When it comes to shooting and hunting games, archery is almost always as popular as it ever has been.

However, for beginners, archery might seem a bit overwhelming as there are a lot of things to focus on. From selecting the right equipment and getting the right grip, to hitting the targets, you’ve got to nail them all. What’s more, you also need to understand that not every shot needs to be perfect.

Regardless of all these hurdles, archery still offers several benefits and even starting out as a novice archer with little skill, you’re still bound to love it.

That said, the team at Avalanche Adventure has put together a beginners guide on how you can improve your aim and your archery skills.

Before that, let’s take a look at why archery is a popular sport and why you should do it.

Reasons Why You Should Try Archery

• Archery is not just for adults and professionals; it’s a fully accessible sport, no matter your age or physical health.
• Shooting helps you improve your core muscles, while also increasing your upper body strength.
• Since focus and patience is extremely important when it comes to archery, it helps you improve your confidence and resilience.
• You can practice archery both indoors and outdoors.

Archery for Beginners – Tips to Improve Your Aim

Now that you know some of the benefits of archery, let’s take a look at some tips that can help improve your focus and aim.

1. Get the Stance Right

When it comes to archery, the first thing beginners need to work on is stance.

To get your stance right, you need to ensure that you’re standing straight with your toes pointing at 90 degree angles and your feet are shoulder-width apart. Put simply, you need to form a “T shape” wherein your body forms the vertical line and your arms form the horizontal line.

Now it doesn’t matter whether you’re seated, kneeling or shooting from a tree, you have to make sure that your stance is right.

2. Use a Comfortable Draw-Weight

Many modern archery bows come with a wide draw-weight which can cause problems, especially if you’re a beginner. That said, when you’re starting out, it’s better to go for a draw-weight range that can be easily pulled without putting too much strain on your back.

The best way to find out whether the bow is right for you is to try and draw it back. If you’re unable to do that with a straight back and need to lift the bow up in the air, it means your draw-weight is too large.

However, you can keep increasing the draw-weight as you practice and build the muscle strength required to draw more heavy bows.

3. Get Your Grip Right

Once you’ve found the perfect draw-weight, it’s time to start working on your grip. If you don’t get this right, then your shots will be inconsistent at best.

To get the right grip, you need to place your bow in the bend between your thumb and index finger and relax your other fingers

While you’re practicing your grip, your hand will have little to no contact with your bow. However, the tension applied while pulling back on the string will make sure your bow doesn’t fall.

To find out more about how you can get the right grip, click here!

4. Start With Closer Targets

Beginner archers may find it difficult to hit their target at first, so the surest way to build confidence is starting with a closer target

It is therefore good practice to start at 10 yards, improve your shooting and then gradually increase the overall distance. You need to continue doing this until you’ve reached a distance you’re happy with, typically 20-27 yards.

What’s more, even if you’ve reached your desired target, it’s often helpful to continue shooting from closer distances to focus more precisely on your aim.

5. Release the Bow String With Care

We understand the rush of adrenaline that comes with sports like archery. However, you need to keep it in check – especially when releasing the bow’s string. Put simply, ensure that your release is as smooth as possible and that you aren’t flinching or jerking.

If this is something you’re having trouble with, you may want to consider a mechanical release to make the process much simpler.

Pro Tip – Once you’ve honed your aim, squeeze the trigger as slowly as possible using your index finger. That way, you can make sure you don’t miss your target.

6. Stay Still Until You Hit the Target

What happens once the arrow is released is as crucial as what happens before the release.

That said, if you jerk or drop too soon after the arrow has been released from the bow, you’ll not only hamper its movement but may also end up missing your target. This is why it’s important to follow through until you’ve hit the target.

7. Practice. Practice. Practice.

We can’t say this enough – to improve your skills and aim, it’s crucial that you keep practicing.

Consistent practice will help you get used to your bow, improve your shooting skills while also helping you build muscle strength and increasing your draw-weight range.

Contact Avalanche Adventure for a Fun-Filled Day Out

We know that beginner archery can be a little intimidating. However, the qualified instructors and trained professionals at Avalanche Adventure will help you at every step of your journey!

We also use quality equipment and provide you with safety during the activity to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Along with archery, we also offer other adrenaline filled activities like quad biking, off roading, 4×4 play and days, and more.

So, plan for a fun-filled day out in advance and book your slots today!