Mastering The Longbow: Tips And Tricks

Getting used to using a longbow takes time, practice, and patience. The longbow is a type of bow that is about 6 ft (1.8 m) long and was used as a weapon of war and for hunting in the Middle Ages. It is made from a single piece of wood, typically yew, and requires a specific technique to master.

To get used to a longbow, it is important to start with a plan and have realistic expectations. Archery requires fine muscle control and technique, which takes time to develop. It is recommended to begin with a relatively light bow and gradually increase the draw weight as your muscle tone and control improve.

Additionally, proper form is crucial. The way you hold your body and use your muscles when drawing the bow will feel unnatural at first, but with practice, it will become more comfortable. There are specific exercises you can do to develop the correct muscle memory and feel for shooting a longbow.

It is also important to choose the right equipment, including the type of wood for your bow, the bowstring, and the arrows. The English longbow, for example, is simple in design and typically made from yew, while the Flatbow or American Longbow has a flatter design and can be made from a variety of woods.

Finally, safety should always be a priority when using a longbow. It is important to take the time to learn and practice with your longbow before attempting to hunt or engage in any activity that could put yourself or others at risk.

The importance of muscle memory and training

Muscle memory is a form of procedural memory that involves consolidating a specific motor task into memory through repetition. When a movement is repeated over time, the brain creates a long-term muscle memory for that task, eventually allowing it to be performed with little to no conscious effort. This process decreases the need for attention and creates maximum efficiency within the motor and memory systems.

Development of Muscle Memory:

Muscle memory is essential for developing the necessary skills to effectively use a longbow. Through repeated practice, the complex sequence of tensing and relaxing various muscles involved in shooting a longbow becomes instinctive. This allows archers to execute the required movements without conscious thought, enabling them to shoot with greater speed, accuracy, and coordination.

Technique Refinement:

Muscle memory plays a crucial role in refining archery technique. As archers train their muscles through repetitive movements, they develop a "feel" for the correct technique. This kinesthetic sense helps them internalize the proper form and make subtle adjustments to improve their shooting accuracy and consistency.

Consistency and Performance:

Muscle memory contributes to the consistency and performance of archers. With repeated practice, the execution of motor tasks becomes smoother, and muscle activity becomes more efficient. This leads to improved accuracy, reduced errors, and the ability to shoot with less mental effort, allowing archers to focus on their technique and strategy.

Injury Prevention:

Training the muscles through muscle memory can help prevent injuries. When archers develop muscle memory for the correct form and technique, they are less likely to make mistakes that could lead to injuries. Additionally, muscle memory helps archers maintain proper body alignment and posture, reducing the risk of strains and overuse injuries.

Long-Term Retention:

Muscle memory enables the retention of motor skills over the long term. Even if an archer takes a break from shooting a longbow, the learned movements can be recalled and performed with relative ease after a brief period of reacquaintance. This is because muscle memory is stored in the brain and can be retrieved even after extended periods of inactivity.

In conclusion, muscle memory and training are crucial for developing the skills, technique, consistency, and performance required to effectively use a longbow. By repeating specific movements and refining their technique, archers can master the art of shooting a longbow and achieve greater accuracy and efficiency in their sport.

Choosing the right wood

There are many types of wood that can be used for longbows, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular and effective options:

Osage Orange

Osage Orange is widely regarded as the best wood for longbow fabrication. This type of wood has the ideal compression and tensile strength for longbow construction. It is also easy to work with, as it can be moulded fairly easily into the shape of a bow by applying heat. However, Osage Orange can be difficult to source and is typically expensive.

Hickory

Hickory is a readily available and affordable option for longbow construction. It is commonly used for drumsticks due to its ability to absorb and release energy, making it an ideal candidate for a bow. Hickory is also light and strong, making it a good choice for travelling archers. However, it tends to absorb moisture, which can impact its performance in humid environments.

Red Oak

Red Oak is a strong and dense wood that is commonly available in most regions. It is heavy and durable, resulting in good shape retention and a sturdy feel. However, Red Oak is porous and can be tricky to cut, so it is important to choose a board with minimal imperfections.

