35+ Pros Shared Their Archery Tips for Beginners

Archery is becoming more and more popular, not only in the US but around the world. A lot of new archers are starting to learn this awesome sport and looking for archery tips for beginners.

So, we decided to gather and ask one question from 35+ Pro Archers: "In your opinion, what are the 3 most important factors that a new archer should focus on?"

Well, I'll tell you that some unseen advice can make you surely surprised.

Quick recap:

1. Bow Fit:

To be as accurate as possible, you need a bow that fits your body well. If you’re shopping around or buying new, make sure you measure your draw length first.

You can do this by stretching your arms against a wall and measuring your arm span in inches. Then divide that by 2.5 to get your draw length.

A bow with the correct draw length removes some form issues, and can help you shoot more consistently.

2. Archery Form:

A new archer should spend most of their time just perfecting their form. It’s much easier to do this at the beginning than try to correct it later. 

If you’re just starting, go to a pro shop or get some professional help from someone who’s experienced and can point some things out (e.g., adjusting grip to reduce bow torque, consistent anchor point, adequate follow-through, etc.).

Continue focusing on perfect form throughout your practice sessions, and consider taking a break if you find your form suffering.

3. Practice Different Situations:

Thanks,
Ryan Lisson
Founder, Zero to Hunt

Archery is a complex sport with its own unique intricacies, we at Sentient Archery like to break it down into three more manageable groups or "circles":

We use the term circles to explain that if one circle is bigger or smaller than the others your shooting will suffer.

1. Positional Form:

Is how the body interacts with the bow:

Which eye we use to aim with. Then how we draw the string and perform our "expansion" and release.

2. Mental State:

An archers headspace plays a huge roll in how they will execute each shot. Ideally, an archer wants a neutral headspace, not too excited not too relaxed, not too happy, not too sad. 

This is definitely the hardest part for an archer to perfect.

Outside of archery practice, this should be practiced and maintained as best as possible to help with controlling the mind during shooting. Meditation will help this process.

3. Equipment:

It is very important as it will affect your shooting. If the wrong equipment is used you will never get a consistent shot.

Even at a beginner level, this will make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the sport.

To me, the 3 most important things a new archer should consider are:

1. Equipment:

Don’t rush to buy the first bow, arrows and accessories that strike your fancy.

It may be helpful to first buy used equipment to try before you spend a lot of money on the latest and greatest setup.

2. Technique:

Take the time to learn proper shooting form.

There are lots of articles and videos on proper shooting form. Take lessons if possible.

If you develop good shot execution in the beginning, you won’t have to try and correct bad habits later on.

3. Have Fun and Be Patient:

Take time to enjoy the experience of learning and shooting a bow and arrow.

Be patient with your progress.  It will come.

I remember a new archer who joined our club who chose to shoot an Olympic style recurve.

At first he could just barely hit the target. He worked hard to develop proper form and technique. Over time he became better and better until his arrows formed a tight group in the bullseye. He later made the U.S. National Team.

But it didn’t happen overnight. Enjoy the journey and have fun along the way.

Don Morrison

Founder, TraditionalArchery.Net, and 17 time state archery champion

1. Developing a mental process:

You will never find true success in archery without a strong mental program.

2. Train/Practice like you would for any sport:

3. Have fun:

Hope that is helpful!

From my perspective these are 3 things to focus on for a newbie:

1. Get some decent coaching:

YouTube can be great but not all videos about shooting are good instructional videos and others are just wrong! Some time spent with a decent coach is time well spent.

2. Focus on form:

Focus on developing good archery form with light poundage bow.

Get this right then you can accomplish anything with any bow whether target, hunting or field shooting.

3. Be patient with yourself:

You are learning a new and complex set of skills. Some days it will go well and others it won't,  but don't rush especially with numbers of arrows shot or increase in draw weight.

The 3 most important factors a new archer (bowhunter) should focus on:

1. Kill something first:

I get a lot of interest from new hunters who want to start with a traditional bow. 

That’s great and I encourage them to start the journey right away with getting the right equipment and learning to shoot properly.

