SECTION 6 SECTION 6 SECTION 6 SECTION 6
THE SKILL OF THE ARC THE SKILL OF THE ARC THE SKILL OF THE ARC
THE SKILL OF THE ARCHER HER HER HER
In its most simple form the skill of the archer is to be able to place an arrow wherever he or she desires.
• Each shot is to be exactly the same as the preceding shot.
To achieve such a skill requires a foundation that is solid and stable. The foundation must have a framework of no loose joints and be fully supportive of each part of the archer’s total structure.
To put all this together and to maintain the duplication of the shot sequence over a long period of development and practice:
• The archer must concentrate on the job at hand.
• The archer should be relaxed but focused and deliberate in action.
To reach a level of high performance the archer must undertake a fitness and strength training program, as well as be conscious of his or her diet.
The shot process
To develop the skills of the archer the shot process has been broken down into 10 steps.
1. Stance.
2. Nocking the Arrow.
3. Setting the Drawing Hand.
4. Setting the Bow Hand and Bow Arm.
5. Predraw and Drawing the Bow.
6. Anchor.
7. Holding and Aiming.
8. Release.
9. Follow Through.
10. Relaxing.
By breaking the process down it is possible to isolate specific parts of a routine and practice those parts until such time as the learning or modification of the sub-routine has been perfected and becomes a habit.
The initial process can be learnt by mimicking the step or shadow shooting in front of a mirror. Ideally the student should use a “Rubber Band” to practice the process before actually shooting an arrow. The use of a
“Rubber Band” should also be continued throughout the training and development process.