Cedar (Red Cedar)

Red Cedar is a type of juniper that is commonly used for traditional longbows. It is lightweight and relatively easy to work with. However, it is also brittle and prone to splintering, so additional grip and protection may be required.

Bamboo

Bamboo has been used for centuries to make bows and is still one of the best options available. It has the perfect rigidity-to-flexibility ratio for bows, bending and retaining its shape well. Bamboo is also durable and easy to work with, making it a good choice for those seeking a long-lasting bow.

Maple

Maple is a popular and attractive hardwood that is commonly used in various industries. It is strong, durable, and able to store and dissipate energy effectively, making it ideal for longbows. Maple is also widely available and affordable, making it a good option for those on a budget.

Birch (Yellow Birch)

Birch is a versatile and affordable hardwood that is commonly used for bow-making. Yellow Birch, in particular, offers a good balance of density and elasticity. It is also lightweight, making it easier to line up shots and manoeuvre during archery. However, other types of birch, such as White Birch, may be too brittle and rigid for effective bows.

Dogwood

Dogwood is a dense and strong hardwood that is commonly imported from Europe. It has excellent compression strength and is naturally resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew. However, Dogwood can be difficult to source in larger pieces and may contain knots, making it more expensive to obtain high-quality pieces.

In addition to the woods mentioned above, other options for longbow construction include Ash, Yew, Cherry, Palmwood, Juniper, Hawthorn, Laburnum, Boxwood, Lilac, Holly, Buckthorn, Black Cherry, Hazel, Elm Wood, Mulberry, Lemonwood, and more. Each of these woods has unique characteristics that can make them suitable for longbows, depending on your specific requirements and preferences.

The history of the longbow

The longbow, also known as the English or Welsh longbow, has a long history that dates back thousands of years. While the exact origins of the longbow are unclear, it is believed to have first appeared in the Paleolithic period, with the oldest specimen traced back to around 2700 BC. The longbow was a tall bow, usually between 6-7 feet long, and was made from a single piece of wood, typically yew, though other woods like elm, ash, and hazel were also used.

The longbow was developed in Wales in the 12th century and gained prominence in the 13th century when the English conquered Wales and recognised its deadly potential. King Edward I of England hired Welsh archers for his campaigns against Scotland, and the longbow proved its effectiveness in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. The English Archery Law of the 13th century further solidified the importance of the longbow, requiring all men between 15 and 60 to be trained in its use.

The longbow rose to legendary status during the Hundred Years' War between England and France in the 14th and 15th centuries. The English longbowmen, with their rapid rate of fire, played a crucial role in significant battles such as Crécy (1346), Poitiers (1356), and Agincourt (1415). The dominance of the longbow on the battlefield continued until the French started using cannons to break the formations of English archers in the late stages of the war.

The longbow remained in use even as firearms were introduced, with the English navy officially stopping its use in 1595. The last known battle to involve the longbow was the Battle of Tippermuir in Scotland in 1644 during the English Civil War. While the longbow's dominance on the battlefield came to an end, it continues to be used in recreational and hunting activities by traditional archers today.

How to make your own longbow

Making your own longbow can be a fun and rewarding project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Wood:

• Select a long, straight, knot-free hardwood stave for your bow. Good options include yew, ash, hickory, maple, or oak. The stave should be about 5-6 feet long and 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
• You can purchase hardwood from a home improvement store or use a fallen tree branch. Dried-out branches can work well and are a more rustic option.

Preparing the Wood:

• Remove any bark from the stave using a knife or sharp tool. This step is optional but will help you inspect the wood and make any necessary adjustments.
• Identify the natural curve of the stave by holding it upright and pressing it outward in the centre. This will help you determine the "belly" and "back" of the bow.
• Mark the handhold in the centre of the stave, about 3 inches in both directions. This is where you'll hold the bow when drawing it.

Shaping the Bow:

• Flex the stave again and look for spots where the wood isn't bending easily. Use a knife or sharp tool to carefully shave away layers of wood from the inside of the curve to increase flexibility.
• Continue adjusting the curve until the bow bends uniformly above and below the handhold. Remember to only cut wood from the inside of the curve, leaving the outside untouched.