That said, if they’ve never killed an animal, I also suggest that they get at least one or two harvests under their belt with a more easily managed weapon, such as compound bow or rifle.

Killing an animal is serious business and it releases all sorts of emotions at the moment of truth. For the new hunter and the animal, it’s best to be prepared.

2. Learn it right the first time:

Get a reasonable weight bow (30-40# for most women and 35-45 # for most men) and learn to shoot with proper, repeatable form. 

In the beginning, it’s best to find a coach or attend a workshop. You must have a shot system that includes discernible steps that the brain can accomplish one by one.

Every poorly executed shot reinforces bad form and puts you on a rocky road that’s difficult to recover from.

3.  Stick to it:

Getting within effective stick bow range of animals takes time and practice. I didn’t kill a deer until my third season with a recurve. 

Find a hunting location with good numbers of target animals, pay attention to the details of your hunt, enjoy your time afield, and stay with it until you are successful.

Lastly, have fun and enjoy the great art of archery!

3 most important factors a new archer should focus on from Raised At Full Draw:

1. Eye Dominance:

Knowing your eye dominance and shooting with the proper eye is the first thing to know before starting to shoot archery.

You see, shooting with your dominate eye has many befits rather shooting with your dominate hand.

You may write with your right hand or left hand but just because you write with that hand doesn’t mean your eye dominance is the same.

2. Poundage vs precision:

Archery is intended to be a close range sport. You will want to shoot within your personal draw weight limits.

Don’t try shooting what your best friend does, knowing your limits helps to keep proper form.

Shooting within your effective poundage and effective range will be better for you in the long run.

3. How to practice:

Archery is different than shooting a firearm. Shooting archery requires more practice, patience and a commitment to the sport.  You will want to practice several days per week and several arrows per session.

You will want to keep archery fun. Don’t be quick to blame the equipment when you it could be you.

Slight variations in form can make for large inaccurate shooting down range. Once you are getting a good grouping try playing games such as tick-tack- toe or archery balloon art.

There are many resources available for you to learn how to find your dominate eye, adjusting your bow etc by reading articles such as these, viewing on youtube, archery360 or the Raised Outdoors App.

Thanks!
Donise

1. Sign up a safety course:

One of the first things you should do when considering bow hunting is to be sure you sign up for your state’s hunter’ safety course.

This will have valuable information regarding safe hunting practices, regulations specific to your state and information on how to identify various types of wild game.

2. Find a bow shop:

Secondly, it’s a great idea to find a reputable local bow shop in or near your community and ask for advice on:

3. Practice, practice, practice:

Once you’ve done those first two things and acquired the right setup for you and the game you will be hunting, you need to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

It would be unsafe and irresponsible to enter into a hunting situation without being proficient with the equipment you will be hunting with.

Safety is of utmost important to you and those you may come in contact with while hunting.

Being proficient with your equipment will also increase your chances of making an ethical shot that results in a clean, quick kill of your game.

The process I recommend to someone who has an interest in archery is:

1. Turn up:

Turn up to one of the 'Come & Try' sessions that most clubs provide.  If you enjoyed that experience and you want to continue then.

2. Book a 'Private Lesson':

Book a 'Private Lesson' with a qualified instructor. It is most important that you establish the correct "shooting form" straight away.

Most people don't appreciate how precise your form needs to be so that you can repeat that action and gain a grouping of your arrows.

If you practice shooting with bad/incorrect form, it is doubtful whether you will ever be able to get tight arrow groups and thus good scores.

3. Not buy anything:

At this stage I would not buy anything (except maybe and arm guard, finger tab and chest guard).

I suggest you attend the archery club at least once each week, to get your form committed to muscle memory.

Initially, use a 'recurve' type of bow and make sure it is quite low power so that you can draw it back with ease and hold it so that your form is not distorted by the weight of the bow.

Rob.
Kew City Bowmen

1. Shot Process:

A new archer should focus on the fundamentals of the shot process at first. 

With each step they should start the process:

and follow through. Recommend they worry less about shot placement, and more about creating a process that is replicated every single time.

