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Commandments and the like.

Though I practice a different style compared to modern or Olympic archery, I think these tips still apply no matter what style you settle on.

Do...

  • Buy appropriate equipment for yourself.
    • Start with a light weight bow, then determine the draw length, then the arrow with a spine based on the previous parameters.
  • Focus on your form all the time.
    • The prime requisite in good shooting is ensuring the the arrow is stable at the moment of release. To ensure stability requires good form for each shot.
  • Take a moment to reflect ofter each shot.
    • A couple things to observe or ask questions on.
      • When the arrow hits the bale or target does it point out straight or off to the side?
      • After release, where is the final position of the draw hand?
      • Did I nock too high or too low?

Don't...

  • Start out with a heavy bow
      If your bow is stronger than you are, you be unable to draw. Even if you do develop the strength, you've probably developed bad habits that won't last long-term.
  • Shoot far so soon.
    • In the beginning you're just getting used to the bow and learning good form to achieve good grouping so it's expected that your arrows will veer off. However, shooting far in the beginning not only will it incur frusturation, it will also distract you from focusing on improving your grouping.
  • Use the standard archery target. The circular blue, red and yellow bullseye.
    • For me personally I find these targets to be quite distracting. Especially in the beginning, I find myself aiming at the bullseye, but when I miss the mark I don't know if it's a problem with my aim or my form and I learn nothing.