How to aim a Compound Bow

A compound bow is a bow used in archery and hunting. It is different from the recurve and the long bow because it has rigid and hard arms which cannot be pulled back like the other bows, but instead has pulleys. The compound bow also has an interesting characteristic. The weight or the tension one feels when they pull the bow string back is not uniform. At one point, the tension reduces and it becomes easier to hold it back. This is known as the let off. A compound bow is much easier to use than the recurve or the long bow. However it still needs a lot of skill and practice.

While you are trying to aim a compound bow, stand so that you are perpendicular or at ninety degrees to the target. Space your feet so that they are spaced, shoulder width apart. Lift the bow easily and hold it up. Do not rotate or adjust your shoulder. Let it find a relaxed and natural spot. There should be no extra effort in maintaining the shoulder in its position. Do not point the bow above the target. This is commonly used in the recurve and long bow archery. However it must be avoided with a compound bow. Take care to ensure the bow is perfectly vertical and perpendicular to the ground. A slant bow affects the aim adversely.

Place the arrow in the nock and draw it back in a single fluid motion. Nocking is simple, similar to the long bow or the recurve bow. Place the nock at the end of the arrow on to the bow string. The different coloured fletching should be placed such that it does not touch the bow on the way forward. Make sure the arrow is horizontal.

Once this is done, pull the arrow back in fluid and strong motion. Try and use your back muscles to pull the arrow back. Using the back muscles to pull the arrow back ensures that the release is smooth and not sudden or jarring. The arrow is released smoothly in this case and ensures the target is not missed. The uniqueness of the compound bow is visible in these situations. Pulling the bowstring back completely reduces the tension and eight needed to hold it back. Thus one can relax a little and aim easily.

Check the angle of the bow and make sure it is still perpendicular and aim the arrow tip right at the target. Some compound bows have sight pins. These are very helpful in aiming. Focus the end of the appropriate sight pin at the target to aim properly. Release the arrow. Take to ensure that the pressure is taken by your bow arm and completely absorbed by the wrist of your bow arm.

Note down the point where the arrow hit. Compare notes and think of adjustments that can be made to increase your accuracy. Fire subsequent shots with these adjustments, to improve your aim.

This process helps you become a better archer and make use of the advantages a compound on has to offer.