2. Practice:

The only thing that makes a good archer a great one is practice; so, they should practice often.

3. End practicing Bad Habits:

They should be sure to end on a strong shot, and most importantly end practice if they are having a bad day; otherwise they are just practicing bad habits.

1. What might work great for them, might not work for you:

That's a tough question because everyone is different, that being said remember that everyone is different and everyone has their own opinion on the sport. 

When you begin to learn the basics of archery, it seems as if everyone that shoots a bow becomes an expert at it.

They all have their own tips and thoughts on what you should do to shoot better.

Try it, listen but remember what might work great for them, might not work for you.

2. Practice, practice, practice:

Practice, practice, practice, even if it's just a few arrows that day, practice. It takes time for your body to remember what it's supposed to do. 

It needs to become natural for you to pull your bow back and anchor your string.

You need to do this without thinking or telling yourself what to do before you can even try to add the excitement and rush you get with an animal in front of you.

3. Take your time, build your confidence:

The last thing I would tell anyone that is just starting out with Archery is you will feel like everyone is better than you.

You see them on TV nailing that big buck or your good buddy just smoked a big one, but that takes time.

Don't expect to buy a bow, fling a few arrows and then you're off chasing a big one.

Take your time, build your confidence and make sure when that wonderful moment happens, that you will hit your mark!

1. Seek Instruction:

My number one piece of advice for a newcomer to the field of archery would be to seek instruction.

Learning the fundamentals and building good habits will serve a novice  archer well and are the foundation to success.

2. Practicing Proper Form:

Secondly, I’d encourage a new archer to focus on practicing proper form when shooting. This will help the archer shoot more consistently and build good shooting habits.

Grip, stance, and anchor points are a few of the key components to proper form and essential to an archer’s success.

3. Fit Equipment:

As a third area of focus for a new archer, I’d urge them to make sure their equipment is set up to fit their particular needs.

Draw length and draw weight will surely affect the shooting experience. Both should be set to meet the individuals size and strength.

Providing guidance and encouragement, in addition to properly suited equipment, will go a long way towards making archery a new favorite sport for beginners.

1. Focus on the fundamentals:

A new archer should focus on the fundamentals of the shot process. 

Working with an instructor, coach, or a more experienced archer can help a newbie establish good form, the right mindset, and proper technique.

2. Write down:

Write down what works, with as much detail as possible.

3. Review:

Then at each training session pull that notebook out and build on the foundation of form, mindset, and technique.

I regularly have beginner archers in my weekly sessions. Probably the biggest things I’d say are:

1. Breathe, relax both bow and drawing hand

2. Draw the string and not the arrow

3. Establish a consistent anchor point

4. Aim for Fun!

1. Learn good basic form:

It forms the foundation for all that follows whether for hunting or for target competition.

A coach is best, but if one isn't available a good beginner's book such as "Archery: Steps to Success" is a good start.

2. Pay attention to your equipment:

As your form develops pay attention to your equipment. Learn about tuning your bow and arrow set up.

Nothing will discourage you faster than seeing that no two arrows ever go in the place twice in a row.

Naturally that is part of learning, but a shooter's equipment should always be able to perform better than the shooter so it is never in question.

The shooter needs to be able to concentrate on themselves, not worry about about their bow and arrows.

3. Practice:

But don't just go fling arrows. Start a practice with a goal in mind or just an idea of something that you want to work on. 

Practice good shots, not just random shooting.

More Reference for Beginners: https://www.fenderarchery.com/blogs/archery-info

1. Focus on your form:

Don't worry about bullseyes, and focus on your form. 

Taking away the pressure of aiming, such as:

This comes before aiming on the priority list because if you are aiming and have inconsistent form, your success with hitting the target will also be inconsistent.

2. Time and control your breath with the shot:

It may be small, but when you're breathing during the release of the shot, your chest is expanding or contracting, which throws off your hands. 

During the release, do not inhale or exhale.

3. Practice letting down the arrow to train yourself out of target panic.

Target panic is simply when you get impatient or excited to shoot and release the arrow too early or at a moment when you are not entirely focused.

