Various Shooting Styles and Methods used by Traditional Archers
The various shooting styles and methods used by traditional archers, together with the biomechanical requirements of long-bow or recurve shooting, are different from those of firing a compound. Even so, the basic principles of drawing, anchoring, aiming, releasing and following are similar. In both cases, you need concentration. To become a competent traditional archer, however, you must have absolute concentration.
Shooting styles vary from using one, two or three fingers below the nock, but arguably the most common method used by traditional bow hunters involves taking instinctive photographs. Unlike the compounds, there are no interruptions with traditional bows, which makes them very difficult to sustain in full extraction. But with the instant shots, the arrow is released as soon as the bow is in full draw.
Consequently, you must completely concentrate on the specific area of the intended target while lifting the bow sights and removing the rope. Instinctive instant shooters are less concerned with the distance in yards, and more focused on how the distance feels and how the shot is executed.
After years of practice and following the wise advice of several of my traditional archery buddies, I have learned to adapt my own style of relaxed shooting. The most important thing is that I have learned to anchor in a consistent manner and to focus on the precise place where I intend to deliver my arrow. If my concentration fails, so does my shot. If it remains intact, the arrow flies as true as if it were simply drawing a line from my index finger to the target.
In the end, traditional archery involves the development of an absolute kinesthetic connection between the body and the bow and arrow. Just like developing a competent golf swing, achieving this unit with a long or recurve bow requires a lot of practice and intense concentration and, of course, the desire to be traditional.
Shooting styles vary from using one, two or three fingers below the nock, but arguably the most common method used by traditional bow hunters involves taking instinctive photographs. Unlike the compounds, there are no interruptions with traditional bows, which makes them very difficult to sustain in full extraction. But with the instant shots, the arrow is released as soon as the bow is in full draw.
Consequently, you must completely concentrate on the specific area of the intended target while lifting the bow sights and removing the rope. Instinctive instant shooters are less concerned with the distance in yards, and more focused on how the distance feels and how the shot is executed.
After years of practice and following the wise advice of several of my traditional archery buddies, I have learned to adapt my own style of relaxed shooting. The most important thing is that I have learned to anchor in a consistent manner and to focus on the precise place where I intend to deliver my arrow. If my concentration fails, so does my shot. If it remains intact, the arrow flies as true as if it were simply drawing a line from my index finger to the target.
In the end, traditional archery involves the development of an absolute kinesthetic connection between the body and the bow and arrow. Just like developing a competent golf swing, achieving this unit with a long or recurve bow requires a lot of practice and intense concentration and, of course, the desire to be traditional.
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