A while back I posted a very popular video about using the gap aiming method to improve accuracy and consistency for shooing longbows, recurves, or selfbows. This video will cover another aiming method that I use when shooting beyond my point on distance. With gap shooting, you are estimating the distance below your intended target where your arrow tip is superimposed on the target or ground in front of the target. But, as you extend your shots beyond your point on distance you run into the problem of loosing sight of your target due to your bow hand rising so high that it covers it up. This is where Point of Aim comes in handy.
Point of aim is basically the same concept as gap aiming. But instead of estimating the gap while still concentrating on the target, as with gap aiming, you totally ignore the target and concentrate on another point. For example, at 20 yards, my gap is around 18 inches with the bow I’m currently shooting. So with gap aiming, I concentrate on the bulls eye while accounting for my arrow tips position 18 inches below it but in my peripheral vision. With point of aim, I would pick a spot 18 inches below the bulls eye and concentrate solely on that spot, placing the tip of my arrow there. When I make a good release the arrow strikes 18 inches above where I was concentrating, right in the bull eye.
This method has pretty much no applicability in bowhunting but it can come in very handy when making longer shots at 3D courses or when stump shooting. And besides, hitting distant targets with a stickbow is just plain fun. So now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, lets look at how this helps with long distance bow shooting. As mentioned previously, when shooting beyond my point on distance I lose sight of the bulls eye so gap shooting does me no good. Because I can’t see the bulls eye I have to pick another spot to aim at. For example, at 45 yards, I have to aim about 18 inches above what I want to hit. So I simply pick a point of aim 18 inches above my intended target and put my point on that spot. Then all I have to do is execute a perfect shot and the arrow should drop right into the bulls eye! Easy as pie. Check out some of my other posts for other Recurve Shooting Tips. You might also find the post on Tuning Traditional Bows and Arrows helpful!
Here in Vermont it is now “second cut” round bale season.
They are elusive targets, but provide great sport for this long range practice.
They don’t move much, but can be found at a variety of ranges and locals and are a great way to put the practices discussed here into practice.
Shoot Straight …..
Tim, VT