Intermittently practice letting the string down slowly instead of releasing the arrow, especially if you are feeling impatient.

1. Start with the fundamentals:

In my opinion, new archers should focus on developing solid form as well as a repeatable and controlled shot sequence.

To many new archers just want to grab a bow and start flinging arrows. I get it, it’s fun to watch them fly!

But if consistent accuracy is what’s important to you then you should start with the fundamentals of archery – form, bone on bone alignment, back tension, pull through, etc.

2. Learning to control your shot

Concurrently, learning to control your shot is absolutely critical. 

This means being able to let down if things don’t feel right. You’d be surprised how many archers, (traditional mostly) can’t seem to do that.

There are several shooting tips videos on my youtube channel that cover much of this.

There are also several online courses and DVDs to help a new archer learn the fundamentals of archery.

For us at Lykopis, we incorporate the Zen aspect of Kyodu so one of our top three main focus is form and a clear mind, combined with the most important thing, FUN.

1. Clear Mind:

We start with explaining the muscles needed for archery. This includes the brain! Our own thoughts cab often be our worst enemy, so we teach our students to focus.

Focus not just on the target but on themselves. We teach them to clear their mind, and bring their thoughts into the action of loosing the arrow.

2. Form:

Form will follow this focus exercise, and while many out there feel that form is over rated, with Lykopis we find it helps to centre the Archer.

With consistent form the Archer will consistently shoot the arrow where they would like it go.

I mean, there is a reason the Korean OLympic Team focuses as much on Form as they do aiming.

3. And fun!

Part of keeping your mind clear is to not over think what their doing or what’s happening around them is to remember that archery is fun!

So we often like to set up our archery tag range to remind everyone, don’t get too serious!

1. With compounds:

All the work is done by the  gadgets on the bow.

2. With traditionals: it is complex

1.Work on Form:

With a light bow, work on form, draw anchor and muscle tension thru release, close range 8 yards, not for accuracy only for form.

2. Same as #1:

Do not proceed to 3 until 1 can be mastered.

3. Start shooting for accuracy:

Trusting your form, and concentrating on the shot. At any time you feel your form needs work go back to 1.

Once form is solid , the act of shooting the arrow with accuracy will come quickly.

As a primitive archer that builds and hunts with wood bows, cane arrows, and stone points, my 3 most important tips will likely sound much different than most modern archers.

The crossover to primitive requires a different outlook than most are used to in an age,

That however doesn't mean the gear is ineffective at long range.

But rather is leaves more room for error in long shots, so we like to keep our hunting shots close.

1. Shoot Close

Shooting far makes you a good shot, the ability to get close to game makes you a good hunter. I personally like to keep my bow shots inside of 12 yards.

While I have taken deer at further distances, experience has made me want to make perfect 10 yard shots every time.

2. Forget Form If...

Contrary to the words of form archers, I don't believe you have to have perfect shooting form to be accurate and effective.

I think there are 2 types of archers:

As an archer than falls into the "everyone else" category, I still find great success in the hunting woods and also shoot very well in tournaments as well.

CONSISTENCY is the important key word.

However you shoot, you must be able to replicate that every time, and that is achieved through form archery for some, and muscle memory through repetition for others.

So, if you find yourself just not enjoying the experience of by the book form archery, don't sweat it.

3. Don't Overshoot:

Rather than shooting 100 shots a day, once you have achieved a certain level of accuracy, shooting too much will cause fatigue and promote the forming of bad habits.

I like to shoot about 10 really good arrows in a day.

Sometimes I may even shoot 3-5 really good shots, and then I will quit for the day and end on a good note.

I have never shot dozens of arrows and felt "really good" about how I ended the session.

Archery is very mental, don't let fatigue ruin your confidence.

Generally speaking my three tips would be (in no particular order):

1. Check your bow:

Get your bow setup checked by someone who knows what they are doing.

This definitely includes doing bare shaft and paper tuning exercises.

