please explain gap shooting and point of aim to me

[Three Arrows]

I do not fully understand these concepts even thru videos.  I aim the arrow left to right when I draw and anchor.  The elevation seems to be taken care of by memory.  I noticed the arrow is always in my sight picture and pointed out towards the target or game, but never a dominant aiming reference.  Is gapping and point of aim the same or is it a more pronounced effort at using the arrow or point as a sight?  What would one call my way of shooting a bow and arrow then?

[Don Stokes]

They're essentially the same thing, except that point of aim is the distance at which you put the point right on the target. For me it's around 50 yards. For a 3-under shooter, it's much closer. Either way, you're consciously aiming with the point of the arrow.

You (and I) shoot "instinctively", which is just a convenient name for learning through repetition.

[moebow]

Respectfully Don, I believe that you're confusing point of aim with point on distance.  Three arrows,  Gaping is just setting the point at an estimated "gap" below the target (or above if shooting farther than your point on distance.)

Point of aim literally places a mark on the ground in front of the target and then placing the arrow head on that point at full draw.  With this method you acually don't even look at the target, just place the point of the arrow on the marker and shoot.  Obviously, placing the marker is critical to hitting the target.

This is much easier for me to demonstrate than to explain verbally.

[Three Arrows]

Well... I must shoot instinctivelike since I do not use the point to aim or gap.  I just anchor and align the arrow to the target left to right and shoot.  I noticed that I do not have to judge my distance out to around 30 yards or so since that is my practice range.  MOEBOW, any man that has 3 JD Berry's and 3 H Hill bows deserves my respect!  My 2 favorite bows to have.  Only DQ's Bamboo Longhunter was #1 in my book.

[Three Arrows]

Thank you for the explanations guys!

[moebow]

3A  Yes it does sound like you're pedominatly "instinctive."

[Floxter]

Moebow, it's refreshing to find someone that truly understands the concept of "point of aim" as distinguished from gapping, stacking, and point-on. Russ Hoogerhyde and Ann Hoyt would be proud of you.

[D. Devall]

i shoot instinctive. like to keep it simple.

[moebow]

Floxter, HIGH praise indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am an archer.  Not a great shot, just love the sport as I think it is meant to be loved.  That includes knowing something about it.  To be mentioned in the same breath with Russ and Ann is .... well.....Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Don Stokes]

Right, moebow.

"Point of aim" is also called point blank, for the "blank" (white) cloth that was put down for the target. Point blank distance is the distance at which you put the point on the target to hit it.