TECHNIQUE

Originally I didn't plan to include anything specific about shooting technique, as it is the part of archery about which I feel that I have least to say.  I am,  simply an average standard club archer.  I hope that I have a bit more than an average understanding of the underlying principles of our sport, but understanding archery and doing it are two very different things!

However, several people have asked me to include something about technique, so I thought I might give it a try. Also, I have been doing a bit more coaching and instructing recently, and have been surprised and irritated by the bad attitudes and misinformation that seem to be perpetrated on beginners and improvers by some so-called coaches.  In particular I want to dispel the idea that  there is only one successful way of shooting and only one acceptable style, with any divergences being seen as 'faults'.

As usual, I don't intend going into a comprehensive guide to archery technique as there are many books and (despite my comments) many good instructors and coaches who can get you shooting safely and acceptably well initially.  Instead I shall concentrate on the key areas that are, I believe, most widely misunderstood and especially on that which dictates much else about how you shoot and even to some extent what equipment you use - how you trigger your release.