distinct aim point.

Step 8: Loose the Arrow

Finally! It may seem like it took a long time to get here, but I promise when you're actually shooting it doesn't take this long. Now, you repeat steps 4-7 until your quiver is empty.

Step 9: Wait Until Others Are Done Shooting & Make Sure Range Is Clear

After you finish your round, make sure to wait until others are done shooting to go retrieve your arrows, then, have everyone retrieve their arrows at the same time to avoid any accidents.

Step 10: Write Down Your Score

If you decide you want to keep score, now is the time to do so. Official NASP rules have 6 rounds. 3 rounds at 10 meters and 3 rounds at 15 meters.

5 arrows per round with a max of 50 points per round. With 300 being the maximum possible score.

However you are free to make up your own rules for practice

Step 11: Safely Remove the Arrows From the Target

Now it is time for the final step, safely remove your arrows from the target. Make sure no one is behind you when you pull the arrows out so you don't jab them, then place one hand on the target, and the other on arrow, then pull it out!

Step 12: Be Safe, Be Patient, and Reflect

Shooting archery is a test of patience and mentality, as it can be frustrating when you miss or score low. So, it is always important not just for yourself but for the safety of others as well to be calm and collected.

Equally important is reflecting on how you performed after you shoot, this is the key to improving.

Thank you for reading, have fun out there!