I have taken three weeks off of shooting my recurve because I had important business to take care of in the job market. Anyways, I am going to start shooting my recurve again on Tuesday. I am going to go into shooting again thinking I am a complete rookie (well I am close b/c I have only been shooting a trad bow for a year). How would you guys recommend a complete newbie begin shooting? I want to go back to the basics and hone my skills for the upcoming season. I want more confidence in my shot based on proven practice results. Thanks for any suggestions gentlemen. Any cool practice tips? Do you use any unique practice methods? Do you set up targets in the woods and just walk and shoot?
Seriously , I started by buying masters of the Barebow 3 ..... definately got me to where I am now and made life easier by not picking to many bad habits . It takes you through every step from stance to release , by it and I swear you will learn from it
If there is one thing I swear by, it's not practicing for too long. When I raced motocross regularly, I found it best to limit practice sessions to 30mins. Work on a specific technique, then, retire for the day before you're physically exhausted(which happens very quickly with motocross). Doing this limited bad habits forming from being tired, worn out, etc, etc. With archery, I do the same thing. I may shoot "all day" on weekends, and such, but, it's broken up into short sessions. Whether one cares to admit it, or not, ones muscles get worn out from shooting for extended durations. Shooting builds the muscles involved, however, you want to stimulate those muscles, not annihilate them.
This is sound advice. I sent Will my copy of this. If you can run it down, it won't cost you a thing. Blank bale. I'd do that for a week or so (15-20 shots to start and end your practice sessions). It gets easier to come back from lay-offs.
I will incorporate the blank bale shooting Jeff. I am picking up some feed bags on Tuesday and will fill them up nice and big for some blank bale in the garage.
Rule one, quit on a good group. Rule number 2. Warm up as jeff outlined. Then move to your toughest shot. I always shoot my first set at 30-35 yards. Or less than 15. Those two areas are my worst. If I hit at 30-35 yards, I move to 18-22yards, and if I hit there, put the bow down. After 30 shots, it usually goes downhill from there. Finally, do 2-3 more blank bale shots at the end. Thats where the trouble begins. Also, a tip a target shooter told me. Take the bow and hold as you regularly would but put over your head and behind your back. Draw behind your head. Reason for this, is excellent muscle streatch and a reminder on what pulling with your back should feel like.
Make sure you shoot alot....not at one time but you gota stay practiced....make sure you have fun cause if you arnt you wont shoot good...be serious with it but have fun
What I do with my practise sessions.. 1. Write down "My Shot" step by step and then observe if I'm actually doing what I think I am.. (video myself shooting). 2.. Look really hard and honest at my shooting and determine what I think is the weakest part of my shooting. When I practise I actually work to improve that weakness not just fling arrows 3. I also allow myself "fun" shooting. I'm not really working on anything in particular, just having fun.. Perhaps like you would do at a 3-d shoot. I think this better reflects if I'm actually making improvement. I don't press myself to make changes until I am doing a "practise session" but I do note what I think needs work. woodsman
I shoot one arrow at a time. It makes me think knowing I only have one shot at making the shot. Just like hunting. It don't take too many arrows either to get ones arm tired when practicing. Don't over due your shooting, bad habits and frustration will be had for sure. One other thing- what works for me or anyone else may not work for you. Everyone has their thing/style. Good luck In finding what works for you.
You can kill two birds with one stone, Brett. Get you some judo points. Do some stump shooting, while you scout.
Good point Jeff, I will pick some up. They have a small range with some large block targets where I hunt. I blank baled about 10 shots to begin and end my shooting session. I shot about 25-35 shots. 20 yards felt like a mile away.
