Basics...

[Gtownviking]

So I've been lurking around on the forum, reading everything and here's what I surmise...

Other than having to pull the string back and releasing it...there is no "true" way or "right" way to shoot a bow.

Everything else is up to the individual.

What works for one may or will not work for another.


That being said though...I believe there are some basics to master that will help with consistency which I personally think is more important than accuracy. i.e., Chi Chi Rodriguez cannot hit a golf ball straight to save his life but he knows what his ball flight is going to do so he has adjusted for it and as we all know, he's made a fantastic career playing golf.  I believe the same approach can be made in shooting a bow.

So, I pose a question to you all....what is the one piece of advice (maybe top three?) that you consider to be basic and "must master" or do in order to achieve consistency?

[Ricker]

1. practice
2. practice
3. practice

Chi Chi figured it all out by hitting a lot of balls.  Just shoot a lot of arrows and try do do it consistently the same way each time.  When your muscles get tired stop for a rest or wait until the next practice session.

[pickaspot]

A consistent anchor, good follow through, and what Chupa said  

[Bjorn]

FOCUS on that spot.  

[LA Trapper]

Don't overbow
Learn to concentrate (on a spot)Don't let your eyes or your mind wander.
Your bow hand must be stable and not move

In that order.

Billy

[Sixby]

What LA Trapper said:

[Ragnarok Forge]

Practice until good form becomes automatic
Shoot every shot with repeatable form
Focus entirely on the spot you want to hit and nothing else

[Rob DiStefano]

find a good trad archery coach

good shooting is built from the ground up.  there is an ergonomic, unique basic form that will apply to each of us.  what works for me may not work for you and vice versa.  

many of us have 'stumbled' upon 'good form', and that's the long, hard way.  the smartest and fastest way to good form is in finding a good TRAD ARCHERY coach.  check with local clubs and national orgs.  

there is no substitute for learning proper fundamentals as they apply to you, not to me, and not to those other guys.  trust me on this.