WELCOME TO FORT ARCHERS

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Sometimes the shooting line can be crowded and we only have enough space that we need to make the shot. This means being aware of the persons in front and behind you. Keep your bow upright when nocking an arrow, keep the bow pointed down range and try to not exclaim loudly if you make a poor shot or be loudly talking on the line. When you finish the end and move back away from the shooting line, try to wait until the archer behind you has finished the shot and is not at full draw when you walk away. This can be very off putting to the archer’s behind. Do not run on the range, when collecting arrows or rush forward to the target, offer to pull or pick up arrows for less abled persons where possible. If you need assistance with anything, please ask.

When you step up to the line to shoot, always check your feet position first, make sure you are properly aligned to the target and then don't move your feet again until you finish the end.

Having a good, solid and consistent anchor point is important to making a good shot. Most barebow archers will anchor at the corner of the mouth with the index finger, or higher up the face, when shooting 3 fingers under the nock. A full recurve shooter will anchor under the chin at a lower point due to shooting one finger over and two under the knock or split finger style.

Having a smooth release is crucial to making a good shot, using the correct muscles in the back to execute the shot and not depending on our arm strength is important. Also allowing the hand to relax and not forcefully letting go of the arrow will aid in a smooth and consistent release.

When holding the bow, be sure to have a relaxed bow arm and a relaxed grip on the bow itself. Gripping tightly will make you torque the bow left or right and make inconsistencies in your shot. Try to shoot with an open hand grip and relax your bow arm. Remember to breath normally, many new archers hold their breath during the shot process. The use of a finger sling or wrist strap will help you shoot with an open hand.

Following through on the shot is an important part of the shot process. After the arrow has left the bow, it’s important to maintain your position a few seconds after the shot, before dropping your arm or reaching for the next arrow. Try to watch the arrow hit the target before coming down from the shot.

All new archers soon discover that there are a number of additional personal pieces of equipment the more experienced archers use. These are things like finger tabs, quivers, finger slings or wrist straps, arrow pullers etc. There is also additional equipment to be fitted to the bow like sights and stabilizers (Which you can try out at the club when you are ready). A finger tab is probably the first thing new archers purchase, your fingers will tell you when you need one soon enough. We stock most of these items at the club and can advise on what you might need.

Gap shooting is when you are aiming off centre at a point on the target to hit the centre or “ten zone” this could be as little a few centimetres or as much as a few feet depending on the distance of the target and power of the bow. String walking is when you move your fingers down or up the string to alter the point of draw using increments on your finger tab and this allows you to always aim on centre. There are limits to this technique and is more common in barebow style and some field archery.

As with any sport, practice is the most important thing. The more arrows you shoot the more you will learn. You don’t need a full size range to get you arrow count up and practice technique. You can do a lot of form practice with only a few yards of space. If you are lucky enough to have a space to shoot at home 50 to 100 arrows a session will keep the body in good shooting shape. There are many practice drills you can do to perfect your form ask us for details on different drills.

Archery is a fun and enjoyable sport, remember to not get to stressed about hitting the centre of the target and allow the skill to build naturally, getting good groups is more important than hitting the centre but the most important part of it all, is that you enjoy your shooting and have fun.