Bowing Heritage Recurve: The Basics

The PSE Optima Heritage recurve bow is a beautiful piece of equipment for archers to hit their mark. It is manufactured by Precision Shooting Equipment and has a machined aluminium riser with interchangeable wooden limbs. This allows the user to modify the draw weight and performance of the bow over time. The bow is 56 inches long and comes in red or blue. It is ideal for target practice or shooting at the range. The bow is designed for right-hand orientation and has draw weights of 15# and 20# available. The PSE Optima Heritage recurve bow is a great choice for beginners and professionals in the archery world.

Choosing the right bow for you

There are several factors to consider when choosing a recurve bow. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

Purpose: Determine whether you will be using the bow for target practice or hunting. For target practice, any bow will suffice as long as it feels comfortable and you can handle it with ease. If you plan on hunting, you will need a bow with a higher draw weight, typically a minimum of 40 pounds, to ensure your arrow has enough power to penetrate the animal's skin, fat tissue, and bone.

Draw weight: This is the amount of force you need to exert on the string to reach the bow's optimal capacity. For hunting, choose a bow with a minimum draw weight of 40 lbs to ensure a clean kill. The draw weight should also be comfortable for you to handle and hold for extended periods.

Bow size: The size of the bow is the distance between the two limbs, typically ranging from 48 to 70 inches. For hunting, consider a smaller bow that is easier to carry and manoeuvre. For target practice, bow size is less critical, and you can opt for a longer bow that generally offers more accuracy.

Takedown or one-piece: You can choose between a takedown bow, where the limbs can be detached from the riser for easy transport and storage, or a one-piece bow that comes assembled. Takedown bows are more cost-effective as you can adjust the draw weight by purchasing different limbs, while one-piece bows are perfect for beginners with no assembly required.

Riser material and size: The riser is the central part of the bow that you grip. Choose a riser made of high-quality materials like hardwood, laminated hardwood, or aluminium to minimise vibrations when shooting. The size of the riser determines the overall length of the bow, with 23, 25, and 27 inches being the standard options.

Limb quality: The limbs are commonly made of fiberglass or carbon, with fiberglass being more durable and flexible. Wooden limbs are also an option but are more affordable and less durable.

Accessories: Some bows come with pre-installed accessories like sights and arrow rests, while others require you to purchase them separately. Decide whether you want a pure "stick and string" experience or prefer the assistance of modern technology.

Manufacturer: Research different manufacturers and their unique selling points. Read reviews and consider the reputation of the brand to ensure you are getting a quality product.

Trial: Whenever possible, try out the bow before purchasing. Hold it, lift it, and release the strings to see how it feels and ensure it suits your body and arm.

Remember, choosing the right recurve bow depends on your individual needs and preferences. Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to seek advice from experienced archers or professionals.

Mastering the proper stance and grip

The first step to mastering the art of recurve bow shooting is to understand the importance of the proper stance and grip. This foundation sets the stage for accurate aiming and successful shooting. Here are the key elements to achieving this:

Stance

To achieve the ideal stance, start by positioning your feet shoulder-width apart and perpendicular to the target. Ensure your body weight is evenly distributed, with your knees slightly bent and your torso upright and relaxed. This well-balanced stance provides stability and allows for efficient energy transfer from your body to the bow.

Posture

Maintain a straight back, with your shoulders down and back, and your head aligned with your spine. This posture helps you draw the bow more effectively and maintain a consistent anchor point, which is crucial for accurate aiming.

Grip and Hand Placement

Hold the bow handle gently with your non-dominant hand, allowing the pressure of the draw to rest on the meaty part of your palm. Avoid squeezing the handle too tightly, as this can lead to torque and negatively affect your shot. Keep your fingers relaxed and slightly curved around the grip, with your thumb and index finger forming a V shape.

Your dominant hand, responsible for drawing the bowstring, should maintain a consistent and comfortable grip. Use a finger tab or a glove to protect your fingers and enhance your grip. When drawing the bowstring, place your index finger above the arrow nock and your middle and ring fingers below it, ensuring even pressure distribution.

Remember, the proper stance and grip provide the foundation for accurate shooting. By mastering these fundamentals, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled archer.

Understanding bow string alignment

Bow string alignment is an important aspect of archery, ensuring accurate and consistent shooting. While it may seem like a minor detail, proper alignment can make a significant difference in your archery performance. Here's a detailed guide to help you understand the concept of bow string alignment, especially for a recurve bow:

The Basics of Bow String Alignment

The alignment of the bow string refers to its position in relation to the other components of the bow, such as the limbs, riser, and sight. When you draw the bowstring back, it should align with specific parts of the bow to achieve an accurate shot. This alignment is crucial for consistency in your shooting form and accuracy in hitting the target.

Bow string alignment matters because it helps you establish a consistent anchor point. Anchoring refers to the position of the string on your face when you fully draw the bow. A consistent anchor point is essential for accurate shooting. By aligning the string with specific reference points on your bow, you can consistently find the correct anchor point, which leads to more precise shots.

