Archery has become a popular sport in recent times. The popularity of the recurve bow is partly due to it being the weapon of choice by Katniss Everdeen, the main character in The Hunger Games films. By choosing the right bow and arrow for your body and purpose, along with practice, you will be able to shoot targets with accuracy and consistency.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Choosing a Bow
Step 1. Determine the purpose of your bow
The recurve bow is used for one of two purposes: for target shooting practice or for hunting. These two bows are essentially the same, with one fundamental difference: the weight of the pull. This is the amount of force you need to draw the bow. Decide what the primary purpose of using your bow is, for target shooting practice or for hunting.
Your bow must have a higher pulling weight for hunting
Step 2. Select the appropriate towing weight
The weight of the pull on the bow is related to how hard you have to pull to pull the bowstring. To choose the ideal pulling weight, try to use about 75% of your maximum strength.
- Choosing a lower towing weight will result in lower fire speed and power.
- If you are a beginner, shoot with a bow that has a light weight. Do not choose a bow that is too difficult to draw.
- Young people should also choose a low towing weight.
Step 3. Choose an arc length that is twice the length of your draw
The length of the draw is the span of your arm in inches divided by 2.5. Bows are made of different lengths, so choose a bow that is at least twice the length of your pull.
Step 4. Decide if you want a take-down bow
A take-down bow is a bow that can be disassembled for easier portability. The two limbs of the bow can be removed from the handle. It also allows you to more easily service the bow.
The take-down arc also makes the pulling weight flexible. You don't have to buy a whole new bow if you decide to increase your pulling weight; instead, you just need to buy new wings for the bow
Step 5. Try a few different bows
It's a good idea to see how well you can hold and fire a bow before you decide to buy one. Try a few different options at your local archery practice. Here you will most likely be provided with several brands and styles of bows.
Step 6. Ask an expert to choose a bow for you
If you're looking to buy a bow, consult an expert at a sporting goods store to choose a bow considering your height, tensile strength, and right or left handed use.
Part 2 of 5: Choosing Arrows for Bows
Step 1. Measure the length of your pull
The length of the draw is the length that your arm can reach when you pull the bowstring back to fire an arrow. Extend your arms out to your sides and hold them parallel to the floor. Have someone measure the length in inches from the tip of the middle finger on one arm to the tip of the middle finger on the other. Divide this number by 2.5. The result is the length of your pull.
Your ideal arrow length is 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) longer than the length of your pull
Step 2. Select the material and weight of the arrow
Most darts are made of fiberglass or carbon, which makes them relatively light. The weight of the arrow can vary in its shaft (shaft). The heavier the arrowhead, the deeper the arrow will sink into the target. If you're using arrows for target practice, you don't need an arrow that can go deep. But if you're using it for hunting, you'll need arrows that can pierce skin and bone.
- Carbon darts can break if they hit something hard, try bending them and listen for cracks. If you hear such a sound, do not shoot arrows. Injuries from arrows penetrating the hand occur in many people as a result of this.
- Although they can be straightened, aluminum and wood arrows will bend if they hit something hard.
Step 3. Decide whether to use vane or fletching
Vane can push arrows. You can fire it with a whisker biscuit rest or a fur rest. While the arrow fletching is made of feathers. Fletching is used when shooting arrows unplanned to prevent them from turning.
If you're shooting darts outdoors, use a rain-resistant vane
Step 4. Make sure your hunting arrow has a broadhead
If you are planning to buy a hunting arrow, make sure your arrow has a suitable arrowhead, which is made of a strong material with good thrust.
For small targets, use judo, field, or blunt arrowheads. Broadhead arrowheads will actually tear the target and make it damaged
Part 3 of 5: Collecting Other Equipment
Step 1. Set up goals
Shooting a recurve bow isn't just about picking up a bow and a few arrows. If you plan to practice somewhere like your backyard instead of an archery field, then you should buy a suitable target that won't damage your arrows. Arrow targets can be purchased online or at a sporting goods store.
Or, make your own goals with 2 solid haystacks. Wrap the straw with a strong cloth to secure it
Step 2. Purchase an armguard
Arm guards are worn on the forearm that holds the bow. Its purpose is to protect the arm when the bowstring hits it. These can be purchased at sporting goods stores, outdoor stores and online.
Step 3. Purchase a finger tab (finger tab)
The finger guard is a loop of leather that protects your fingers from the pressure of the bowstring when you pull it back. Finger guards are worn on the finger used to draw the bowstring with the index finger above the arrow and the middle and ring fingers below the arrow. You can also touch your thumb to your pinky behind the bowstring to keep your fingers from sliding.