So many people just move the rest around until the bow is sort of working at a particular distance, then get frustrated when weird things happen at different distances.

2. Really work on your anchor point:

Loads of good tutorials out there, but absolute minimum of 2 points of contact, preferably 3, and keep a relaxed head position.

Get someone to film you from the side and behind to watch your release.

Most smartphones have pretty decent slow motion now which is useful to analyze your release in a bit more detail.

That can really show up is someone is torquing the bow on release.

3. Practice:

Doesn't need to be 500 arrows a day, but maybe a couple of dozen every other day.

Even if you only have 15-20 yards in a back garden, it's still good practice.

Make sure you're safe though!!

1. Bow setup:

A bow and arrow set up that will allow the archer to be successful.

Many starter packages, usually internet based, really set up the new archer for failure.

Good equipment and proper setup will greatly enhance the experience for the new archer.

2. Practicing good form and consistent execution:

This is easier achieved with good lessons from an archery coach.

The new archer needs a good observer to give feedback on their form and execution.

Good form and consistency cannot be obtained through the Youtube archery infomercials.

3. Enjoy the journey:

Archery is a step by step learning process. 

It takes time to get to the upper levels. Enjoy the journey.

Remember and understand that the upper skill levels you are trying to achieve takes 3000 hours or more of practice and experience.

1. Understand patience:

I think the first most important factor would be to understand patience.

This sport is not something that people get up to the line and are able to figure out immediately.

It takes time, focus, endurance, determination, and most importantly lots and lots of practice.

Don't get suckered into shooting at distances that are unrealistic for your skill-set. Archery is about having fun!!

2. Start out close:

Second most important factor would be to start out close, and work on form most importantly, not hitting the center of the target.

Shoot at a blank bale as long as you absolutely can, no Target. If you can figure out form, everything else will align.

3. Buy the equipment that fits you:

And the third most important factor, don't get suckered into buying something that you don't need.

Buy the equipment that fits you and make sense for what kind of archery you are doing.

A $3,000 setup would be nice, but if you don't like the style of bow or it doesn't work for you, it won't have done you any good!

Also remember that a $200 setup is not going to shoot anything like a $3,000 setup.

After safety and etiquette:

1. Anchor point:

Fold the tip of the thumb down to create a shelf, slide hand/ thumb under jaw bone and kiss the string (I get laughed at whilst demonstrating this).

After a few ends of practice I have the trainee close their eyes to reinforce their confidence on the anchor point.

2. Stance:

Getting the correct stance to suit their body state. Experience has taught me to check for 'double jointed elbows' especially in the young.

3. Patience:

There are many other issues but try to make it fun, we use balloons at the end of each training session - amazing how the accuracy improves

We experience it daily, a customer walks in and says, “I’m interested in buying a bow”.

I always like more info so I’ll asked:

The most frustrating thing for me, the shop owner, is when they answer with “I don’t know, that’s why i came in.”

If you are asking specifically about brand new archers, I think the number one thing they should focus on would be lessons.

1. Lessons:

Learn how to shoot a bow, either compound or recurve. That would help tremendously when they come in.

That way they have an idea of wheels or no wheels.

It also helps them understand a little more when we talk about draw stoke, back wall, hand shock.

2. Shooting it:

Second on my list, if they have purchased a bow already, shooting it!!!!  As much as they can.

Just because you own it doesn’t mean you are good with it.

I own golf clubs.....  I can assure you, I’m not good with them. 

Don’t be afraid to sign up for some lessons with your bow.

The better you get the more you will enjoy it.

3. Have fun:

And finally, have fun.

See it a lot, they get frustrated and then all of the sudden they disappear.

Archery is supposed to be fun, we all miss, it happens. Enjoy it for what you want to get out of if.

If your goal is to make the world team that’s one thing.

If you bought it to enjoy time with the family then do that.

One of the most common problems with beginners is the desire to get out there and get shooting as soon as possible.

More arrows downrange means more time to shoot. Unfortunately, this hasty mentality can create many problems for a new archer and lead to weak foundations.