Methods for Achieving Proper Alignment

There are different methods and techniques to achieve proper bow string alignment. One common approach is to use a stabilizer, a piece of equipment that helps align the string with the centre of the riser. However, some archers prefer alternative methods, such as using a plumb bob or a bare shaft, to ensure accurate alignment without relying solely on the stabilizer.

Factors Affecting Bow String Alignment

Eye dominance plays a role in bow string alignment. Some archers find that their dominant eye affects how they perceive the alignment of the string in relation to the sight. Additionally, individual anatomy and shooting form can influence alignment. Factors like the position of your head, neck, and shoulders during the draw can impact the natural alignment of the string.

Adjustments and Fine-Tuning

Achieving perfect bow string alignment may require adjustments to your equipment and shooting form. You might need to tweak the horizontal and vertical alignment of the limbs, ensuring they are correctly positioned relative to the riser. Fine-tuning your bow's hardware, such as the stabiliser and bushing, is also crucial for accurate alignment. Remember that even small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in your shooting performance.

In conclusion, understanding bow string alignment is essential for recurve archers seeking precision and consistency in their shots. By following the guidelines and techniques outlined above, you can improve your archery skills and hit your mark with greater accuracy.

Perfecting your draw technique

Use the Correct Muscles:

Focus on using the lower back muscles, including the mid to lower trapezius and the latissimus dorsi. Avoid relying on the muscles in the upper back and neck, as this can lead to unnecessary tension and increase the risk of injury. The lats are the second-largest muscle group in the body, so using them will make shooting less tiring.

Lead with Your Elbow:

Continue leading your drawing motion from the elbow. Direct your elbow in three directions: along a "V"-shaped path, closer to your body for better alignment, and always moving away from the target. This will help close the gap between your hand and face as you reach full draw.

Draw Below the Chin:

As you draw the bow, bring the string slightly under your chin before reaching full draw. This technique helps move the scapula around the body, allowing you to engage the lower back muscles properly instead of the upper traps. Most top archers in the world use this technique.

Anchor Against the Neck:

When you come into full draw, focus on anchoring the string against your neck rather than your chin or jaw. The neck is less likely to move during the shot, so using it as your primary reference point will help you achieve better alignment and a true full draw. Keep your head, jaws, and mouth still, and avoid trying to greet the string.

Keep the Shoulder Neutral:

Place the bottom limb of the bow on your foot or rest it on your inner leg (for right-handed archers). This will help you keep your draw shoulder in a neutral position, reducing the risk of injury and allowing for a smoother draw motion. Avoid reaching too far forward or placing your draw hand too close to the bow shoulder, as this can increase compression in the shoulder joint.

Avoid Early Shoulder Alignment:

Don't try to align your shoulders too early in the shot sequence. Keep them slightly open toward the target as you raise and open the bow. This will enable you to use the rotation of your upper body to draw the bow smoothly.

Manage Pre-Draw Tension:

Avoid putting too much pre-draw tension on the string before raising the bow. This can increase the load on your draw shoulder and affect your technique. Have just enough tension to set your hook and grip, and then align your shoulders and draw the bow as you raise it toward peak bow lift height.

Achieving consistent anchor points

• Understand the importance of anchor points: Anchor points are specific spots on an archer's face or body where the bowstring is drawn to before releasing the arrow. Consistent anchor points allow for uniform shooting form and accurate aiming. By having a clear and consistent anchor point, you can greatly increase your accuracy.
• Determine your dominant eye: Your dominant eye plays a crucial role in achieving consistent anchor points. To determine your dominant eye, create a small triangle with your fingers and hold it up to an object in the distance. Close one eye and then the other. The eye that keeps the object within the triangle is your dominant eye. This knowledge will help you position your body and bow accordingly.
• Experiment with different anchor points: There is no one-size-fits-all anchor point. Common anchor points include the corner of the mouth, under the chin or jaw, nose touch, cheekbone support, and string to the corner of the eye. Try out different anchor points to find what works best for you. Consider factors such as comfort, body structure, and your personal shooting technique.
• Focus on repetition: Consistency in your anchor point comes with practice. Repeat the same robotic motion or sequence each time you shoot. This helps build muscle memory, allowing you to intuitively anchor at the same spot every time.
• Maintain proper form: Ensure that your body position, including your head and hand placement, remains consistent throughout your shooting routine. Even a slight change in your head or hand position can affect your anchor point and impact the accuracy of your shots.
• Use equipment for reference: Consider using equipment such as a kisser button or a peep sight. These tools provide physical reference points to help you achieve consistent anchor points. A kisser button, for example, attaches to the bowstring and touches your lips or cheek when you draw the bowstring back.
• Seek guidance: If you're having trouble finding the right anchor point, consider seeking guidance from experienced archers or instructors. They can provide valuable feedback and help you make any necessary adjustments to your form and anchor points.

Frequently asked questions