PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Sports and Fitness
Individual Sports
Archery
How to Shoot a Recurve Bow Without Sights Accurately Download ArticleExplore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Expert Q&A Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Anthony Porter
Last Updated: November 19, 2024
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Anthony Porter. Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure. This article has been viewed 52,218 times.
Traditional archery can be more relaxing, yet also more frustrating if your shots don't get anywhere close to the center. With the right steps, you can still be very accurate, even without a sight.
Steps
Download Article
1 Make sure your bow is set up properly and has the correct draw weight. This is important for accuracy to make sure your bow is functioning the best it can and you can pull the bow back properly.
2 Have the correct arrows. You should spend a considerable amount on your arrows. After all, they are the one hitting the target. Consider the arrows' spine, material, length, and many other factors when buying them.
If you have carbon arrows, you'll need to flex them after a shooting session to know if they've been damaged.[1]X Expert Source Anthony PorterOutdoorsman and Survival ExpertExpert Interview
Advertisement
3 Grasp the bow gently around the handle. Don't squeeze the life out of it. Hold the bow in the pad of your hand between your thumb and index finger.
The knuckles on your hand should be at an approximately 45-degree angle.
4 Face the target. When you're starting, shoot from no more than 10 yards (9.1 m) away. Otherwise, you will lose arrows and fail to improve since any good shot will be purely by chance. Once you can shoot an end (6 arrows) in a dinner plate sized grouping, move back by 5–10 yards (4.6–9.1 m).
5 Stand with your feet facing perpendicular to the target. Turn your head to look at the target. You can stand with a square stance (feet straight) or an open stance (foot nearest the target is pointing towards it). An open stance is more difficult to create consistently, but may feel more comfortable.
If there is a shooting line, stand with one foot on either side.
6 Nock your arrow. One of the fletchings (called the index vane) will be a different color than the others. This will point between the arm holding your bow and the riser. Put the arrow below your nocking point or if you have two, in between them.
7 Raise the bow. Don't draw back the string as you do so. Bring it up until your arm is at shoulder height, but keep your shoulder down.
Be careful that your grip and stance don't change while you do this and the next steps.
You can turn your elbow inwards to prevent string slap.
8 Grip the string with your preferred grasp. You can use a Mediterranean draw (index finger above, middle and ring below) or three fingers under (index, middle, and ring all beneath the nock).
9 Draw the string to the corner of your mouth. This is called an anchor point and while archers with a sight draw to their jaw, you should touch your index/middle finger to the corner of your mouth. This brings the arrow closer to your eye and allows you to aim with greater accuracy. Keep your head straight; don't move it to reach the string, bring the string to your face).
Avoid chewing gum as this may change your anchor point slightly.
Don't be afraid of the string, a common mistake. It will not harm you in any way, so there's no need to be cautious with pressing it against your face.
Keep the elbow of your string hand parallel to the ground. Don't let it drop in a "chicken wing."
10 Take aim. You'll do this in different ways, such as string-walking, gap-shooting, or instinctive where you don't consciously aim at all. These are usually based on trial and error - if your first shot goes too far up, aim lower next time.
Figure out your dominant eye. You may want to close your other eye while aiming.
11 Release the arrow. Do this by relaxing your draw hand and allowing the string to slip out. Don't pluck the string as it leaves your hand and follow through to your ear (so you don't have what's called a static release).
12 Stay still until your arrow reaches your target. If you practice Olympic recurve, you will let the bow fall forward naturally and be held in place by your finger/wrist sling.
Don't shuffle your feet as you nock your next arrow.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do I store recurve bows? Anthony Porter Outdoorsman and Survival Expert Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure. Anthony Porter Outdoorsman and Survival Expert Expert Answer You need to keep it in a place that’s temperate and where it's not too humid and not too dry. Always store it lying flat, not leaning against a wall like you would with a guitar. When a bow rests at an angle for long periods, the limbs can warp, which compromises its performance and safety. I’ve seen people in multiple scenarios store their very expensive bows improperly, only to find them severely damaged or even have them snap when they try to use them after years in a closet. For me, the best way to store a recurve bow is to lie it flat in a dry and undisturbed spot like under your bed. Also, don't store your bow in hot environments like leaving it in your garage, car, or direct sunlight, as heat can warp the wood and make it age quickly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question Can l keep my bow strung? Mb_54614946a654 Community Answer The short answer is it won't hurt a modern bow to leave it strung. An all-wood bow should be unstrung if you're not shooting it. Proper storage is important. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How toShoot a Compound BowHow toShoot an ArrowHow toAim a Compound BowHow toShoot a Recurve BowHow toHold an Archery BowHow toSet Up a Recurve BowHow toString a Recurve BowHow toStart ArcheryHow to Accurately Aim a RifleHow toThrow DartsHow to Load and Shoot a Modern CrossbowHow toUse a SlingshotHow to Make an Arrow YourselfHow toInstall a Peep Sight Advertisement
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about outdoor recreation and survival, check out our in-depth interview with Anthony Porter.
