The technique of shooting a Mongolian bow is distinctively different from other archery styles.
Mongolian archery features several unique characteristics, including its drawing technique, arrow positioning, and instinctive aiming method.
In this guide, I will help you understand how to shoot a Mongolian bow with higher accuracy.
First, let’s learn about the drawing technique that allows Mongolian archers to shoot quickly and accurately, even when they are riding horses.
Thumb Draw vs Mediterranean Draw
In Western archery, we use the Mediterranean draw technique, where the string is pulled with three fingers: the index, middle, and ring fingers. This three-finger draw gives inconsistent release timing, which could affect accuracy.
Mongolian archery is based on thumb draw. You primarily use your thumb to draw the string. The other fingers help you reinforce the grip, but they do not play any vital role.
Thumb draw is faster and gives you a cleaner release for exceptional accuracy.
Thumb draw technique
Here’s a 4-step guide to practice the authentic Mongolian draw.
- Place your arrow on the right side of the string instead of the left side, as is commonly practiced in Western archery.
- Rest the arrow against the thumb. Wrap your index finger gently over the thumb.
- Keep your wrist straight and pull the string using the thumb.
- Choose an anchor point and shoot. I will brief you more about the anchor point in the later part of the article.
Always use a thumb ring to prevent injury. If you don’t have one, you may want to buy our brass corrosion-resistant archery thumb ring or horn Mongolian thumb ring.
Now that you know the basics of Mongolian archery, let’s learn how to shoot a Mongolian just the way the Mongol warriors used to do.
7-Step Guide on How to Shoot a Mongolian Bow Correctly
1. Ensure a proper grip
Hold the bow on your non-dominant hand and place your thumb on the string.
Using your thumb and other fingers, specifically the index finger, create an L-shape.
Curl all the fingers, making sure the string rests on the upper half of the thumb but not in the bend.
Keep your index fingers relaxed.
2. Take your stance
Place your feet shoulder-width apart with toes pointing slightly outwards. Keep your knees slightly bent to remain stable while shooting.
Position your body at about 45 degrees towards the target.
Extend your bow arm fully. Keep your elbow straight, but do not lock it.
Keep your body relaxed.
3. Nock the arrow correctly.
Place the arrow on the opposite side of your draw arm. For example, if you are right-handed, the arrow should be on the right side of the string and vice versa.
Hook the arrow using your thumb and keep it on the bow’s arrow rest.
4. Draw the bow using your thumb
You already know how to do this.
But I have three essential tips for you.
- Do not pull the string with the tip of your thumb.
- Keep your thumb relaxed. Do not grip the string too tightly.
- Use the index finger to support your thumb, but do not tense it. Tension in the index finger can give you an unsmooth and inaccurate release.
5. Choose an anchor point.
Most archers prefer their chin or cheek as anchor points. But I strongly recommend experimenting with several positions, including the corner of your eye and mouth, until you have found the one that gives you the best results.
Important tip – Don’t change your anchor point frequently. Be consistent and practice regularly.
6. Aim and release
Mongolian archery is based on instinctive shooting instead of precise aiming, a technique used in Western archery.
The archers do not stand and aim. Instead, they shoot instinctively, depending on their intuition and muscle memory.
This might sound easy, but trust me, shooting a Mongolian bow requires consistent practice to develop muscle memory that lets you shoot accurately but without aiming.
Now, let’s talk about the release part.
Relax your thumb to release the bow while maintaining a steady posture and good grip. If you are shooting while riding a horse, release the arrow when all four grooves of the horse are in the air.
7. Follow through
Just like other forms of archery, you have to maintain your form until the arrow has taken its flight.
Keep your bow arm extended. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should remain stable.
Breathe in while drawing the bow and exhale when releasing.
Important tip: Do not look away as soon as your arrow leaves the bow. Instead, observe the bow until it has completed its flight. Observe how your posture and anchor point affected the direction of the flight and adjust your future shots accordingly.
3 Mistakes to Avoid While Shooting a Mongolian Bow
- Do not repeatedly change your anchor point. Choose a spot that you feel comfortable with and stick to it with every shot.
- Do not rush your release. For accuracy, your arrow must be released as smoothly as possible without any jerks.
- Mongolian archery is all about instinctive shooting. Do not overthink. Build your muscle memory with practice and observation.
Wrap up
To become an expert at shooting a Mongolian bow, you need two fundamental qualities: patience and practice. Needless to say, you also have to practice concentration and mental discipline.
Don’t spend too much time strategizing your shots. Just keep shooting and let your intuition guide you.
And, if you break your string, here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can string your Mongolian bow easily.
Best of luck!
