Trails Across The Prairies
Learning The Longbow
If you want to succeed in shooting a traditional bow like the longbow, somewhat more difficult to master compared to a compound bow, there are some steps you should take.
First beginning with the stance you should stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your shoulders angled only slightly away from the target so you don’t draw the string across your chest.
Holding the bow you want the bow’s grip to rest against the bone in the web of your hand, and your fingers should be relaxed. If you grip the bow to tight, you’ll torque the bow.
With your string hand there are different ways of placing your fingers, however I shoot with one finger over and two under the arrow. Some archers shoot with three fingers under the arrow, which puts the shaft closer to your eye. Both work, but if you shoot with three fingers under, be aware that unless you’re shooting a custom bow tillered for that style of shooting, you’re flexing the bottom limb more than the top, which can affect arrow flight.
For the draw pick a spot on the target and concentrate on it with both eyes open. Beginning with the bow at your knees, raise it up as you draw. By the time the arrow’s pointing at the target, you should have reached your anchor point. It’s one fluid motion, and you should never take your eyes off the target.
For an anchor point find a comfortable anchor point and stick with it. I settle my trigger-fingertip in the corner of my mouth. Some archers put their nose on an arrow fletching to create a second anchor point. Keep in mind that your draw length with a traditional bow is usually much shorter than it is with a compound bow, so you probably won’t be able to use the same anchor point as you would with a compound bow.
I find canting the bow helps keep the arrow on the shelf, and it takes the riser out of your sight picture, allowing you to focus on the target and sight down the arrow shaft. Some archers aim this way. The angle of the cant is mostly a matter of comfort. Let it come naturally to you.
When you are anchored and focused on the target, just let it go. If you think too much about a perfect release, you’ll break concentration from your target, and that’ will make you miss. Don’t think. Just shoot.
Also make sure and follow through by holding your form until the arrow has cleared the bow on its way to the target.