Although more expensive and not used by Olympic archers because of the greater contact with the bowstring and impairing accuracy of shot, you can also wear gloves for the same purpose
Step 4. Purchase a bow stringer
Use this tool to attach the bowstring. If you attach the bowstring without this tool, the bow may bend. In the archery race, you need this tool.
Step 5. Consider getting optional exercise equipment
Depending on the bow you rent/buy, there may be additional equipment useful for beginners, such as a sight and a clicker. The clicker is especially useful for beginners because it will make a clicking sound that notifies the archer that the arrow has been drawn in the ideal pull.
Part 4 of 5: Finding the Right Standing Position
Step 1. Stand perpendicular to the target
If you're right-handed, stand with your left hip toward the target (stand in the opposite direction if you're left-handed). Keep your body vertical. Do not tilt to one side or the other. Instead, imagine that your body is parallel to the vertical line in the middle to keep you straight.
Step 2. Stand astride above the firing line
The firing line is a line that marks a certain distance from the target. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, placing your body centered and above the shooting line.
Keeping your feet firmly planted shoulder-width apart will also maximize stability when you shoot
Step 3. Turn your head towards the target
Look directly at the target by turning your head towards the target. Be sure not to twist your entire body, which should remain perpendicular to the target. Keep your chest tucked in and your shoulders down, to ensure that you don't hunch your shoulders.
Step 4. Hold the bow firmly but with a comfortable grip
If you are right handed, hold the bow with your left hand on the bow handle. Most recurve bows have a handle, so you'll know where to hold the bow.
- The thumb and index finger should be bent slightly inward, while the other finger on this part of the hand should be relaxed. Your wrists should also be relaxed.
- Do not hold the bow with the handle off. This can make your shot inaccurate. Stay relaxed so that every movement goes smoothly.
Part 5 of 5: Draw and Shoot the Bow
Step 1. Fill an arrow on the bow
You must load the arrow by attaching the notch at the end of the arrow to the bowstring. Do this before lifting the bow and without actually pulling the bowstring. This action is called "nocking" the arrow.
Step 2. Raise the bow to shoulder height
When lifting, make sure the arm holding the bow is straight with the elbow locked. If your elbows are bent, it will be more difficult for you to draw the bow.
- Install a vane of a different color between the riser and the arm holding the bow. If the nock is not set in a position that allows you to do this, the arrow will not recurve. You can still shoot arrows, but the accuracy will be significantly reduced.
- Keeping the elbow of the arm holding the bow straight also helps to keep your arm away from the bowstring when you open fire.
Step 3. Pull the bowstring back
You should pull the string back until your hand is just below the jawbone. The bowstring should slightly touch your face around the corners of your mouth. Double check that when you pull the bow backwards, don't let your body twist and face the target.
- Don't be afraid of the bowstring and let it touch your face. Unless the bowstring bends behind the earlobe, you won't get hurt.
- Try practicing to let the stronger muscles in your back do most of the work of pulling the bow instead of using your arm muscles.
- Do not lower the elbow of the arm below the arrow. Keep your elbows straight and parallel to the arrow.
Step 4. Aim
You should aim with your dominant eye while closing your other eye. The dominant eye is much more reliable for aiming at the target.
If your bow has a sighter, use the notches in the sight to help align the shot on the target. Also check the shot with your eyes
Step 5. Relax your finger on the bowstring to shoot
Do not jerk the string back, as the arrow may not shoot in a straight line. Keep your release of the dart as smooth and gentle as possible, thinking about an action that relaxes your finger more on the string, rather than simply releasing it.
Do not move your hands and arms while shooting. "Trying to aim" the arrows won't help at all
Step 6. Hold the position until the arrow hits the target
After you let go of the bowstring, the arrow must still be darting past the bow, and any movement for this split second can interfere with the direction of the arrow. Train yourself not to grab or jerk by staying in position until you hear the arrow hit the target.
Tips
- The hand holding the bowstring should not bend. Pull the bowstring with your fingertips. Grasping the bowstring will make it difficult for you to shoot arrows.
- Look for an immovable reference point (bone). Cheekbones, chin, and the notch between the lower jaw can be utilized. Set a reference point according to the length of your pull and use it consistently.
- Before shooting arrows, it's best to attach rest/fur shelf pads, nocking points, and other equipment such as sights and adjust the bow first.
Warning
- Notify those around you when you practice shooting and make sure that no one is passing around you or behind the target.
- Act with extreme caution, especially if you've never used a bow before.
