To improve my accuracy and consistency in archery, I regularly utilize a variety of drills. The Focus Compass enables me to adjust my next shot based on the previous one, enhancing my adaptability. I use Resistance Bands to build strength, while the Click and Pull method helps separate the click sound from the release for better control. Pyramid Ends break the monotony of standard shooting, mimicking competition pressure. I often revisit core techniques through the Back to Basics approach, and the Blank Bale drill, with a target in the background, lets me refine technique without scoring distractions. Consistency and accuracy await if you explore these further.

Focus compass

The “Focus Compass” is an invaluable tool in honing your archery skills. It’s a method I use to maintain a sense of purpose during my training sessions, especially when I’m shooting a high volume of arrows. The idea is to use the impact of your previous shot to guide your focus for the next one.

For example, if my arrow lands high or low, I use that as a cue to pay closer attention to my anchor point on the next shot. If it lands to the left or right, that’s a sign for me to check my head position and stance.

This approach not only keeps my sessions meaningful, but it also trains me to zero in on specific aspects of my technique. It’s a skill that proves incredibly useful during competitions, where distractions are abundant and conditions can change swiftly. If the wind picks up, for instance, I can immediately adjust my focus to deal with it.

Resistance bands

Incorporating resistance bands into your training routine can considerably enhance your control and strength in archery. How do we do this? If you’re a recurve archer, you can wrap rubber bands around the top and bottom of your riser and the string, adding about 2lbs of weight to your draw. Compound and recurve archers can tie a rubber training band around their wrist and foot, which adds weight to holding up the bow.

Why do we use resistance bands? Well, if you’re shooting at the very edge of your ability to hold or draw a bow, it’s impossible to have full control. Training with resistance bands increases the load just enough to push you out of your comfort zone. When you take them off, you’ll feel stronger, more relaxed, and can work on fine control.

When should you use them? I suggest shooting 12 arrows on, 12 arrows off and repeating this for a 72-arrow round to build bow strength. Remember, these bands shouldn’t affect your accuracy too much in training, as the string moves faster than the band upon release.

Click and pull

Often, I find that archers get too attached to the sound of the clicker, losing control between the ‘click’ and the release. That’s when the ‘click and pull’ drill comes in handy. This exercise is exclusively for recurve archers and it’s all about separating the click from the release, thereby building mental and muscle stability.

Here’s how I do it: I pull through the clicker, expand an extra millimetre, and then reset to the clicker point. I repeat this cycle – expand, reset, expand, reset – before finally releasing the string. This methodical process helps me gain control at the point of execution, an essential factor that requires both strength and a strong understanding of technique.

To incorporate this into your practice, try doing sets of six. Three ‘click and pulls’, followed by three normal shots. Repeat this six times for a total of 36 arrows. This is a versatile exercise that can be added to any training session. Remember, it’s not about the sound of the clicker, but rather the control you have from the ‘click’ to the release.

Pyramid ends

Shaking up my regular routine with “Pyramid ends” has proven to be a game-changer for my archery practice. Rather than sticking to the standard six-arrow end, I began shooting in a pyramid sequence: six, nine, twelve, fifteen, then back down to twelve, nine, six, and finally three.

This method pushes you out of your comfort zone, as shooting fifteen arrows in one end is no easy task. It challenges your consistency, forcing you to concentrate on each shot’s quality, not just the quantity. I found that this breaks the monotony and normality of the usual six-arrow ends, making my practice sessions more dynamic and adaptable.

I’ve started using this drill instead of a scored, 72-arrow round, and what a difference it’s made. The external pressures of competition can often make it tough to replicate your practice standard. While it’s impossible to recreate these exact conditions, the Pyramid ends drill can mimic the pressure and unpredictability that come with competition. It’s helped me to improve my accuracy and consistency, making me a better archer overall.

Back to basics

Despite the advancements in my archery skills, I’ve found immense value in revisiting the fundamentals with the “Back to basics” approach. There’s a misplaced stigma about experienced archers reaching for lower-end kit, but I’ve discovered it’s the most effective way to improve.

I start by simulating archery movements with a rubber band. It may seem rudimentary, but mastering the basic moves with a resistance band is foundational to honing my skills. Once I’ve got the movements down, I switch to a beginner bow. It’s a humbling experience, but as I work through the technique, my skills improve noticeably.

Blank bale – with a target

Incorporating the “Blank bale – with a target” technique into my regular routine has been a game-changer for my archery practice. This method, explained by Braden Gellenthien, involves shooting at a bale without actively aiming at it, while a target remains in the background.

The reason for this unconventional approach is simple – it helps me focus on improving my technique. By removing the sight pin and score from my priority list, I’m able to concentrate on the process. However, having a target in the background is essential. It normalizes shooting without aiming, which greatly aids in combating target panic.

I’ve found this technique particularly beneficial as a compound archer. It acts as a form of technique maintenance, allowing me to reset and realign my skills. After a windy competition, it’s even more advantageous. The ability to shoot without paying heed to the target actually enhances my overall accuracy when I return to a normal setup.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. By combining these drills, you’re not simply shooting arrows, you’re building a stronger, more accurate archery foundation. Remember, repetition is key in mastering these exercises. Don’t rush, take the time to understand each drill. With patience and persistence, you’ll see your accuracy and consistency improve. Happy shooting, and may every arrow you release find its mark!