How To Shoot : Page 109

Fig. 29 illustrates the process of bracing a bow.

When I learned to shoot I had no one to instruct me. I tookmy equipment to an open field and practiced shooting intothe air. I did this on several occasions. Not having any targetto distract my mind, I could concentrate all my attention todrawing and releasing. In this way I developed a techniqueand a loose that has stood me well in hand.

I believe it would be a good idea for the beginner to do the

Figure 31. Bracing a Target Bow

same thing if it is at all convenient. This gives the student achance to learn some of the first things first so that when hedoes start to shoot at the target he can begin with less con-fusion of thought. There will be those who will disagree and,no doubt, they will have some grounds for their arguments.But it seems to me that if the beginner can learn to keep hisarrows from falling off his bow to the left, can subconsciouslynock the arrows, draw to the proper anchor and release cleanlywhen he begins to shoot at the target, he will have less diffi-culty in learning how to group his arrows. I rest my case onthat statement.