A compound bow is different from a recurve bow or a long bow. The compound bow does not have flexible arms like the recurve or longbow. The compound bow has rigid and fixed arms. These arms do not move back.

The compound bow uses pulleys to facilitate the bow string being pulled back. The compound bow also has a unique fact or characteristic. It is known as Let off. The bowstring when sufficiently pulled back loses some of its tension and the amount of tension needed to keep the string pulled back reduces drastically. This helps the archer aim straighter and easier. This characteristic drastically reduces the holding weight of a bow. The stance and position assumed by the archer remains the same for a compound bow as the other bows.

To shoot a compound bow, first assume an easy and relaxed stance. Choose an open stance for more comfort and efficiency. Next attach the release to the string. If you have a loop, it is even better. Attach the release to the loop.

Once this is done place your hand in the grip. Take care to ensure that the pressure point is at the thick part of your thumb. After release, the pressure should go directly into your bow arm. Try and keep the bow arm as relaxed as possible. The bow should not be gripped by your bow arm fingers. A finger sling or a bow sling will help with keeping your hand relaxed. A relaxed arm will not twitch or shake. There should be no shake or twitch after the release.

Next step is to lift the bow and point it to the target. Do not lift the bow above the target. This is a practice common with recurve bow archers. They do this to gain extra leverage. However with the compound bow, this should be avoided. The idea of pointing it above the target is to get extra leverage in a recurve bow. However this is not possible in a compound bow. Even in the event of a misfire, the arrow must stay in the shooting area. Just lift the bow with your bow arm and let it find a natural and comfortable position. Do no pull it back or rotate it. Try and rest it at a comfortable position. Practise drawing the bow string to acclimatise your muscles with the weight and tension of the bow string. However dry firing is not advised. Practice on a free string.
The next step is to draw the string. Draw the string with your back muscles and not your arm muscles. The draw should a clean and straight motion. The draw length is best decided in consultation with an experienced archer or a coach.

The next important point is the anchor. A low anchor below your jaw bone is preferred. Try and draw the string to your nose. It helps in maintain the arrow in a straight line. The brain automatically focuses on the centre of the target. As you practice, over time you will become quite accurate at shooting a compound bow and may decide you are ready for hunting!