Archery Tips for Shooting With a Release

Do you find shooting archery with a release to be challenging? Most information will tell you that archery release aids improve accuracy and enhance the archery experience. Although a release aid can improve your accuracy, your shooting will not improve your unless you use your release effectively. When you shoot correctly and consistently with your release, you will enjoy increased accuracy. Advancements in archery products have given archers a large variety of options when it comes to release aids. With so many choices, you can find a release that will work for you vs. against you.

  1. Fitting the Release

    • Proper fit of a release is detrimental to your shooting accuracy and consistency. There are a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. Strongly consider the shape and size, as they directly relate to your ability to perform. Several styles of release actuation exist, including thumb, forefinger and back tension. Any of these actuation styles will perform adequately, but your specific use may help you find the most functional product. Back tension releases aid in perfecting your shooting form, while forefinger and thumb actuated releases perform well in hunting and target competitions. Choose a release that fits your style of shooting and is the correct size and comfortable.

    Attaching Your Release to Your Bow

    • There are two methods of connecting your release to your bowstring. You can connect your release directly to your string using a cushion button. This method can produce nock pinch and cause excessive wear to your serving. You can also connect your release with a string loop, which attaches to your string. Loops are made of plastic, metal or string, and eliminate nock pinching when properly installed. Your serving lasts longer using a string loop because the release is not connecting directly to the string. Inspect your string loop after shooting to verify that no damage occurred.

    The Shot

    • Rather than punching or pulling your release trigger, use back pressure to initiate the shot. When anchored, continually place pressure against the wall. Upon release, you will continue to apply backward pressure for proper follow through on the shot. You will feel your release hand continue backwards and your bow hand fall forward in unison upon a properly executed release. Tuning your skills on the shot will go a long way towards increasing your success with your release. For more assistance, online archery lessons are available (see Resources).