About the Author: Austin Murphy is a skilled hunter with a passion for archery. With 17+ years of experience, he possesses extensive knowledge of various archery equipment, including the compound bow, recurve bow, and crossbow. His expertise in these accessories allows him to pursue his love for archery while honing his hunting skills with precision and finesse. As participant in NFAA and ASA competitions, Austin own around 8 Recurve Bows, 6 Compound Bows, and 2 Crossbows.
The compound bows are a system of wheels and cables. They are modern technology bows that are commonly used for hunting and archery these days. Shooting a Compound Bow can be complex and simple at the same depending on how you use it!
Knowing how to shoot a compound bow is much needed if you’re fond of archery, hunting, or maybe the Olympics because they are more accurate than any bow compared to recurve bow or a longbow.
I can write about compound bow all day but the main fundamentals remain the same just like any other bow and that is; load the arrow, pull the bowstring, aim at the target, and then Shoot! It all seems simple but what makes a difference between a beginner bow user and vs expert is the technique.
In this article, we are exactly going to discuss the techniques that can turn any beginner into a competent bow user, not an expert because experts are made through intense practice and coaching (sometimes).
So let’s start with the blog on How to shoot a compound bow CORRECTLY!
So, How to Shoot a Compound Bow:
Well, with proper techniques anyone can shoot a compound bow and those techniques are:
Start with the right form:
So the first thing which is very important is to have a proper and balanced form if you want to shoot accurately with a compound bow. A proper form includes not only having an upright posture but also a tight grip on the compound bow. It is recommended to get help from an archery coach to establish the right form.
Start with draw weight:
You must make sure that you can easily draw your bow. It is essential to have a compound bow with a draw weight that is compatible with your physique. It is important to draw the bow smoothly in one swift motion.
Read More: How to Tune a Compound Bow
Recommended compound bow draw weight ranges for different age groups:
| Age Range | Recommended Draw Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 5-9 years | 5-15 pounds |
| 10-13 years | 10-25 pounds |
| 14-17 years | 15-35 pounds |
| 18-24 years | 20-45 pounds |
| 25-34 years | 25-50 pounds |
| 35-44 years | 25-55 pounds |
| 45-54 years | 25-55 pounds |
| 55-64 years | 25-55 pounds |
| 65+ years | 20-45 pounds |
Stand steady:
In order to shoot accurately with a compound bow your body should be in a relaxed and stable state. You must have an upright posture and not lean forward as it can affect the accuracy of your shot.
Anchor up:
Determine a consistent anchor point. Most archers have the corner of their jawlines as anchor points. If you do not pull back the bowstring to a consistent point then the accuracy of your shots will be compromised.
Read More: Can You Hang a Compound Bow by the String?
Relax your grip:
You must have a firm but relaxed grip on your compound bow. Excessive stress should not be applied while holding the compound bow or else you will feel tired and sore after only a couple of shots. A proper grip on your compound bow is very crucial if you want to maintain the accuracy of your shots.
Keep It Straight:
Aiming accurately is the most important aspect of archery and for that, you must make sure that the compound bow is in a perfectly straight position. The most appropriate way to hold your compound bow is to fully extend your arm with a slight bend at the elbow. It is crucial to have a firm and consistent grip on your compound bow.
Determine Draw Length:
You must determine the draw length according to your own physique. You can experiment with different draw lengths in order to find the most appropriate one. Having a proper draw length allows you to shoot accurately and comfortably.
Recommended compound bow draw length ranges for different age groups:
| Age Range | Recommended Draw Length Range |
|---|---|
| 5-9 years | 15-20 inches |
| 10-13 years | 20-24 inches |
| 14-17 years | 24-26 inches |
| 18-24 years | 26-28 inches |
| 25-34 years | 27-29 inches |
| 35-44 years | 27-30 inches |
| 45-54 years | 27-30 inches |
| 55-64 years | 26-29 inches |
| 65+ years | 25-28 inches |
Don’t Push and Pull:
Avoid moving the bow at all when you are about to shoot. Not having a steady grip on the compound bow can compromise the accuracy of your shot. Release the bowstring smoothly without any excessive movement.
Read More: How Long Does a Compound Bow Last?
Never dry fire and always nock your arrow:
One of the safety protocols while shooting a compound bow is to “never dry fire”. This is because shooting a compound bow without an arrow can cause significant damage to the bow. Considering this you must always make sure that the arrow is nocked properly. These safety guidelines ensure your safety as well as the safety of your compound bow.
Pull Back into a Full Draw:
For an accurate aim, it is a common practice to pull back the bowstring to its maximum point. After pulling back the bowstring at full draw you must maintain your aim and then release the bowstring smoothly.
If you are a beginner then I suggest that you should get guidance from an archery coach to know all the necessary techniques of shooting a compound bow.
Different Methods to Shoot A Compound Bow:
Enough with techniques? Let’s get started with Methods to Shoot A Compound Bow,
Shoot with the Command-Style Method:
This method involves a set of rules which increase the efficiency as well as the accuracy of the compound bow.
Read More: How Fast is a 50 lb Compound Bow?
Slow Down:
Compared to other shooting methods, if the compound-style method is executed perfectly it will increase the speed and accuracy of the arrow. It should also be noted that this method is designed to take complete advantage of all the features of the compound bow.
Visualize Success:
The most important aspect of archery is to shoot accurately. If you learn how to shoot perfectly with the compound-style method then you can make shots with consistent accuracy and efficiency. With the right amount of talent and additional practice, this method will help you succeed at every archery competition.
Shoot with the Surprise Release Method:
This method helps to develop a more natural and relaxed shooting style to increase the consistent accuracy of your shots.
Float the Pin:
While using the compound bow with a sight pin the archer maintains a steady but relaxed grip on the bow which allows the sight pin to move slightly. This movement does not affect the accuracy of the shot.