Stringing the Bow:

• Cut notches on the inside and outside of each bow tip to hold the bowstring in place. Make the notches on the outside curve no more than 0.25 inches deep and the notches on the inside no more than 0.5 inches deep.
• Tie your chosen bowstring to the notches. The string should be about 8 inches shorter than the stave. You can use nylon paracord, a long shoelace, or even twisted plant fibres for the string.

Fine-Tuning the Curve:

• Hang the bow horizontally above you and pull down on the bowstring. This will help you identify any remaining spots that need adjustment.
• Release the string and use your knife to shave away wood from the inside of the curve as needed. Repeat this process until the bow curves evenly at different string depths.

Finishing Touches:

• Apply a coat of protective oil, such as linseed oil or tung oil, to the bow to prevent the wood from drying out. Allow it to dry for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
• Sand the dried finish with fine sandpaper and apply a second coat of oil if desired. You can also decorate your bow with stains, paint, or other personal touches.

Remember, building a longbow takes time and patience. Be prepared to make adjustments and fine-tune your bow until you achieve the desired results. Most importantly, always prioritise safety when using your longbow.

How to choose the right longbow for you

The longbow has been used for thousands of years, and its history is fascinating. The earliest known longbow was made from yew wood and dates back to 3,000 BC. It has been used by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans in warfare, but it was the English who perfected it during the Middle Ages.

When choosing the right longbow, there are various factors to consider. The most crucial factor is your purpose for using it – whether it's casual target shooting or serious hunting. This will dictate what type of bow you should purchase – either traditional or modern style.

Another important consideration is your physical ability, including draw weight and length based on your personal strength and size, as well as your left or right-handed bow preference. The material of the longbow also matters, as each material has pros and cons that affect performance differently.

Determine Your Purpose

If you are planning on casual target shooting, you can consider longbows with lower draw weights and lengths. These will be easier to handle and more forgiving on the accuracy front. On the other hand, if you are interested in hunting, you should invest in a heavier and longer longbow that provides more power and accuracy over longer distances.

Consider Your Physical Abilities

Choosing the right longbow also means taking into account your physical abilities. Longbow archery involves a lot of upper body strength, so select a bow with a draw weight and length suitable for your personal strength and size. Generally, adult males can handle higher draw weights than adult females or children. If you're new to archery, start with a lower draw weight and work your way up as you build strength.

To find your draw length, measure your arm span from fingertip to fingertip and divide by 2.5. This will give you an estimate of your optimal draw length.

Additionally, choose a bow that suits your handedness – left-handed or right-handed. This will determine which side of the bow you will hold in your non-dominant hand. If you're unsure, try writing something down with both hands – whichever feels more comfortable is likely your dominant hand.

Choose the Right Material

When choosing the material for your longbow, you have a few options. Wood is a traditional choice and gives longbows a classic look and feel. However, wood is susceptible to warping over time if not properly maintained and requires more maintenance.

Fibreglass and carbon fibre are two popular modern materials. Fibreglass is generally more affordable but slightly heavier, which can affect accuracy. Carbon fibre tends to be more expensive but is highly durable, lightweight, and able to store more energy when drawn back, resulting in faster arrow speeds and greater accuracy.

Choose the Appropriate Length

Choosing the appropriate length for your longbow is crucial. As a general rule, the taller you are, the longer your bow should be. However, other factors such as draw weight and intended use also come into play. Longbows typically have an average size of 68-72 inches, while recurve bows are shorter due to their design.

If you're choosing between a longbow and a recurve bow, consider your intended use. Longbows are perfect for traditional target shooting and outdoor hunting due to their smooth draw and quietness. Recurve bows, on the other hand, perform well in competitive archery competitions or Olympic-style events because of their reduced mass weight and shorter design.

Try Before You Buy

Before making a purchase decision, it is important to try out different longbows to ensure optimal success and comfort. Visit an archery shop, attend archery events, or consult with experienced professionals to find the right longbow for your needs and preferences.

Basic Upkeep

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your longbow in top condition. Always store your bow properly, avoiding direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Keep the bowstring relaxed when not in use to prevent warping or twisting. Regularly clean your longbow with a soft cloth and mild soap, and inspect it for any signs of wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions