10 Actionable Tips to Improve Accuracy with a Compound Bow

Last uPDATED:
Basit Ali Chaudhary

Practice, Practice, Practice

Correct Stance

Get The Right Fit

Practice different type of targets

Relaxed release

Know your anchor point

Firm bow grip

Aiming

Follow Through

Test your shooting limits

Shooting with a compound bow requires focus, precision, and accuracy. The feeling of hitting a bullseye is incomparable! As an archer, you should strive to improve your accuracy and fine-tune your skills. Here are some actionable tips that you can use to become better at shooting with a compound bow.

1-Practice, Practice, Practice 

The best way to become better at shooting with a compound bow is to practice regularly. Practicing doesn’t just mean going out and shooting arrows; it also involves further honing your skills by studying proper form and technique. The more time you put into mastering the basics of shooting with a compound bow, the better you will be in the long run. You can also try different fun archery games to level up your skill.

2-Correct Stance 

Another thing that can help improve your accuracy is having proper posture when shooting with a compound bow. Make sure that you maintain good balance and stand in an open stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Also keep your shoulders squared up to the target—this will help ensure that your shot remains consistent throughout each draw cycle. Experimenting with different stances during practice sessions will help you identify what really works best for you and maximize accuracy.

3-Get The Right Fit

Getting the right compound bow is fundamental essential to improve your accuracy. Make sure that all of your gear is in good condition before using it; if not, have it serviced or replaced as soon as possible. Your arrows should also be checked for any damage before each use—bruised or bent shafts can significantly reduce accuracy. Taking some time to make sure all of your gear is working properly will pay off in terms of improved accuracy on the range or field!  

Tune your bow properly as this is basic to get the accuracy. For tuning, you have to take into consideration timing and center-shot alignment. Timing can affect only if you have multiple cams. So make sure that they rotate the same way and reach full rotation al together. Also ensure that your bow is center shot aligned. 

4-Practice different type of targets 

Practice different types of target to achieve versatility in your shooting. Practice both bull’s eye target and 3D target. If you just practice single target it would be hard for you to achieve proficiency and accuracy in other types of target.  

For example, if you only practice shooting at a bull’s eye target, it would be difficult to shoot at a moving target. However, if you practice shooting at both a bull’s eye target and a 3D target, you will be more accurate when shooting at a moving target. Diversity in your target practice will help you become a more proficient and accurate shooter.

While on a live target, there is generally an 7-8inch area where its vitals are that must be hit. However, simply hitting “wherever” near that area is not good enough and will not result in a clean kill. In order to ensure you make a clean kill shot, you must expand your type of target while practicing. By expanding your type of target, you will be able to make a clean kill shot every time.

5-Relaxed release

A good release during a shot is key to accuracy. If your release is Relaxed and smooth, you’re more likely to hit your target. If you jerk during release, your shot can be inaccurate and off the track . This is specially important in long shots, a small jerk can create a significant deviation. Ensure that all your three fingers release at the same time without any flinch or jerk.

Relaxing your release is important to keep in mind if you want to improve your accuracy. A little practice can really help you go a long way in helping you develop a Relaxed and smooth release. So next time you’re at the shooting range, take some time to focus on Relaxing your release and see how it improves your accuracy.

6-Know your anchor point

When you have pulled the string and your string hand is locked against your face. A good anchor point will align your aiming eye with string. Different archers have different techniques of release, you’re your anchor point will primarily depend upon your release skill. Practice different shots to learn about your anchor point as this doesn’t fit “one for all” formula. Its hard to tell which anchor point is suitable to you.

A good anchor point is the key to good shooting in archery. Consider trying a few things to find a good anchor point. First, stretch your bow arm out in front of you and align the string with your index finger. Then, place your thumb on the string next to your index finger. This is called the “hand-under” position. Next, place your hand behind the back of the bow. This is called the “hand-behind” position.

Experiment with both positions and see which one feels more comfortable for you. Once you have found a comfortable position, practice holding it for a few seconds before you release the arrow. With a little practice, you can found a good anchor point that will help you shoot straighter and more accurately.

7-Firm bow grip

For long distance shooting, it is important that you should have good control over bow grip. For long distances avoid tight grip, leave the grip open and loose. In this way less torque is applied on your bow and as a result shot is more accurate.

One tip is that for long distance shots, choose a bow with thinner grip.

8-Aiming

When you are aiming at a target, it is important to concentrate on the point of impact and not the target itself. The reason for this is that the target is not moving, but your aiming device is. It is better to focus on the spot where you want the projectile to hit, and let the device float over the target. This way, you can move through the execution process without being distracted. By doing this, you are more likely to hit your mark.

9-Follow Through

Follow through is basically the reaction after releasing the bow and watching the arrow goes off. Your bow should be still straight forward towards the target at the time of release. Follow through reaction is pretty much automatic and crucial as well.

Follow through is often one of the most underrated aspects of shooting a bow. Follow through is simply the act of continuing to aim after the shot is released. Many beginner shooters think that once the arrow is released, their job is done. However, follow through is just equaly important as the rest of the shot sequence. If you don’t follow through, your arrow will likely veer off course. This is because your muscles and joints are still adjusting to the release of the arrow, and if you don’t continue to aim, they will likely move the bow in slightly. Follow through may seem like a tiny detail, but still it can make a significant difference in your accuracy.

10-Test your shooting limits

Finally after every tip, its time to take a test of yourself. One way to push your limits is to practice shooting at longer distances. If you can consistently hit the target at shorter distances, challenge yourself by moving back a few yards. This will force you to make minor adjustments in your form in order to compensate for the increased distance. With time and practice, you’ll see great results.

Familiarize yourself with different shooting situations and scenarios. As you wont be shooting same distances so practice shooting at different distances and angles. This will improve your expertise and you will make you more skilled and competent archer.

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