Understanding Archery; How to Shoot a Compound Bow

Author: Alec Potts   Date Posted:24 August 2018 

This blog is the second in our understanding archery series, and we’re going to look at how to shoot a compound bow. 

A compound bow is arguably the most advanced type of bow available, as it uses a mechanical device to release the string, a magnified sight, a peep sight, as well as a system of cams and pulleys that can reduce the holding weight of the bow as much as 85%. The most common compound bows we sell for individuals looking to get started are the PSE Stinger for adults, or the Barnett Vortex for youth archers. 

Just like with a recurve;

  1. The first step, is to stand on the line with your feet about shoulder width apart.
  2. Position your hand into the grip.
  3. Load your arrow so that the nock is in the middle of the d-loop, then position the arrow shaft onto the arrow rest.
  4. Draw the bow back until the string contacts the tip of your nose, making sure to keep your finger behind the trigger.
  5. As we are using a wrist strap style release, place the knuckle of your index finger under your earlobe.
  6. Wrap your finger all the way around the release, so that the tip of your finger points away from the target. 
  7. Look through the peep sight and line it up with the front sight, then slowly maintain tension with your finger and use your elbow to pull against the weight of the bow until the shot fires.

It’s important to make sure that you do not “press” the trigger, but allow the movement of your elbow to fire the bow. 

*Make sure when drawing the bow back, that you pull it in a straight line, as if your torque the bow the string can come off the cams, causing the bow to de-rail.