Author shooting with his leg

Frank shooting the bow behind his back.

By Frank Addington, jr

There are many ways to shoot a bow, although I sometimes use some unconventional methods in my archery shows. Why? I like to show audiences examples of instinctive shooting and prove that with instinctive shooting I am looking only at the target and not the arrow or the bow. After all, my signature shot is hitting targets in mid-air from behind the back and there’s no way I could use a sighting or aiming system with that style of shooting.

Instinctive shooting is pretty simple in theory, but can take some hours to master on the practice range. Although I don’t advise anyone shooting behind the back or with their foot, I can give you some practical advice that may help you with the “normal” style instinctive shooting.

First of all, you need to make sure your equipment fits you and that you have done everything you can to obtain the best equipment you can afford. Having the proper arrows for your setup is also important. Make certain not to over bow yourself either. I advise going to a pro shop to help you get set up. Do not “over-bow” yourself and get too heavy a bow. It is better to build up gradually rather than over-bow yourself and not be accurate.

The second step is to have good form. You will develop your own style but practise the basics of good form and follow through. I have always tended to “drag” my third finger on the string, so I almost always wear a leather tab to help me keep a smooth release. I anchor at the corner of my mouth with my pointer finger, but again, you can develop your own style here.

Third, start with a balloon to help build your confidence. I like to teach beginners using balloons on the target because when they “pop” the balloon, it gives them positive reinforcement. You may also want to shoot at these balloons at 12 to15 yards at first, then gradually move back when you can hit them. I typically practise from 12 to 30 yards instinctively. Although my father is accurate using this method of shooting back to 100 yards, I prefer close-range shots on game and don’t shoot much past 30 yards most of the time. Instinctive shooting is a close range shooting style, in my opinion. Always remember to practise safety first when you shoot your bow!

Fourth, use creative practise methods to keep it from becoming boring. I like to place an arrow in the bale and then tie a string to it and attach a tennis ball to the string. I shoot at the swinging tennis ball, which helps me “pick a spot”. When you can hit the ball, you can replace it with a LIFESAVER candy. This is really fun shooting.

Finally, remember that instinctive shooting isn’t an exact science. All of us have different eye-hand coordination and different eyesight. The basic theory of instinctive shooting is that you look only at your target. You want it to become second nature that you spot your target, draw the bow and release in one fluid motion. The late Fred Bear called it “snap shooting”.

One thing I am very careful to avoid is telling people to “shoot like I do”. I am always happy to help or give advice but all of us must find our own niche in archery and use the equipment and shooting style we enjoy, can be accurate with and allows us to be successful. If you use a sight and release, it doesn’t mean you are any less of an archer or bowhunter. As a matter of fact, chances are you will probably bag more game in the long run than a purely instinctive shooter. Whatever method you use, remember to be safe, have fun and enjoy what the late Howard Hill once called “the king of sports”.

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