Archery Lessons: Training for Better Shots | Archery Release Technique

One more step to go !?

Now that you chose your stance and practice the T posture you should be ready to shoot, right!?. But like many archers, you noticed that your groupings are off the target center. You are thinking about buying a better sight or a release aid to get more accurate. It is a good idea because we would definitely recommend investing eventually in a good sight either for traditional archery and hunting. But let see it that way, even if you buy the best sight or the best release aid on the market you might still be off the target center.

But WHY?

Simply because your archery release technique might be deficient. You will soon understand how important a good archery form and a consistent release technique might be day and night in your grouping shots from being scattered to dead center. 

What am I targeting?

The main goal of developing a good release technique is to improve the straightness of your arrow flights and reduce the plunking when you release the string. Remember those keywords when you are practicing the release moment. It must be Comfortable, Consistent and Concise. By concise, we mean developing a fluid follow-thru without plunking when you release the string.

You will be then practicing what we call a dynamic release. A dynamic release is a better use of your back muscles and gives a better flow to your shots. This technique is the most recommended technique whether you are a traditional archer or a bow hunter. We can dissect the dynamic release motion in four steps. These steps are mostly instinctive but should be practiced to become mechanical so you can analyze your groupings and make the proper adjustments to your shots.

1. Drawing motion,
2. Anchor point,
3. Release moment,
4. Follow-thru (second anchor point).

Some People stop at the third step but we do not recommend it because it increases the risk of collapsing and may alter the release with heavier draw weight. It will be harder to maintain a good shot execution. It is really important to avoid plunking as much as possible. Using a mechanical release aid imply a more static release technique but we strongly recommend continuing with the follow-thru even with a release aid. Basically, because this second anchor point gives a much straightener arrow flight. It helps to keep the alignment with the target longer.

Let's have a closer look!

1. Drawing Motion

Getting yourself in a comfortable stance and T posture. Lift your elbow up and bring your hand to your anchor point. 

2. The anchor point

Bring your fingers to the corner of your mouth as shown below, find a comfortable, consistent and concise position for your hand to go and keep it every time you shoot to improve your shot accuracy. Then aim your target center just before shooting.

3. Release moment

It needs to be seen as you don’t want to hold the arrow anymore and let slide the string gently off of your fingers. To do so, you have to relax your fingers and then shot.

4. Follow-thru (Second anchor point)

Following the release, we strongly recommend finding a second anchor point to keep your alignment to the target as long as possible and also to avoid plunking. We suggest the bottom of your ear. The main reason to develop a second anchor point for your follow-thru, it's because it gives a much straightener arrow flight.

How do I train my release technique?

A good release technique relies on practice and muscles memories. Therefore, to build a proper form and a proper release you should practice on a lighter draw weight because you will have to be precise on the release. A lower draw weight shows more the flaws in your form. The lower draw weight allows the string to move more because of its lower pressure on the string when pulling and releasing. Showing clearly if your form is correct or not. By doing so, if you develop a good form and release technique, when you will raise your draw weight, your shots will be deadly!

Thank you for reading us! Do not hesitate to ask questions if you have any or leave a comment below.

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