NASP STEPS
There are eleven steps to shooting a bow that every archer should know. These steps if followed correctly will guarantee success on the range. They are as follows.
STEP 1: STANCE
Each student should straddle the shoot-ing line with one foot on either side. If the archer is right-handed, the left foot should be over the shooting line toward the target line. To establish correct foot placement, first bring both feet together BEHIND the shooting line, toes and heels even and touching. Then slide the foot closest to the target (front foot) back a half step so the toes are even with the mid-point (instep) of the back foot.
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While maintaining this half-step placement, slide the front foot toward the target so the feet are shoulder-width apart. Then turn (open) the front foot toes toward the target. Imagine the shooter is facing a 12 o’clock position. The toes of the back foot should be pointed to 12 o’clock, parallel to the shooting line. The toes of the front foot should be pointing toward 10 o’clock for a right-handed shooter and 2 o’clock for a left-handed shooter. Stand vertical with your head up and knees firm with slight pressure on the inside of both knees and feet.
STEP 2: NOCK
With your bow (String Bow° during this lesson) in your bow hand, use your draw hand to remove an arrow (in this case an imaginary arrow because the String Bow® is being used) from the floor quiver by grasping the arrow, thumb down, below the vanes. As the arrow is removed and carried from the quiver, the arrow should be kept pointed downrange towards the target at all times.
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Keep your bow as vertical as possible and carry the arrow up and over the top of the bow. With the different colored “index fletch or vane” pointed toward you, snap (audible click) the arrow’s nock under or between the nock locator(s). The arrow shaft should be placed on the arrow rest.
STEP 3: DRAW HAND -SET
With your bow at arm’s length and pointed down with the cam resting on the leg, grasp the string with three fingers immediately under the nock at least to the first joint of the 1st and 3rd finger and slightly inside the joint of the middle finger forming a hook. Keep the back of the hand flat and the thumb folded in the palm and relaxed. This is done exactly the same for the String Bow® and the real bow.
STEP 4: BOW HAND-SET
Place your hand in the bow grip with the meaty part of your thumb inside the grip to the lifeline of your palm. The life-line should be aligned over the center of the bow’s grip. When set properly the knuckles of your bow hand should form a 30-45 degree angle. Form an “L” shape at the wrist and the fingertips of your hand should lightly touch the front of the riser. At the same time your bow hand is set, rotate your elbow down to the left (for right-handed archer). This hand and elbow position allows for improved string clearance of the bow arm. This is done exactly the same for the String flow® and the real bow.
STEP 5: PRE-DRAW
Starting with your bow arm hanging relaxed at your side, and your bow undrawn, lift your arm allowing it to hinge at your shoulder so your shoulders will remain level. Your drawing hand will remain hooked around the bowstring with the bow undrawn. The drawing arm will be simultaneously raised slightly higher than the bow arm. The drawing hand, arm and elbow should be parallel to the floor or ground. This is done exactly the same for the String Bow® and the real bow.
STEP 6: DRAW
Smoothly pull or draw the string toward the right side of your face (right-handed archer) by rotating your hips and your shoulder around until your elbow is slightly in front of the arrow line. You want the feeling of getting in behind the bow. You should feel your upper back muscles being activated. This is done exactly the same for the String Bow® and the real bow.
STEP 7: ANCHOR
Your dominant eye is your rear sight and must be consistent in location as it relates to the anchor. Think of aiming as an alignment between your eye, the string and your front sight. In bare bow archery (without a bow sight) your front sight is your arrow’s point. Allow your bow to move naturally — a perfectly still bow is unnatural. Be aware of the target and the sight. Keep your muscles active during the aiming process.
STEP 8: AIM
After you have reached your anchor and begun your aiming alignment, while keeping the bow-arm muscles active, slowly start moving your draw-side shoulder blade towards the active, but stationary, bow-side shoulder blade. Initiate release anytime during the drawing-side shoulder blade movement. This is done exactly the same for the String Bow® and the real bow.
STEP 9: SHOT SETUP
After you have reached your anchor and begun your aiming alignment, while keeping the bow-arm muscles active, slowly start moving your draw-side shoulder blade towards the active, but stationary, bow-side shoulder blade. Initiate release anytime during the drawing-side shoulder blade movement. This is done exactly the same for the String Bow® and the real bow.
STEP 10: RELEASE
The release is a combination of re-laying your fingers and the back of your hand in a single instant. All your arm and back muscles remain active during this process. This is done exactly the same for the String Bow® and the real bow.
STEP 11: FOLLOW THROUGH & REFLECT
Upon release, your drawing hand will move rearward, along (painting) your face, and under your ear with your fingers relaxed, and end up with your thumb touching (or near) your drawing shoulder. The shoulder should hinge so your elbow can move/relax down. The bow arm moves a bit forward then slightly both left (right for left-handed shooter) and down. After follow-through, reflect upon the position of your drawing and bow hand to see that they are in the proper ending positions as a result of hav-ing kept your muscles active throughout the shot sequence. This is done exactly the same for the String Bow® and the real bow.