Maintain Steady Aim:
The sight pin helps you to aim accurately at your target. This helps in the overall accuracy of the shots. Once you aim the target it is necessary to have a firm and relaxed grip on the bow to maintain the accuracy of the aim.
Shoot with the Back Tension Method:
This method involves using your back muscles which gives you more control over your compound bow.
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Tune a Compound Bow?
Proper Stance and Grip:
Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart. This position increases your stability and balance. You must maintain an upright posture and should not lean forward. Having a firm but relaxed grip on the compound bow is also important.
Nocking the Arrow:
Properly nocking the arrow is one of the most important safety guidelines regarding compound bow shooting. You can aim your compound bow at the target after making sure that it is properly nocked.
Maintain Consistent Pressure:
For consistent accuracy, it is important to maintain not only a consistent stance but also consistent grip and pressure on your compound bow. By following this method you will have more conscious control over your compound bow.
You might be interested in: Learn about arrow speeds achieved with a compound bow in our article on Arrow Speeds from a Compound Bow.
Benefits of Using a Compound Bow:
There are many actually but some important ones are:
Power and speed:
Compound bows are a popular choice among archers because of its modern technology, power and high speed of the arrow. The average speed of the compound bow is 370 feet per second. The average draw weight of these bows is also easily manageable by an average physique archer.
It is also popular among hunters as a weapon of choice. Because of its high speed and power it provides quick and clean kills.
Let-off:
This is a very special and unique feature of the compound bows which reduce the holding weight when your bow is fully drawn so that you can shoot comfortably. It allows you to remain in a steady position while holding a fully drawn compound bow which enhances the accuracy of your shots.
Adjustability:
The adjustability mechanism of the compound bows allows archers to adjust the draw length and draw weight according to their own physique. This allows the archers to shoot more comfortably and increases the chances of an accurate shot.
Consistency and accuracy :
These bows are designed in such a way that if they are used properly they can provide you with accurate shots.
Versatility:
The versatility of the compound bow allows the archers to use it according to their own comfort and preferences. It allows them to adapt their bows according to their preferred shooting styles.
Durability and Low Maintenance:
These bows are highly durable and damage resistant which means that they can easily withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also very easy to maintain your bow. You just have to place it in a plastic case and then store it in a cold and dry place or else some parts of the compound bow can start to rust. Your compound bow can last a long time if you properly maintain it.
Safety features:
The compound bows have a lot of safety features to ensure that no accidents take place. These features include bowstring silencers, cable guards, grip design and draw stops. All these features combine together to offer you a safe archery or hunting experience.
It should be noted that other than these safety features there are some safety regulations regarding compound bow shooting that should be followed as well. These regulations include never dry firing your bow and always nocking your arrow properly.
Read More: Can You Shoot a Compound Bow Without a Release?
What Archery Accessories Do I Need for My Compound Bow?
Well, competent compound bow users should know about all accessories that are required for efficient shooting, here are those!
Sight:
The compound bows often include single pin or multi pin sights in the package. The purpose of these sights is to help you shoot accurately regardless of the distance from your target.
Arrow Rest:
The purpose of these arrow rests is to provide support to your arrow. It keeps the arrow in place while you draw the bow so that the accuracy of the shot is not compromised.
Stabilizer:
As the name suggests, they are used for stabilizing the compound bow after the arrow is released. It does so by reducing the vibration of the bow.
Release Aid:
It is a mechanical device which is attached to the bow. It helps you in the drawing and releasing of the bowstring. The purpose of this device is to aid you in making shots again and again without getting sore or tired.
Bow Sling:
The bow slings help you in maintaining a relaxed but firm grip on your bow. This way you can dedicate your complete focus towards your target.
Peep Sight:
It is one of the most common compound bow accessories. It allows you to align the bow properly with the target.
Bow Case:
You need a bow case in which you can place your bow when it is not being used. This case helps you to take your bow easily wherever you want.
Read More: Aiming for Success: Compound Bow 101 – How to Shoot Like a Pro
FAQs from Beginner Compound Bow Users:
Is it hard to shoot a compound bow?
Shooting a compound bow is not as hard as it looks like. After receiving proper training and practicing for a few weeks you can start to make some decent shots with a compound bow. Although, if you want to shoot a compound bow like a pro it will take a lot more practice and dedication to achieve that.
How many arrows a day should I shoot?
It depends upon your own physical health and dedication. If you want to become a pro at shooting arrows then you should shoot around 100-120 arrows per day.
How far can archers shoot?
Highly trained Archers shoot at a maximum of 90 meters during archery competitions. However this is not a hard and fast rule because some archers are not capable of shooting at this distance.
What is the lifespan of a compound bow?
Compound bows are durable and long-lasting. If they are properly taken care of then they can last up to 15 – 18 years.
Do you hold your breath while shooting a compound bow?
The common breathing practice regarding shooting is to inhale deeply, take the shot and then exhale.
How long does it take to shoot a compound bow?
It mostly depends upon the skills and the shooting style of the archer. However, the average time it takes to shoot a compound bow lies between a few seconds to a minute.
At what distance is a bow accurate?
This is a highly uncertain factor that mostly depends upon the efficiency or the bow and the skills of the shooter.
Ending Notes on How To Shoot A Compound Bow
Compound bows are a popular choice for hunting and archery these days. This is because they offer accurate and efficient shots. Shooting a compound bow serves many benefits such as its high speed, accuracy, power, and durability.
Now you must be thinking about how to shoot a compound bow. Learning to shoot a compound bow for beginners is not difficult at all. You just have to follow the guidelines mentioned in this article. Other than following these guidelines I would also recommend you to get professional guidance for a skilled archer.
