Skills to Practice at the Bow Range

Whether you’re an old pro or a brand new archer, there are a number of skills that everyone should practice on the bow range to keep their shooting sharp. Are you wondering what essential skills you could be missing? Catch up on the top tips from 60X Custom Strings for skills to practice at the archery range!

1. Stringing Your Bow

You might have someone at the bow range that has been stringing your bow for you, but it’s time to learn this skill on your own. If you use a recurve bow, it’s an especially easy skill to learn quickly. You have three options when it comes to stringing a recurve: using a bow stringer, the step-through method, or the push-pull method.

Knowing how to string a bow on your own ensures you can keep shooting even if your strings have derailed or something unexpected happens. We’ve created a simple guide to help you learn how to string a recurve bow.

2. Checking Your Cams

Compound bows have either a single or dual cam system. The cams are the little round disks attached to the end of the bow’s limbs. They control the string and cables of your bow. Making sure they’re attached correctly and working properly ensures more accuracy, cleaner firing, and safer action.

If you don’t check your cams before firing on the bow range, you could be risking string tracking and wear issues that can derail or damage your bow.

3. Using Gloves & Finger Tabs

Hand and finger gear are a type of release aid that can help you on the bow range. You’ll really only need them if you’re handling a recurve or longbow, as you’ll typically be using a mechanical release when shooting a compound bow.

Finger tabs are small pieces of material (leather or synthetic) that allow you to use a single finger when drawing back the bow. Instead of using your index, middle, and ring fingers, the extra padding protects your index finger for a more consistent release.

Gloves are another option that allow you to protect all three of your draw fingers from the string. They also provide a smoother surface for the string as you release, and it glides more easily when you fire.

4. Practicing Mechanical Release

A mechanical release is a tool that helps you improve your accuracy, take the pressure off of your fingers, and lower the risk of dry firing your bow. There are several different mechanical release types and you should practice with each one to determine which one is best for you. Explore the four most popular mechanical release tools on the bow range including:

• Thumb Trigger Release
• Index Finger Release
• Resistance Activated Release
• Hinge Release

We Are Your Expert Help

At 60X Custom Strings, we’re here to guide you on your archery journey. If you have any questions about our strings, what to do on the archery range, or you’re looking for more tips and advice, don’t hesitate to reach out today!