Are there any archers among us?

[Matt.Cross]

I went and bought a secondhand bow today and had it set up so I could shoot in the archery tournament at our church's Fall Festival this year. I'm wondering who else here shoots bow, and what pointers you have to give me.... <dontknow> ;D

[Robocop1051]

Invest in a good forearm guard.

Ouch!

[mantawolf]

Forearm guard is good to start with.  Dont find that I need mine anymore.

My recommendation is getting the bow to a real pro-shop and not a big-box retailer like Bass Pro or Cabellas. That is a decision you won't regret and well worth the cost to get everything set up right the first time.

Outside of that, don't buy the cheapest but I don't feel you need the most expensive either to enjoy it.

[fr3db3ar]

I don't find an armguards necessary for most modern compounds.

My longbow however makes one pretty much mandatory.

The best advice I can give is FOLLOW THROUGH.

[Matt.Cross]

My recommendation is getting the bow to a real pro-shop and not a big-box retailer like Bass Pro or Cabellas. That is a decision you won't regret and well worth the cost to get everything set up right the first time.

Great advice, I have heard enough horror stories about the big-box stores that I decided not to patronize them for my bow setup. I had a local shop outfit me with the bare necessities.

I don't find an armguards necessary for most modern compounds.

My longbow however makes one pretty much mandatory.

The best advice I can give is FOLLOW THROUGH.

I'm really new to this, so maybe you can break down what the proper follow-through is... I'd appreciate it!  :)

[fr3db3ar]

Follow through is staying on Target until the arrow strikes.  It's fairly easy to start dropping you bow arm. This will cause nothing but grief.  Once your bow is tuned, if your arrows aren't slapping each other its operator error.

[Matt.Cross]

Thanks for explaining that, I'll try to make it a habit.  <thumbsup>

[hobbesgunner]

Don't grip the bow. Let it rest in the web of your hand with fingers lightly touching,  if at all. Find a consistent anchor point, whether it's a kisser button, fletch in the corner of your mouth, knuckle under your ear...pick one your comfortable with and do it the same way every time. It will soon become muscle memory ...your hold and release consistency is key to accuracy...don't pull too much weight ...if you can't hold it straight out with left and pull straight back with your right it's too much draw weight ...and. practice.practice. practice