How to Aim and Shoot Traditional Archery Bows - Aiming Method

There are several ways to shoot a traditional bow. Big Jim explains several common forms of aiming and shooting a traditional bow. Three under, split finger, instinctive, and gap method are explored.

[stickbowsniper]

yes, yes and yes. For any new archers watching this, everything Big Jim said here is 100% spot on. Pulling through the shot is key. Another tip I discovered later than I should have is to start out learning with a lighter bow that you have no trouble holding at full draw for several seconds, with no arm shake, even after a few dozen shots. For many that will be in the 30-35lb range. Develop good habits and consistency before moving to a typical hunting weight 45 - 55lb. Shoulder injury can also occur from going too heavy too fast.

[barclayv]

You clearly know what you're talking about and I love your demeanor. Just getting back into archery and feeding off what I can. Thank you.

[robcarr]

Im a new archer. I used to shoot a lot when I was a teen but now im 46 and decided to give it a shot. I love what you said about seeking professional help and im going to take your advice on that. I really like the video and look forward to watching more from you. Thank you for your help.

[billrogus]

Perfect instruction. This is probably the best explanation I’ve ever seen on how to shoot a traditional bow. Helped me out tremendously. Good stuff. I use Big Jim’s quivers on my recurves and they are the best. They actually stabilize and help silence the bow. Thanks Jim

[wk]

Great shooting. Beautiful bows and a humble archer

[mountainstomarshes]

This is helpful stuff Jim. I've recently switched over from a glove to one of your tabs and that's been the single biggest improvement to consistency so far for me.

[graphguy]

Really appreciate your perspective. I have seen people snap, instinctive, gap who are all phenomenally accurate at each, so to each their own as long as it works for you.

[bipolarbear]

Anytime I shoot, my arrows miss the target and fly over the Canadian border.

[jerryleiisme]

I love bows and u love bows, since we both love bows, I think u might be my best unknown friend, and thanks for this lovely video.

[demharsh]

Thank you Jim for talking about target panic. I haven't shot an arrow in a year because of it. I used to shoot at least an hour a day before and was obsessed with one day be able to buy a Big Jim 2 piece takedown but I lost interest when I just started to release the arrow as soon my hand touch my face and sometimes before that but I was never able to have a full draw. Thinking about getting myself a super light weight bow like 30# or lower cause maybe its easier to practice when pulling weight is not an issue. I don't know, hope I will start shooting again because it really put a smile on my face every day

[terrymattson]

Thanks Jim. I have had the same experience. You sharing this tells me I’m on the right track. I met you about 5 years ago, your a humble but knowledgeable man.

[sophiedavid]

Thank you Jim, I'll admit that I was waiting for you to shoot, just to hear if my next arc would be silent, and indeed it is! Looks super cool to shoot, lightweight, seemingly handshock-free and aesthetically pleasing! I feel like I'm going to love it! LOL! Thierry from New Caledonia, known as Gégène...

[caseya.]

That bow is beautiful 😍, your craftsmanship is incredible.would love to have one in 30lbs

[Cuisinenomade]

I am a beginner archer and I must say something nobody ever mentions related to "instinctive" shooting. It almost seems like it is an skill that some have and others do not, like an "instinct", hearing this as a complete beginner was a little confusing to me. But an "instict" as animals have may not just be something they come with but it is learnt, like when driving a car becomes "instictive" and stop thinking about it while doing it. The truth is that this kind of shooting develops after many many arrows shoot aiming. Without aiming at first there is no "instict" developed yet so imposible to shoot "instinctively" for somebody that has never shoot a bow. After hundreds of arrows, one stops aiming and an auto pilot takes control, but that does not happen as magic but after a good time shooting the bow and getting used to the trajectory of the arrow, for that particular bow and those particular arrows. I thought it may clear things a little for absolute beginners. Thanks for the video!

[richmerlo]

Thanks for sharing your tips, I know for me personally if I shoot every day or so it keeps tuned in, on the other hand if I get away from shooting for a period of time I really get rusty so its a use it or lose it concept .

[erosionhead]

The best explanation I’ve seen so far. Very helpful. Thanks. 👍🇺🇸

[BustedLimbOutdoors]

I run a cheap Olympic archery style sight on my recurve for hunting.
I tried the instinctive route for years and I was so inconsistent I didn’t feel comfortable hunting that way.
I tried gap shooting and that wasn’t so bad.
Inevitably I settled on a cheap Olympic sight and have now become confident that I can take an animal out to 30 yards.

[donknott]

Having trouble with consistency. Thanks for the tips and will try them at the range next time I am there.

[James-gwkx]

Just absorbing this video is very insightful . Can't wait to get outside an employ your knowledge thanks

[mikecrook]

Great info Big Jim Thank You I basically shoot the same way. It is the only way for me I found to be consistent. Thanks Again.