Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Archery: Choosing Your First Bow and Arrows

Traditional archery, which evolved about 10,000 years ago as a survival skill, is still practiced today as a sport. The simple wooden bow and arrows without any fancy accessories make you feel connected to your roots. It makes you feel more powerful and confident than ever. 

If you are a beginner looking to buy your first set of archery equipment, I am here to help. In this comprehensive guide, I will cover everything that you need to know to get started with traditional archery. I will also recommend some products that I believe are great for beginners and recreational archers. 

First, let’s understand what traditional archery is.          

What is Traditional Archery?

Simply put, traditional archery is a shooting style in which you use basic bows and arrows to shoot instinctively without conscious aiming. 

Here’s an example to help you understand better. 

Imagine you are hiking through the woods, and suddenly, a wild boar bursts out of the bushes. Since you have only a few seconds to act, you take out your bow, nock an arrow, and start shooting rapidly. You don’t think, you don’t aim, you don’t pull out a bunch of accessories. You grab your bow and arrow and start shooting. 

That’s traditional archery.    

Here are six key features of traditional archery. 

• You don’t use mechanical gadgets like pulleys and mechanical releases commonly used on modern bows, like compound bows. Ancient warriors didn’t even use sights, but many traditional archers nowadays prefer simple sights.  
• You shoot instinctively using your intuition instead of conscious aiming. Gap shooting and string walking are other popular aiming methods. I will briefly discuss them in the later part of the article.  
• Because you don’t use mechanical aids, you have to work on developing proper form and consistent techniques to achieve higher accuracy. 
• Traditional archery requires years of practice to develop muscle memory that helps you shoot accurately, even from a distance, without aiming.
• You have to be very patient and focused when practicing.
• Traditional archery is versatile. You can shoot while standing, walking, running, jumping or riding a horse.  

Now that you know the basics of traditional archery, let’s learn a bit about its history. 

History of traditional archery  

Archery is believed to be one of the oldest arts still practiced. Although the earliest evidence dates back to about 50,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians prominently used it in warfare and hunting during 3000 BC.  

Initially, it was used by foot soldiers, but soldiers on chariots and horses also mastered the necessary skills for shooting while riding horses and other animals. Longbows were popular in Europe, whereas Asians used shorter, composite bows.

Archery was a major part of warfare until the 16th century. Later, in the 17th century, firearms started replacing it. By the 19th century, it had transitioned into a recreational activity and has remained a sport ever since.       

Cultural significance of traditional archery 

Traditional archery is still a significant part of many cultures.

• It is Bhutan’s national sport.
• In the native American culture, a bow and arrow represent power and magic.
• Archery festivals are still held in many parts of the world to celebrate and promote traditional skills like this.  
• Traditional bows and arrows are still promoted across all cultures to preserve the art of ancient bow-making.   

Before we discuss traditional archery in more detail, let’s understand how it is different from the one practiced today.  

Differences between traditional and modern archery

Traditional and modern archery, i.e., compound archery, have distinct approaches to aiming, releasing, and shooting techniques.

The table below will help you understand their differences and similarities. 

Now that you know the basics of traditional archery, it’s time to learn about the types of traditional bows you can use.    

Types of traditional bows

Choosing the right bow is the first and most important step when starting archery. While deciding, you will need to consider your preference, purpose, and physical strength.   

Here are the popular options. 

Longbows

As the name suggests, it is a very long bow, usually about 1.5 to 1.8 meters. Traditionally, it is made of just one piece of wood, preferably yew, ash, or elm. It has a D-shaped body. 

Longbows are the simplest, most basic traditional bows. But they are the most challenging ones, as you need a lot of strength and practice to shoot them.   

To learn more about longbows and how they compare to other bows, I recommend you read my other comprehensive articles on recurve bow versus longbow and Longbow versus Mongolian bow.  

Here’s our top-rated English longbow available in several draw lengths to suit your needs. I will brief you about draw length and its significance in the later part of the article. 

Recurve bows

These bows have limbs that curve away from the archers when unstrung. The curved limbs store more energy than straight-limbed bows, which helps you get powerful shots. 

Recurve bows are shorter than longbows. They are composite bows made of wood, animal horn, sinew, and animal glue. The modern varieties are made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum. 

Here are five comprehensive articles you should read to learn more about the recurve bow’s key features, uses, and how it differs from other traditional bows.  

1. What is a recurve bow?
2. Is a recurve bow good for beginners?
3. How does a recurve bow work?
4. How to shoot a recurve bow?
5. How to aim a recurve bow?
6. What’s the best size for the recurve bow?
7. Composite bow versus recurve bow

If you are thinking of getting a recurve bow, here are a few options I recommend. 

Let’s look at the next option, the horse bow. 

Horse bows

As you might guess from its name, these bows were primarily designed for horse-mounted archers.

Horse bows are a type of composite recurve bow. They are typically lightweight, shorter than other varieties and have highly recurved limbs that form the number 3 when drawn. 

Horse bows can be Mongolian, Hungarian, Scythian, Turkish, or Chinese, depending on their origin. But they all have almost the same design and function. 

To know more about horse bows, I recommend reading these articles. 

• Mongolian bows versus English longbows
• Turkish Ottoman versus Mongolian bow 
• Why was the Mongolian bow superior?
• How do you shoot a Mongolian bow?
• Mongol bow vs. Manchu bow

If you are a DIYer, here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a horse bow like a Mongolian bow. But if you would rather buy one, here are my best picks.

Other less common varieties of traditional bows

Several other types of traditional bows have very regional uses. I am listing the important ones below. 

• Yumi bow – It is a Japanese recurve bow used by samurai warriors. 
• Self bow – It is a type of longbow made from a single bent piece of wood.
• Flat bow or American longbow – This bow is more like a longbow but with flat limbs instead of rounded ones. Flat limbs reduce stress on the wood, increasing the bow’s durability.
• Manchu or Chinese bow – The Manchu people used this bow during the Qing dynasty in China. It is a composite recurve bow with large siyahs or limbs. 

Check out these region-based traditional bows available in our store. 

Here’s a quick table that summarizes the pros and cons of the above bows so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and skills. 

It’s time to learn how to choose a bow that’s best for you.  

Choosing your first bow

Once you have figured out the type of bow that best interests you, it’s time to understand the factors that should affect your choices.   

Factors to consider when buying a bow 

Buying a bow can be tricky. You need to find out the one that has the draw length and draw weight ideal for you. Plus, you also need to decide whether you want a wooden one or a composite one.

Here’s more detail. 

Draw weight 

It is the amount of force you need to apply to draw the bowstring back before shooting. Draw weight indicates how hard/heavy it is to draw the bow. 

It is the most important factor to consider when buying a bow. If you pick the wrong draw weight, you will end up frustrated and fatigued every other day. 

The draw weight of your bow should be enough for you to shoot comfortably with full control over the bow and arrow. It’s not just about the first few shots; you should be able to use the bow comfortably during your entire archery session.

How to find your ideal draw weight 

There is no exact formula to calculate the ideal draw weight.   

If you are new to archery, I recommend you start with a low draw weight, typically 20-30 lbs. Increase the draw weight gradually as you develop strength and control.  

You can also use our draw weight calculator to get an estimate. 

Here’s a table to help you understand how draw weight affects the bow’s power.   

Now, let’s learn about bow length, which is the second most important factor you must consider while buying your first traditional bow. 

Bow length 

The length of a traditional bow is measured from one string groove to the other along its curve. 

Here’s how the length of the bow affects its performance.

How to choose an appropriate bow length 

Your ideal bow length depends on your draw length, which is the distance you pull the bow string back when shooting. 

To find your draw length, measure your wingspan and divide it by 2.5 or use our draw length calculator. 

Once you know your draw length, you can use the table below as a reference to choose a bow that matches it. 

Please note that the above table is just a reference. Your ideal bow size might vary, so make sure you try a few pieces and choose something that helps you shoot comfortably, maintaining your form and stability.    

 Why is it important to choose an ideal bow length 

Here are the three main reasons why you should always match your bow length to your draw length.  

1. Properly sized bows keep you comfortable while shooting, reducing strain on your shoulders and elbows. 
2. They help you maintain your form with ease, ensuring higher accuracy. 
3. They ensure effective energy transfer, so the arrows travel with adequate speed. 

That’s all about bow length. Let’s get to the next factor: the material of the bow.   

Material 

Traditional bows are usually made from wood and natural materials, but fiberglass and composite bows are also fairly common nowadays.

Each material has its own pros and cons, which I have listed in the table below to help you choose something that suits your needs. 

Here are a few fiberglass and composite bows that I recommend.

While material, bow length, and draw weight are key factors, your budget also matters. Let’s see how much you may have to spend for your first bow.  

Budget considerations when buying a traditional bow 

A decent beginner traditional bow can cost $150-400, depending on its build quality, draw weight, and other factors. You will also need a few accessories that I will brief you shortly.    

Here’s what I frequently advise to beginners.    

• Expensive bows aren’t always better. In most cases, the expensive price is due to decorative elements that do not add any value to their performance. Focus on performance first, then on look.   
• You may outgrow your first (and second) bow within a few months, so spend wisely.    
• While budgeting, make sure you set aside money for bow string wax and other items you may need to keep your bow in optimal condition.
• You might want to buy a used bow to save money, but make sure it is still in good condition.   

Let me brief you a bit more about the pros and cons of buying a used bow. 

New vs. used bows for beginners

I usually recommend buying a new bow so you are sure of the quality. But if you are looking for something temporary, a used bow may be a good option.   

Let’s look at some pros and cons of both options. 

I leave the final decision to you.  

We are done with the bows. Now, let’s move on to arrows.  

Choosing arrows that match your bow

My blog on choosing arrows for recurve bows covers many important details, like the structure of an arrow and the importance of matching the arrows with the bow, along with some buying tips.  

Here are some important details below for quick reference.  

Arrow materials

Traditional arrows are typically made of lightweight but durable wood. You can also get arrows made of bamboo, arrow-weed, wild rose and other natural materials. 

Carbon and aluminum arrows are also pretty common these days because of their durability and consistent performance.

Let’s go over their pros and cons. 

Here are some wooden arrows that I recommend for beginners. 

If you prefer carbon arrows, check out these options. 

Other than materials, you also need to consider the stiffness and weight of arrows that work best for you. Let’s understand these in detail. 

Arrow Spine  

Arrow spine refers to its stiffness, i.e., how much it will bend and flex under pressure.  

To measure its stiffness, a set amount of weight, i.e., 1.94 lbs, is applied at the center of the arrow while supporting both ends. The amount of deflection is said to be its spine.

Spine ratings typically range between 300 and 600.

The lower the deflection value, the stiffer the arrows. For example, arrows with a 300 spine values are stiffer than those with a 500 or 600 spine values.    

Here are four reasons why you must choose arrows whose spine matches your bow’s requirement.

1. A properly matched arrow spine will ensure that the arrows leave the bow with just the right amount of flex, giving them a straighter and more accurate flight. 
2. Arrows that are too stiff or too flexible won’t stabilize properly and won’t form a close group. 
3. They will travel in an unpredictable trajectory and might hurt bystanders or even the archer.
4. Such arrows can damage your bow in the long run. 

Interestingly, the stiffness of the arrows is related to their weight.

Heavier arrows are stiffer. And, the heavier your bow’s draw weight, the stiffer (i.e., the heavier) arrows you would need.   

For example, if you have a 20-lb bow, you can use arrows of 600 or 700 spines, but for a 60-lb bow, I recommend arrow spine of 350-300. 

In short, the weight of your arrows should match your bow’s draw weight. Let’s understand how. 

Arrow weight 

The weight of the arrows is measured in grains. The formula for arrow weight calculation is – 

Arrow weight = 5/6 X bow’s draw weight 

For a 30 lbs draw weight bow, you should buy arrows weighing 150 to 180 grains.

The next important thing to consider is the fletching.  

Types of fletching  

These are the feathers or vanes attached to the back of the arrows. Fletchings are not for decoration. They play a crucial role in stabilizing the arrows and correcting their trajectory during the flight.  

Feathers and plastic vanes are the most common types of fletchings used on arrows. 

I have outlined their pros and cons in the below table. 

Both plastic vanes and feather fletchings are available in straight and helical designs.  

Straight fletchings provide maximum speed but limit the stability. They are best for short-range shooting and indoor practices. 

Helical fletchings are more stable, especially in windy conditions, but they slow down the speed of the arrows. I recommend them for outdoor archery.  

Now, let’s talk about the last factor that matters when choosing arrows: their length. 

Arrow length

Thankfully, this part is pretty simple. 

All you need to do is measure your draw length and add 1 or 2 inches to it. 

An arrow’s length is measured from the back of the nock to the end of the shaft, excluding the tip. 

Always buy arrows that extend at least one and at max two inches beyond the arrow rest. 

• Shorter arrows may get stuck behind the arrow rest and end up flying in an erratic direction or not flying at all. 
• Longer arrows can create excessive drag, which can slow down the arrow and affect the accuracy of your shots.  

Now that we have learned the basics of selecting bows and arrows, let’s look at some of the accessories you need to get started.   

Essential accessories for beginners 

Below are some archery must-haves to stay comfortable and improve your performance. 

Arrow rests  

As the name suggests, these are small supports that you can stick or screw into the riser. It is designed to hold the arrow until it is shot.

An arrow rest helps keep the arrow stable during the draw and release stage, ensuring better accuracy.  

You can buy plastic, or metal rests, depending on what you like. 

Quivers

It is a portable arrow holder. You can attach the quiver to your belt so you can quickly grab an arrow when needed. It is a must-have accessory for hunting and outdoor archery. 

Here are some quivers you can buy from our store. 

Arm guards

They help protect your arm if the bowstring hits it. This happens a lot with beginners, but even experienced archers wear arm guards for safety. 

Full-length arm guards provide maximum protection, but they often restrict movement. That’s why I recommend shorter ones like this one.   

Finger tabs or gloves 

A finger tab is a small ring you wear or keep on your fingers to reduce friction and help you release the bowstring smoothly. 

If you want to protect more than one finger, you can buy gloves. 

Check out these products. 

Targets for practice 

If you are practicing for competitions, you will need a circular target measuring 122 cm in diameter, featuring concentric circles and scoring zones. This is as per World Archery Federation standards.

For recreational purposes, you can buy foam, bags, or inexpensive paper targets.  

Bow stringer 

You will need a stringer to replace the broken or worn-out bowstring without damaging your bow.  

Here’s a bow stringer that we have in our store. 

Read my comprehensive guides on stringing a recurve bow and Mongolian bow to learn how to use the stinger correctly. These guides also teach you how to string your bow without a stringer or any other tool.     

Now that your kit is ready, let’s learn the basics of traditional archery.    

Getting Started with Shooting

Shooting a traditional bow is harder than shooting a compound bow.

• Traditional bows lack mechanical accessories that assist with aiming and shooting.
• You need to practice your stance and posture and master the fundamental techniques of gripping and drawing the bow. 
• It could take months and sometimes even years to develop the necessary muscle memory and motor skills to shoot instinctively.

Nevertheless, traditional archery has its own appeal. And if you have decided to go ahead with it, here are some techniques and best practices to help you hone your skills.  

Basic stance and form 

There are three types of stances in traditional archery: square, open, and closed. 

Please see the table below to learn more about them. 

As you can see from the table, I recommend the square stance for you as a beginner. 

No matter what stance you choose, here are four things you need to follow. 

• Your feet should always be shoulder-width apart or slightly wider if needed.  
• Keep your body weight on the balls of your feet. 
• Your hips should align with your shoulder. 
• Your back should be straight, and your chest should be slightly forward.

For more details, please go through my comprehensive guides on shooting a recurve bow and a Mongolian bow.  

Now, let’s learn the basics of nocking an arrow. 

Nocking an arrow 

A well-nocked arrow helps you get a safe and more accurate shot. 

Here is a 6-step guide to nock your arrow correctly and quickly every time. 

1. Hold your bow parallel to the ground at your waist level.  
2. Take out your arrow from the quiver using your fingers.
3. Place it on the shelf and slide it back until the nock reaches the nocking point, the spot on the bowstring where you place the arrow before shooting. 
4. When aligning the arrow, make sure the fletching is pointing away from the riser. It should point upwards so the arrow doesn’t hit the handle when shot.     
5. Pull the arrow gently to the bowstring until you hear a click or feel the nock securing into the bowstring.   
6. Move the arrow from the shelf to the arrow rest and get ready for aiming. 

Nocking is done. Now, let’s move on to drawing. 

Drawing the bow

The first step of drawing a bow is choosing between the Mediterranean draw and thumb release technique.   

The Mediterranean draw is frequently used in modern, Olympic-style archery. It is also known as a three-finger draw, in which you use your index, middle, and ring finger to draw the bowstring.  

Thumb release is the traditional technique where you use your thumb to draw the bowstring. 

Once you have decided on the drawing technique, it’s time to draw the bow. Here’s how you can do that.  

• Hold the bow in your non-dominant hand. Maintain a relaxed, natural grip to avoid tension in your arms.
• Extend your bow hand towards the target, keeping your elbow slightly bent. Engage your back and core muscles, too. 
• Your arm should be in line with your shoulders.
• Use your dominant hand to draw the string back until you have reached an anchor point, which is usually the tip of your nose or the corner of your mouth. 
• Draw smoothly, avoiding any jerky movement. 

Once you have drawn the bow, it’s time to aim and shoot. 

Aiming techniques for traditional bows

You can choose to shoot with or without an aiming tool, depending on how much challenge you are willing to accept. 

Aiming tools, like sights, have sight windows and pins that help you aim accurately. However, sights make you dependent on them, which may not be good for fast-paced situations like hunting. 

For such situations, you need to learn to aim without sight, just the way ancient archers did. There are three ways to do that: instinctive shooting, gap shooting, and string walking. 

Instinctive shooting 

This is the simplest yet most difficult aiming technique. That’s because you aren’t really aiming. You just look at your target and shoot using your instinct. 

It’s like throwing a ball to a friend standing at a distance. You look at your friend and use your instinct to figure out how to throw the ball so it reaches him. 

Instinctive shooting is quite fast because you don’t spend time aiming. But it takes a lot of practice to develop your instinct. Plus, it might not be the best option for long-range shooting.

Gap Shooting 

In the gap shooting technique, you use the tip of the arrow as a reference point for aiming. You can adjust the aim by placing the arrow tip above or below the target, depending on the distance. It is more reliable than instinctive shooting, especially for long ranges. 

String walking 

String walking is just like gap shooting, except that you adjust your finger position on the bowstring instead of adjusting the arrow tip. Depending on the distance, you move your fingers up or down the string for precise aiming. 

Important – Move your fingers down for closer targets and up for farther ones.  

Now, let’s learn the last step of shooting, which is release and follow-through. 

Release and follow-through techniques  

Release and follow-through are the most important parts of shooting. Everything you have done so far won’t pay off unless you release the arrow smoothly and maintain your posture until the arrow has reached its destination. 

Here are 5 tips that can help ensure a smooth and accurate shot. 

1. Don’t hold the bowstring too tightly. Keep your grip light and relax your fingers to avoid any jerky movements when releasing the string. 
2. When releasing, let your fingers slip off the string, keeping your entire body stable. The goal here is to release the string with minimal movement. 
3. Keep your eyes locked on the target and your body stable until the arrow has landed.  
4. Do not restrict the movement of your shooting hand once the arrow has left the bow. Instead, complete the backward movement as smoothly and naturally as possible.

Follow-through in archery is similar to tennis. Even after hitting the ball, you continue and complete your swing.   

Now, you are all set to get started. But before you begin, it is important to understand the essential safety precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.    

Safety practices to follow while using a traditional bow 

Almost all shooting ranges have their own safety rules and regulations that you are required to follow. Other than those, below are some essential practices that I strongly recommend for all archers, regardless of their experience level. 

1. Never nock an arrow if someone is in front of you or even within the shooting range.    
2. Point the bow towards the target only. Don’t point it anywhere else, even when you don’t intend to shoot. Misfires can happen quickly in archery. 
3. Do not dry fire the bow, i.e., release the string even if the arrow is not nocked. Dry firing can damage the bow and strain your muscles. 
4. Never shoot an arrow straight up the air. 
5. Install a backstop (a barrier) behind your target to stop the arrows if they miss or bypass the target. 
6. Always use proper safety gear like arm guards and finger tabs to keep yourself safe.  
7. Check your bow regularly, preferably before every session. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, and dents. Do not use damaged equipment. 
8. Do not retrieve the arrows until instructed. The instructors will signal you to retrieve your arrow only after thoroughly inspecting the area and ensuring safety.   
9. Always unstring your bow before carrying or storing it. 
10. Never lean your bow against a wall or anything else. Lay it flat or hang it on a bow rack when not in use.
11. Do not leave your equipment in the sun or the car. Traditional wooden bows can crack or warp when exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity.
12. Use a bow case to carry your bow or store it when you are not planning to use it for some time. 

For more detailed instructions, please read my blog on how to store and care for a recurve bow. 

Now that you are familiar with essential shooting techniques and safety practices, let’s explore some of the best places where you can practice or connect with other archery enthusiasts for help. 

Where to Practice and Learn Traditional Archery 

Archery requires patience and persistence. While you can train in your backyard, I recommend joining an archery club or range. These places offer a platform to meet other archery enthusiasts, share knowledge, and stay motivated. 

Let’s explore the options.   

Join an archery club. 

These clubs are often run by a community of archers who have come together to share their passion and guide others. 

They provide scheduled practice sessions and host archery competitions. Most clubs also have instructors or coaches to guide you, especially if you are a beginner. 

However, some clubs may charge high membership fees and may have membership caps. You might have to wait until the membership option is available.     

Find archery ranges for practice. 

Ranges are designated areas for shooting. They could be private or public, with both indoor and outdoor shooting areas. 

Most ranges are accessible and do not require any membership. Some even give you equipment on rent for beginners who do not have their own bows yet. 

However, some archery ranges may not have instructors, so you may have to practice on your own. 

Learn from online resources and communities. 

With the rise of social media and user-generated content, several helpful online archery resources and communities are now available for free. 

These online tutorials and articles can help you learn at your own pace without being overwhelmed by a range full of experts.  

If you have doubts, you can seek help from online forums and social media groups. 

Some of the best resources that I recommend are – 

1. Online archery academy – It is a free resource where you can learn everything related to archery.
2. Archery Talk – You can find plenty of forums here, including those for women, physically challenged archers, and senior citizens. It’s a great place to ask questions and get genuine advice. 
3. Archery360 – Other than tons of informational articles, this place also has a directory of local archery stores, clubs, and ranges. 
4. NUSensei – With over 900 videos, this YouTube channel provides genuine advice and product reviews, especially for beginners.
5. https://silkroadbows.com/blog/—Our blog is a rich resource for traditional archery enthusiasts. We focus on teaching the archery basics and emphasize tips and tricks for quick understanding.    