My general advice is to slow down, take your time, and put your effort into the following factors:

1. Form:

Learn the basics. Anyone can pick up a bow and fling arrows right away, but there are more nuances to archery that will determine how good you can become.

Form represents the steps in the shot process:

Any archer will tell you that archery is about consistency and repetition. Get someone to show you all the steps.

Record yourself shooting and examine what you are doing.

Knowing where you are pointing, and how to get the arrow there, are different things.

And building a strong understanding of the specifics of form will get you on target.

2. Focus:

You cannot take back a shot. Before you let it go, make sure that you are committed to the shot. 

There is no hesitation in the draw, no uncertainty with your target, and calmness in your mind.

That extra moment you spend on target and that extra conscious effort to physically execute the shot will drive your arrow into your mark.

3. Follow-through:

Do not be quick to nock your next arrow. When you release, follow the flight of the arrow and examine where it lands.

In this moment of reflection, feel everything you have done physically and mentally.

Everything that is present in that moment is a reflection of what you did before.

The way your muscles felt, the position of your hand, where your bow arm finished - all these will tell you whether or not your shot was executed cleanly and, most importantly, consistently.

You will not retain this feeling for long.

As soon as you begin your next shot cycle, it is overwritten, but you cannot forget the lessons you learned in the follow-through.

The only way you will develop correct muscle memory is ensure that every shot possible is as good as possible.

Remember what a good shot feels like.

My three would have to be:

1. Get correctly fitted for a bow!

If you can, get your local archery store or club and ask if someone will help fit you out for the correct draw length/weight and axle to axle length.

Having the right foundations with your equipment is one of the most important things when starting out.

Bows are definitely not a 1 size fits all.

2. Go YouTube and start watching tutorials:

If you don't have access to an Archery club - go YouTube and start watching tutorials.

Firstly get to know your bow and how to tune/sight it. Most adjustments can be pretty easily done without having to take your bow to a shop.

Learn about what each part of your bow does, and how it works. You need to be confident in your equipment.

Check out people like: John Dudley - he has numerous tutorials on Archery form, adjustments, do's & don'ts.

It's essential to get some type of direction when it comes to first time shooters.

John is a great resource for just about everything to do with a Archery.

3. Practice:

In your back yard. In your garage. Wherever you can...practice.

It doesn't have to be at a great distance. Practice your shot sequences. (Aiming, balancing, releasing).

Archery Is quite easy to pick up initially, but is very hard to master.

Practice and Practice and Practice.

1. Posture:

An upright, regal posture with all of your body connected and moving synchronous is necessary for a powerful position.

2. Stance:

Archers must balance 60/40 on their feet, using the entire foot, with greater pressure on the balls of the feet so the toes grip the ground.

This provides a stable platform from which to draw the bow.

3. Angular drawing to holding:

Angular drawing motions are necessary to protect the shoulders for high volume shooting and also give the greatest strength and holding control for shot execution.

1. Prepare uphill and primarily downhill:

To prepare for an archery hunt out West, you have to prepare to make an accurate uphill and primarily downhill.

Due to prevailing winds, most shots will come at a downhill angle.

It is important to know how you and your equipment will respond to such a shot.

Making sure that your draw your bow and set your shoulders and equally important, establishing your anchor. As if it’s a level shot and then bending at the waistcoat put your sight on your target is a crucial step.

This helps to assure that you are executing “the same” shot as you would on flat ground which is crucial for accuracy.

2. Know how rangefinder works:

One more step is knowing how your rangefinder works to compensate for angles. Take your bow, rangefinder and a target out to the mountains and see how it cuts distance for hard angled shots.

A day of shooting your target at different angles will expose the weaknesses in your process and your equipment.

In my opinion, the three most important things new archers should focus on are:

1. Proper Fit:

New archers should be fitted by an expert so that their bow is properly sized for the individual. Accuracy suffers when a bow isn't tuned to the shooter.

2. Anchor points:

Anchor points are one important aspect of developing consistency which will greatly increase accuracy.

3. Fun, Practice, and Learn, and Fun:

New archers should first and foremost have fun with it. They shouldn't become frustrated with themselves for being inaccurate.

