11 Steps to Success 

1. Stance

Stand tall with one foot on each side of the shooting line, feet shoulder-width apart. 

2. Nock

Clip the arrow onto the string, right under the small marker called the nocking point. 

3. Draw Hand Set

Use three fingers to hook the string just under the arrow nock, with the string resting in your finger joints. Keep your hand flat, thumb tucked in, and your fingers relaxed.

4. Bow Hand Set

Place your bow hand on the grip with your knuckles at an angle. Keep a loose, relaxed grip so the bow can move naturally when you shoot.

5. Pre-Draw

Raise your bow arm straight toward the target while keeping your shoulders level. At the same time, lift your draw hand slightly above the bow arm, keeping both arms parallel to the ground.

6. Draw

Pull the string straight back to your face, keeping your elbow level with or slightly above the arrow. 

7. Anchor

Touch your draw hand to the same spot on your face each time (usually the corner of your mouth). 

8. Aim

Look straight at your target with your dominant eye. Use either the arrow tip or a sight to help line up your shot.

9. Shot Set-Up

Double-check your aim, body position, and tension. Get ready to shoot, but don’t let go yet.

10. Release

Let your fingers relax so the string slides off smoothly. Don’t jerk or flinch—just let it happen.

11. Follow Through & Reflect

Keep your body still after the shot. Watch where the arrow hits and think about what went well or what you can improve next time.