Now that we have explored the common ways to learn archery, let’s look at the common mistakes beginners often make that can slow their learning.   

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Traditional Archery 

To become a successful archer, you need only one thing: consistent practice. With consistent practice, you can identify your mistakes, fix them, and improve your accuracy with each shot. 

Here are four common mistakes that you should look for. 

Heavy draw weight 

To draw a bow, you need both strength and control. As a new archer, you might feel tempted to buy a bow with a higher draw weight, but a heavy bow will strain your muscles. After a few shots, you will struggle to draw and hold it at full draw. You might feel tempted to release it even before you have set eyes on the target.   

Overbowing, or using a bow with inappropriate draw weight, is one of the most common mistakes that cause poor forming and shooting habits. Always start with a manageable draw weight and increase it as and when you are ready.

Use our draw weight calculator to find out what draw weight you should begin with. 

Inappropriate draw length

Using a bow with the wrong draw length can affect the accuracy and consistency of shots.

• If the draw is shorter, you may have to overextend your arms and shoulders to reach your anchor point.
• If the draw length is longer, your arms may have to struggle to maintain the pressure needed to hold the bow before shooting.  

Measure your draw length using our draw length calculator and buy a bow that helps you maintain your form and posture. 

Improper arrow selection 

Improperly matched arrows can pose safety issues. They could veer off their course, fly in an erratic, unpredictable pattern, and pose a risk to the archer as well as bystanders. 

Always buy arrows with a spine rating that matches your bow’s draw weight. For extra assurance, refer to the manufacturer’s chart. 

For more details, read my arrow buying guide for recurve bows.     

Neglecting proper form 

Incorrect stance, grip, and shooting techniques can decrease the accuracy of your shots and strain your muscles.   

I have already mentioned the correct way to stand, hold, draw, and shoot your bow. Make sure you pay attention to your form every time.

Here are three tips that can help you. 

• Stand in front of a big mirror to observe your position and alignment. 
• Record a video of your shooting session and watch it. Find out your mistakes, list them in a pocket diary, and read it before beginning your next session. 
• Hire a coach for personalized guidance. If you are serious about archery, it’s worth getting professional help.    

All set to begin? Here are the next steps. 

Ideas to continue your archery journey  

Traditional archery is challenging and could take months to learn. If you practice alone in your backyard, you might lose your motivation. That’s why I recommend joining an archery club or range. 

Here are three other things that can keep you motivated. 

Develop new skills 

Learning new skills gives you a sense of accomplishment. Even small wins like making your custom bow, managing to hit the target in even windy conditions, or stringing your bow without a stringer can make you feel proud of yourself. 

Here are a few things you can do – 

• If you are using sight, try shooting without it. 
• Increase your shooting range, but gradually.  
• Practice shooting from different positions, like kneeling, sitting, and walking. 
• Practice in challenging situations like windy days and cloudy days.
• Practice uphill and downhill archery.   

These are just a few suggestions. Getting out of your comfort zone and doing something challenging will keep you motivated.  

Explore different traditional archery styles.

Traditional archery is so vast that you will never get bored of it. You have a longbow, recurve bow, Mongolian bow, Yumi bow, Hungarian bow, Chinese bow, horse bow and many other traditional bows to use. Each of these provides a unique shooting experience.    

You have three different aiming styles to learn: instinctive, string walking, and gap shooting.  

These diverse practices will give you a different experience, keeping you engaged. 

Participate in events or competitions.

Shooting in front of hundreds of people can boost your confidence. The adrenaline rush, the social connections developed during a shooting event, and the things you learn there will keep you motivated for a long time.    

Draw, breathe, release, repeat!

This article covers almost every aspect of traditional archery. If you have any questions or need help selecting your first set of equipment, please get in touch with us for expert advice. And don’t forget to read my blogs for comprehensive buying guides, tips and tricks, and other helpful content.