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- The Archery Drill Book
Renowned coaches and archers Steve Ruis and Mike Gerard have compiled the most effective drills that will help you focus your training on building accuracy and consistency. Each drill provides step-by-step instructions so you know exactly how to perform the drill. Coaching tips and variations are provided to enable you to modify the drills to fit your skill level.
There are drills to help refine recurve bow, longbow, and compound bow technique. Skill-building drills will help improve the timing and execution of your shot, while physical training drills will build strength, stamina, consistency, and balance. Finally, mental training drills will help maintain your focus to deal with target panic and the pressures of competition.
You can maintain your motivation and enjoyment with the tips for changing the drills into games that add fun to your training. You’ll also get insights from the pros—elite archers and coaches such as Bob Ryder, Tom Dorigatti, and Randi Smith share their favorite drills and explain how these drills have been instrumental to their success.
Make The Archery Drill Book your go-to resource to get the most out of each and every training session and to ensure that every shot is strong and on target.
Chapter 1. Recurve and Longbow Essentials
Chapter 2. Compound Essentials
Chapter 3. Flawless Execution
Chapter 4. Timing and Rhythm
Chapter 5. Strength and Stamina
Chapter 6. Consistency
Chapter 7. Balance and Stillness
Chapter 8. Training Mind-Set
Chapter 9. Competition Pressure and Ailments
Steve Ruis was the coach of the University of Chicago archery team (2011-2018) and has worked with a full range of students, from beginners to Olympic hopefuls, in the Chicago area. He supports two Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) programs, is a member of two archery clubs, is a United States Collegiate Archery Association (USCA) certified judge, and still competes from time to time. He also serves as secretary of the Illinois Target Archery Association. He is a former USAA level 4 coach and NFAA master coach.
Ruis has been the editor of Archery Focus magazine since 1999 and has written 13 books on archery and coaching archery (including Precision Archery). He has written for Archery magazine of Japan and currently writes for Bogensport Magazine in Germany.
Mike Gerard is the owner of Jurassic Archery and has developed a number of archery-related products. He teaches both unlimited compound and release and Olympic-style recurve. He has trained a number of Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) Olympians and Junior World Team members as well as adults.
Gerard was the National Intercollegiate Overall Champion in 1979 and the runner-up in 1980. He was winner of the U.S. National Indoor Championships in 1975 and again in 2015. He is a seven-time Huntsman World Senior Games champion (2011-2018). He is a member of USA Archery and has served on the National Coaches Development Committee and the Board of Justice for USA Archery. Gerard has written articles for several archery magazines and has given numerous seminars on archery.
“I’m excited about this great collection of drills. The Archery Drill Book is a solid gold resource for archers, coaches, and instructors.”
—Bob Ryder, President of Shenandoah Valley Target Archers, Tournament Director for U.S. National Indoor Archery Championships, and Level 4 NTS Coach
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
Drill: Call the Shot
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory.
Purpose
To compete at a high level, an archer must compare the outcome of each shot with an estimation of how well the shot was performed, usually by reviewing the arrow just shot from memory. This drill helps archers store their shots in short-term memory to recall them so they can compare that with where their arrows actually land on the target.
Signs It Is Needed
Archers who cannot replay a video, including sights and feels, of their previous shot in their minds from memory are at a disadvantage and need to practice this. Archers must be able to recall at least a “snapshot” of where their sight aperture or arrow point was at the moment of release. (Realize that it is moving.)
How to Do It
This is easiest done with a helper. After your arrow is away, turn your head up the line so you can't see the target and tell your helper where the arrow landed. The helper uses a spotting scope or binoculars to check the actual hit point of the arrow and relays that position back to you.
Positions on target faces, at least the round ones, are usually given by overlaying an imaginary old-style clock face on the target face. Positions are indicated by color and time (“Your arrow is at 8:30 in the red”) or by scoring ring and time (“It's a 7-ring at 2 o'clock hit”).
Variations
If you get bored shooting at the center and hitting it, try aiming off. Aim at 6 o'clock in the red or 11 o'clock in the 4-ring.
If you do not have a helper, you can do this by yourself. Call the shot out loud, then check the position of the arrow with your optics. Some do this while running a video camera. Both the call and the spot are called out to the camera, which makes a running record of the drill results. You can then watch the video by yourself or with your coach and count up how many hits and misses you had in a session.
Tips
Obviously the distance of the target varies with the skill of the archer. If you cannot reliably hit a target where you are aiming, then you need to move the target closer to do this drill. This requires a well-tuned bow and arrow and a skilled archer.
Archers use traditional clock hand positions to identify locations on round targets.
Drill: Instilling a Shot Sequence
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Purpose
This drill helps infuse your shot with your shot sequence to make it more consistent.
Signs It Is Needed
If under pressure you add steps to, or leave steps out of, your normal shot process, you need this drill. Actually all archers need to know their shot sequence (or shot routine) by heart.
How to Do It
If you do not yet have a shot sequence, you need to create one and write it down prominently in your notebook. This is then a guide for your shot training.
As you shoot arrows, name each shot element as it happens. If you are shooting in public and this makes you self-conscious, you can do it mentally and not out loud. (This allows you to “shout” in your head, which can make this more effective.) Do this for just a few shots, more if you make mistakes.
Variations
Some archers print their sequence on a label and paste it to the top limb and read it before every shot, until it becomes second nature. Other archers carry their sequence on a card in their quivers to consult as needed.
Tips
This is a training drill; you should never consciously work your way through your shot sequence while shooting for score. Shooting needs to be done primarily subconsciously. Note: Shot sequences, like shooting techniques, are personal; no two are identical.
Drill: Varying Practice Locations
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Purpose
This drill helps you adapt to different shooting venues.
Signs It Is Needed
If your scores drop or rise in some locations but not others, this drill will help determine why.
How to Do It
Identify all the shooting halls in your vicinity. Arrange to shoot a practice round at each of the locations, one after another, so that you shoot at all of them once within a short period such as a month or so. Compare the scores with typical scores you shoot at your home practice facility. Take notes. Were there things that bothered you, affecting your scores (lighting, noise, people talking)? Note how you felt: Were you shooting well or were you “off”?
Identify, if possible, the environmental factors that contribute to lower or higher scores. Ideally you want none of the negative factors to affect you. See if you can incorporate any positive effects into your shot.
Tips
If you shoot a multi-spot target face, determine the score on each spot to see if there is a spot bias. Also, control for faces being placed high or low. All faces should be in the same location (high or low) at each of the venues.
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