It takes time to develop consistency and accuracy. The more new archer's practice, the better they will become, and the more they will learn in the process.

In my opinion the 3 most important factors a new archer should focus on are:

1. Practice:

Perfect practice makes perfect! The more you practice the more comfortable and confident you will get.

2. Closer distances:

Shooting at closer distances 20-30 yards until you are comfortable, then move out to 40, 50 and 60.

3. Practice in the gears:

If your planning on hunting make sure you practice in the gear (camo, pack ,etc) that you will be hunting in as well as different positions.

My advice for new archers is to “practice how you’ll hunt”. 

So many people practice standing up with perfect posture but rarely is that how we actually are when we take a shot.

This will make the actual hunt a lot less stressful.

Guidance for anyone starting out in a new sport, archery included.

1. Head-off to a local sporting store that specializes in that gear:

They can fit up the right equipment, size it, and adjust it.

Some local stores help beginners with used equipment sales and or evaluating/tuning someone's hand-me-down.

Though the prices may be 10-15% higher than a big box retailer.

More important to have equipment that matches the ability and not get frustrated and walk-away.

In a year or so, then upgrade.

2. Seek out a sporting club:

With teams or a coach, and get lessons on proper technique.

3. Practice:

Make time each week to practice at a club, outside of the coaching/guidance lessons. 

Since your topic is Pro Archery, the above is more important than may be recognized. Since if someone aspires to get to a pro-level, having the fundamentals being second nature enables the archer to progress.

Take a low-cost approach of buying at a big box store and just shooting...one may develop poor technique, that a later date would need to be retrained.

Poor technique will be evident when the shooter is frustrated with their gear or plateaued in their accuracy.

1. Proper form:

Don’t be too proud to take a lesson or two and if you don’t, at least seek the advice of an experienced archer.

It’s important to learn good habits from the start because form and mechanics are so important to consistent accuracy.

You need to build muscle memory so that when it comes to a hunting situation you no longer think about the process of drawing, aiming and shooting. It should happen automatically.

2. Confidence:

Continuing with that theme, you need to shoot, shoot and shoot some more.

3. Find what works for you:

You’re going to get and read all kinds of advice on what type of release aid, peep sight, rest, sight, quiver, arrows and broadheads are “best.”

Try several until you find the one you are most comfortable and confident with.

For example, there are all kinds of great arrow rests out there, but I subscribe to the KISS philosophy.

I may lose a couple feet per second in speed, but I prefer the simplicity of a Whisker Biscuit.

I would like to say:

But then again I might say:

Just depends on the archers age and ability to comprehend what they are being told.

So for a first time archer I’d go with my second group of three at least till they have lost the fear of shooting or the string smacking their arm, then group one goes into effect.

I know this wasn’t what you were asking or looking for, but each archer gets a different 3 things to focus on

After our last exec board meeting I asked around and gathered some thoughts on what's important to beginning archers.

We had two mindsets among us, physical, and mental.

On the physical side:

1. Barrel of the gun:

This is one of the biggest changes from shot to shot if the archer lacks consistency.

2. Anchor:

Along the lines of consistency, having not only the same anchor point every shot, but an anchor that's solid and easy to feel, and gives the archer some indication of their progression in the shot cycle and back tension.

3. Hook:

One of the biggest issues we see with brand new archers is a bad hook;

Teaching a good hook from the very start often makes the rest of the process less frustrating for the archer.

Especially as it's a simple fix that doesn't require the physical strain of using new muscles to get the bow arm in line, for example. 

If the archer is starting with compound, consistent hook can still apply, only it means gripping the release consistently and without torque that's going to throw a shot.

Mentally, everyone has their own drives, but these were a few things they could agree on:

1. Always have a goal in mind, from day one.

Set reasonable and near future goals, something doable in that season.  

Outside of competition, goals like working on an aspect of form are good, but having some quantifiable way to track them is even better.

If you know you have a bad anchor and sometimes it throws your shots low-left, focusing on that anchor until that specific issues goes away is a fine goal.

2. Know that every archer, even the Olympians, have peaks and valleys in their skill level.

For all of us, we get better and better, and then as we learn more we start focusing on some new form thing, and our score drops while we hyper focus on that one detail and try new things.

Eventual, our form straightens out and becomes consistent, and that new challenge is overcome and hopefully we're better shooters because of that, and our scores go up again.

As an archer, try to track if you're in a peak or valley, and if you have a competition or a hunt coming up, perhaps set aside new form experiments and try to shoot consistently to get your abilities back up.

After the next challenge is overcome, go back to tinkering.

3. Something I tell my archers at competitions:

You never need a win, you never need gold, you never need to prove to anyone else how good you are.

Archery is an independent sport, and at the end of the day the only person whose thoughts matter is you.

On the other side of that coin, you want to win, you want to make that shot, and you work hard to make those goals reality, and if you work hard enough, you get what you want.

You're the only person who can help or hurt your progress with your actions, so you better put in the work to get where you want to be.

1. Fun:

First and foremost we make sure any archer joining is having fun and is safe shooting.

For me at my club, Newark Castle Archers, fun is the main element, because without it, it can soon become a chore, which can lead to lack of enthusiasm and interest.

Juniors and seniors are introduced to our current members as soon as they attend their first beginners course session and help is always on hand.

2. Equipment:

We have a bow hire scheme in place for 3 months from qualifying from beginners course. We find this takes the pressure off having to go out and buy kit straight away, especially for parents of juniors.

This time also gives them the time to get a feel for the sport and also the club and its members.

Once they are ready we send them to a very well known and established archery shop.

We are very lucky to have KG Archery on our doorstep run by Keith Gascoigne and once they are fitted and set up with their new kit.

It's great to see them turn up to club shoot with a sense of pride and excitement with new kit in hand!

3. Coaching:

Coaching is paramount, not too much too soon but starting from the ground up to keep bad habits at bay.

As we all know consistency is key with archery and ironing out bad habits, as soon as possible, one at a time is very important to the enjoyment and pleasure for the archer.

Once an archer tackles bad habits, good form begins and hopefully those arrows fly to the boss with the archer smiling!

1) Have fun
2) Be safe
3) Have more fun

Three essential things someone getting to archery should consider:

1. Do some research:

Whether it be indoor target archery, hunting or 3D, all these disciplines have equipment specifically geared to work best for that style of shooting. Can you get a setup that Is capable do it all?

Absolutely! The problem arises when you try (for example) to go super small and lightweight for hunting and then find it doesn’t work well for indoor targets. So do a little research before you go shopping.

2. Do not over bow yourself

Most new archers try and pull too much draw weight. You should be able to smoothly and comfortably draw the bow back to your anchor.

Don’t count on being able to build you strength up to the bows draw weight.

Excessive weight causes abrupt, jerky movements, that game easily detects while hunting. It will also quickly deplete an archers energy during target shooting and practice.

3. Get some professional help

Find a pro shop to help you properly fit your equipment, try some different bows and releases, and take some classes.

What works for your buddy might not feel right for you. Learning from a knowledge individual will prevent developing bad habits caused by gear that doesn’t fit properly and is uncomfortable to shoot.

Improperly fitted equipment will cause your accuracy to suffer.

1. Safety:

Shooting a bow is considered a deadly weapon. It can be very fun and successful but Safety is my biggest concern.

Like everything education and understanding, what you are working with will take care of fear. We only fear what we don't understand.

2. Learn to draw, hold and shoot correctly in the Beginning:

So you don't have to re-learn or fix bad habits.

3. Confidence is everything:

Find something positive about each shooting session, whether it is just your position, your group of arrows, or even as little as to whether you could drawback easier, baby steps will get you to the top.

Don't try to start at the top, start where it is easy and work your way to the top.

Now go have fun!!!

Now Your Turn:

Wow! What an amazing collection of useful archery tips for beginners.

Now I want to turn it over to you:

What are the 3 most important factors that a new archer should focus on? Let me know by leaving a comment below right now.