When it comes to shooting a traditional bow accurately – whether it be a recurve, longbow, or selfbow – there is one thing that is important above all others, and that is confidence. Confidence is what allows us to keep our head when we’re under pressure; it’s what allows us to move through our shot sequence without messing something up. The problem is that it’s kind of a catch 22. To shoot accurately and consistently you need to be confident in your ability. But to develop confidence in you shooting, you need to shoot accurately and consistently… Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce our ability to mess up a shot, and the more we can do that, the better we’re going to shoot.
The techniques shown in this video are aimed at taking us out of the shot as much as possible. Together they create a very ridged and repeatable way of shooting. Some of these things aren’t going to be practical in the field but that doesn’t matter. What we’re trying to do here is build confidence. We need to know that we, and our equipment, are capable of grouping arrows. Once we know that then we can relax some of the techniques and get back to a more fluid way of shooting.
In this video I mention a couple other videos you may want to watch. One is a basic overview of gap shooing which you can find here.
Thanks to my Patreon community for providing some valuable feedback to help improve this video. I appreciate the help guys! If you’re signed up at Patreon, regardles of level, there’s a discount code for 30% off anything on the website. It’s a one time use code good until the end of the year.
Hey Clay,
That was the best instructional video I believe I have ever viewed. I am going to save it and watch it over and over. I have a much better understanding as to why my arrow groups are inconsistent with my recurve. I simply love your videos! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Watched your video how to shoot a recurve. Your tip about tying a “peep” reference point on the bowstring has really I mproved my shooting consistency….a lot. Also your description of back tension is the best I’ve heard. A great video that is straight forward, and has great tips. To me, it cuts to the chase of what the keys are to shooting a recurve well. Well done! Thank you!
You mentioned arrows by pound (Eg,75 pound arrow on a 55 pound longbow or selfbow). I totally get the spine deflection (500, 400 etc) but you mention that 75 pound arrow a couple of times, can you elaborate and define what you mean? I have been shooting a few years and have not heard of the term. The best shop nearest to me, closed just after Christmas 2018, so I can’t ask them.
Thanks!
It’s just a different way to measure deflection, most often used with wood arrow shafts. I’m not sure where it came from but it is the standard for ordering wood shafts. For instance a 4oo spine carbon shaft would equal approximately an 80lb spine in wood.
Hi Clay,
I just picked up my first recurve. I have shot a compound for many years. The issue I have is my anchor. After watching your video on split vs 3 finger I have some different options to try. My question is do you look through or around your bow string? I am used to having a peep. I believe my subconscious is looking for that peep when I shoot my recurve.
Hey Justin, when I shoot the string is slightly to the right of my pupil. It’s very close but just to the side.
Really wondering if the still for this video is a inverted image or if they are ambidextrous shoothers. I guess the later.
probably the later