Archery Shooting Stance
Proper archery shooting form is the foundation for accuracy. Over the next few weeks we will cover proper archery shooting form, literally from the ground up.
Believe it or not, proper form has more influence on accuracy than aiming! Therefore, we will start with your feet and end with your eyes. Always remember, archery is executed by drawing the bow string across your chest and not towards it. Therefore, your body must face 90-degrees away from the target. This is accomplished with proper foot placement.
Feet Placement Steps:
- Place an arrow on the ground, pointed at the target.
- Line up your feet perpendicular to the arrow so your toes are almost touching it. You are now standing at a 90-degree angle to the target. (see photo below)
3. Space your feet shoulder-width apart.
4. If you are right-handed, move your left foot (foot closest to the target) back 3 or 4 inches from the arrow and pointed halfway–or 45 degrees–towards the target. (see photo below)
5. You are now in the proper archery shooting stance. It’s that easy!
Before you even nock an arrow be sure your feet are set properly. A proper shooting stance provides a stable body position for shooting any kind of bow. It also opens up the space in front of your chest to draw the bowstring.
Any deviation from this stance will put you off balance and adversely affect shot accuracy. This will quickly become a good habit.
For the next lesson, click here: Step #2: Gripping the Bow