How to Hold the Bow When Shooting a Simple Bow and Arrow

Archery demands precision in order to achieve pinpoint accuracy. Part of archery's precision is achieve through the way a shooter holds a bow. There are a number of different bow designs -- compound, competition, longbows and recurve bows -- but the way you hold the bow is generally universal. A simple bow such as a recurve, flat bow or longbow requires the same tension and proper hand placement required with any other bow. Holding a bow correctly will ensure that you can aim and shoot effectively.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grasp the bow grip with your non-shooting hand. If you're right-eye dominant, hold the bow with your left hand.

    • 2

      Draw an imaginary line on the ground, parallel to the target face. This is known as the shooting line. Position your feet shoulder width apart, one foot on each side of the line. Extend another imaginary line from the target bull's-eye toward you. Position your toes at the line. This is the target line.

    • 3

      Nock an arrow on the string. Square your bow-shoulder with the target. Extend your arm out holding the bow and grasp the bow string with your shooting hand.

    • 4

      Line the arrow sight pin up with the target. Relax your bow-hand. Draw the bowstring. The tension needs to be dispersed through your arm from the grip to the shoulder. Position your hand so that the grip rests on the meaty part of the thumb and you can feel the tension on the palm. Keep your arm straight and rigid, with a firm but relaxed grip.