References
↑ Anthony Porter. Outdoorsman and Survival Expert. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Anthony Porter Outdoorsman and Survival Expert This article was co-authored by Anthony Porter. Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure. This article has been viewed 52,218 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 8Updated: November 19, 2024 Views: 52,218 Categories: Archery
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 52,218 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Anthony Porter Outdoorsman and Survival Expert Co-authors: 8Updated: November 19, 2024 Views: 52,218100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
Am I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toShoot a Compound BowHow toShoot an ArrowHow toAim a Compound BowHow toShoot a Recurve Bow
Featured Articles
What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)
Trending Articles
How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge You10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
How Vanilla Am I QuizAttractiveness Score QuizHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksWho's My KPop Lookalike Quiz
Quizzes & Games
What Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizCognitive TestTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Sports and Fitness
Individual Sports
Archery
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Expert Q&A Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Anthony Porter 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Anthony Porter Outdoorsman and Survival Expert This article was co-authored by Anthony Porter. Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure. This article has been viewed 52,218 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 8 Updated: November 19, 2024 Views: 52,218 Categories: Archery 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
541 
1 Make sure your bow is set up properly and has the correct draw weight. This is important for accuracy to make sure your bow is functioning the best it can and you can pull the bow back properly. 
2 Have the correct arrows. You should spend a considerable amount on your arrows. After all, they are the one hitting the target. Consider the arrows' spine, material, length, and many other factors when buying them. 
3 Grasp the bow gently around the handle. Don't squeeze the life out of it. Hold the bow in the pad of your hand between your thumb and index finger. 
4 Face the target. When you're starting, shoot from no more than 10 yards (9.1 m) away. Otherwise, you will lose arrows and fail to improve since any good shot will be purely by chance. Once you can shoot an end (6 arrows) in a dinner plate sized grouping, move back by 5–10 yards (4.6–9.1 m). 
5 Stand with your feet facing perpendicular to the target. Turn your head to look at the target. You can stand with a square stance (feet straight) or an open stance (foot nearest the target is pointing towards it). An open stance is more difficult to create consistently, but may feel more comfortable. 
6 Nock your arrow. One of the fletchings (called the index vane) will be a different color than the others. This will point between the arm holding your bow and the riser. Put the arrow below your nocking point or if you have two, in between them. 
7 Raise the bow. Don't draw back the string as you do so. Bring it up until your arm is at shoulder height, but keep your shoulder down. 
8 Grip the string with your preferred grasp. You can use a Mediterranean draw (index finger above, middle and ring below) or three fingers under (index, middle, and ring all beneath the nock). 
9 Draw the string to the corner of your mouth. This is called an anchor point and while archers with a sight draw to their jaw, you should touch your index/middle finger to the corner of your mouth. This brings the arrow closer to your eye and allows you to aim with greater accuracy. Keep your head straight; don't move it to reach the string, bring the string to your face). 
10 Take aim. You'll do this in different ways, such as string-walking, gap-shooting, or instinctive where you don't consciously aim at all. These are usually based on trial and error - if your first shot goes too far up, aim lower next time. 
11 Release the arrow. Do this by relaxing your draw hand and allowing the string to slip out. Don't pluck the string as it leaves your hand and follow through to your ear (so you don't have what's called a static release). 
12 Stay still until your arrow reaches your target. If you practice Olympic recurve, you will let the bow fall forward naturally and be held in place by your finger/wrist sling. 
Anthony Porter Outdoorsman and Survival Expert Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure. 
Mb_54614946a654 Community Answer The short answer is it won't hurt a modern bow to leave it strung. An all-wood bow should be unstrung if you're not shooting it. Proper storage is important. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8