This week I started trying to figure out just how it is that I aim. After 3 rounds I realized I am not really "trying" at all. I just draw and shoot vaguely in the targets direction. This would explain results such as no arrows in one round making the bale, and then all of them making the bale next time. Its totally hit or miss, I mean literally hit or miss. And I actually shot better when I do not think, just go quick draw loose, draw loose over and over.
Today I was mostly on the 30 yard mark. I did it on purpose, because most of the other archers seemed to want to work on the 20 or 40, so I was not dealing with archers surrounding me or waiting on me to take a turn. I am very self conscious about my lack of consistency. And while I totally appreciate and ask for advice about my form or shooting method, having folks staring at me or waiting on me, or right next to me... makes me anxious.
Today I was mostly on the 30 yard mark. I did it on purpose, because most of the other archers seemed to want to work on the 20 or 40, so I was not dealing with archers surrounding me or waiting on me to take a turn. I am very self conscious about my lack of consistency. And while I totally appreciate and ask for advice about my form or shooting method, having folks staring at me or waiting on me, or right next to me... makes me anxious.
In the image above, its a re-curve bow, which means it has an arrow rest. My Mongolian bow has no arrow rest, my arrows rest on my knuckles. I tried 2 shots today i the beginning by resting the arrow on my thumb instead, thinking it might be a good way to go for speed rounds later. But the arrows went so far right I decided it would not work.
So, how do I learn to aim?
First off, I keep both eyes open. Which while some people say is great, others say it sucks. But I like both eyes on the target. Once I started trying to put the arrow tip in my line of sight in a specific way, I began to see a difference. Every round I would get a "grouping." Granted each round, the grouping would be different, at least trying to do each shot the same way for each round. So one round all six arrows would go down and left of the target bale. Next round, I over corrected and they would all sail over the top of the target. I got really good at hitting the legs of the target stands today. haha!
Once they started working on the point rounds I switched to the 20 yard target to be out of their way. When folks ask why I do not do the points rounds or royal rounds, I just say I am not ready. Which is true, but just a silly excuse. In reality I just do not want to do it until I have my own arrows. Once I have my own arrows I can really track how I improve or regress without it possibly being due to older fletchings or arrows that are too long for me. I dunno, maybe it is also just an excuse for my self consciousness.
At the 20 yard, after practicing all morning at 30 yards, I saw a marked improvement. Only one of about 5 rounds had a bunch of misses. The rest hit the target bale, usually grouped in some way. It felt good and was a nice way to end the day.
Once they started working on the point rounds I switched to the 20 yard target to be out of their way. When folks ask why I do not do the points rounds or royal rounds, I just say I am not ready. Which is true, but just a silly excuse. In reality I just do not want to do it until I have my own arrows. Once I have my own arrows I can really track how I improve or regress without it possibly being due to older fletchings or arrows that are too long for me. I dunno, maybe it is also just an excuse for my self consciousness.
At the 20 yard, after practicing all morning at 30 yards, I saw a marked improvement. Only one of about 5 rounds had a bunch of misses. The rest hit the target bale, usually grouped in some way. It felt good and was a nice way to end the day.
A little bit about the group I am practicing with: The Gyldenholt practice group has a wide variety of age range and experience level. We have folks who are really *I mean REALLY* good shots, and others who are as green as me. Some folks who I think are in their 50's, and others who are just out of high school or just into college. There appears to be no judgment, no weird little "groups," and no major personality clashes. Overall, a friendly open group that is easy to get along with and fun to chat with. I tend to ease myself into new groups rather slow, but with these folks I am pretty darn comfortable already. I would encourage anyone who is interested in Archery or the SCA to come visit.